Life on a Small Farm in Willcox, Arizona

Thank you for your interest in L&B Farm.

We are Lisa and Burt, a husband-and-wife team that love bringing our community farm fresh proteins

and seasonal veggies. We are definitely small and have all the challenges that come with small farming.

Our main goal is to offer the best selection and freshest options to each one of our customers, friends, and family.

Being a two-person team is a positive. Decisions can usually be made quickly with less back and forth, sometimes. However, when it comes to the day to day or the heavy lifting, two people can be a challenge.

Throughout the years, we have learned to juggle both our day jobs and our farm chores. Some days are easy, some are much harder. Like anything you have a passion for, you take the good with the hard and hope it all comes together in the end.

Planning on a Small Farm

Being a small producer is especially hard when it comes to planning inventory.

How much will we go through in a season or even a weekend.

How long do animals need to grow, how much feed is needed to get them to the right weight.

There are also things we cannot control. Weather, whether it is wind, heat, rain, or cold, plays a role. Feed sourcing and pricing can change. Then there is the daily management of housing, pastures, feed, water, time, birthing, and even predators.

All of these are key parts of running a small operation.

When We Run Out

Running out of products or having to tell a customer “We are out” is the worst feeling. We feel like we have let you down.

The reality is, small farming comes with limited inventory. There is no easy way around it.

We start each year with a plan of what we think we will need. Sometimes we are right on. Other times, demand outweighs what we planned, and adjustments have to be made.

That is when the waiting game begins.

Patience is a word used a lot in farming. It seems like we are always waiting for something to grow. A chick to chicken, a kid to goat, a piglet to hog, or even a seed to watermelon. It all takes time, and there is no way to rush it.

The Customers Who Make It Worth It

We have been beyond blessed over the years to have the most patient and supportive customers we could ask for.

Most understand that if they want farm fresh, pasture raised, ethically raised meats instead of grocery store, industrial raised products, there may be times when they need to wait.

Inventory changes are part of small farming. Working through them is a challenge, but staying positive through it all is always the goal.

Why Pre Orders Matter

Pre orders have become one of the most helpful tools for us on the farm.

It does not always mean you will get what you ordered on your very next visit, but it does give us a better idea of what is needed. It helps us plan, and it puts your name at the top of the list when that product becomes available.

Our goal is always to take care of our core and long time customers first, and pre orders help us do that.

They also keep communication open. If something is not available, we have time to talk through other options or make adjustments ahead of time instead of at the market.

From your side, it makes things easier too. Orders can be ready when you arrive, and any substitutions can be worked out ahead of time instead of in the moment.

Pre orders also help us know what to bring to market. We cannot bring everything with us, so having that direction makes a big difference.

For bulk orders, more time is always needed, especially when it comes to processing. Planning ahead helps us make that happen.

We will always do our best to fill every order we receive. If we cannot, we will always let you know.

A Better Way to Support Your Farm

At the end of the day, small farming is about balance, patience, and trust.

Pre ordering is simply one way to help keep that balance. It allows us to plan better, serve our customers well, and continue raising animals the right way.

If you are thinking about placing an order, reaching out early always helps. It gives us the ability to prepare, and it gives you the best chance of getting what you are looking for.