Contributor: Jamie Richardson
Barrier Farms renovates General Store, expanding its farming footprint in Mount Pleasant.
📍 Mount Pleasant
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Barrier Farms, a fourth-generation family-run farm located in Mount Pleasant, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of family farming and a shared love for agriculture.
- They provide the community with the finest pasture-raised meats and GMO-free grains at affordable prices.
The history of Barrier Farms dates to 1880 when the Barrier family first sowed the seeds of this enduring legacy. Each subsequent generation has played a vital role in nurturing the farm’s growth, not only enhancing the farm itself but also enriching the lives of their customers.
Landon and Shannon Barrier have dedicated themselves to running the Barrier Farms grain mill, where they produce high-quality animal feed. It’s a testament to their unwavering commitment to maintaining the farm’s self-sustainability.
In 2019, their son Levi and his wife Tia, embarked on their own farming journey, initially focusing on beef production which they sold exclusively online. They soon expanded their offerings to include pork and chicken, with a core principle that all their animals be pasture-raised and exclusively fed Barrier Farms’ animal feed.
Photo credits: Barrier Farms
Recognizing the importance of direct farmer-to-consumer relationships, Barrier Farms opened its 800 sq. foot Farm Store in a renovated chicken coop. This quaint store not only showcases Barrier Farms’ meat products but also features a range of locally sourced food items.
- Tia and Levi’s goal is to reestablish the connection between people and their food sources, making the store a hub for community engagement.
The Farm Store carries a diverse range of products, including locally roasted coffee, jams and jellies, honey, elderberry syrup, raw pet milk, beef jerky, soap, maple syrup, and Barrier Farms merchandise. With a commitment to continually expanding their product line, they actively seek partnerships with local farmers and growers.
Preserving the Heart of the Community
Tia Barrier, with vivid childhood memories of the original Barrier General Store, always dreamed of reviving it. She recalls the store as a “gathering place for the community” where local farmers met daily for lunch and conversation.
- The store was more than just a retail outlet; it was the heart of the community. The store’s closure in 2015 left a void that Tia was determined to fill.
Recently, an opportunity presented itself: the original store location, conveniently located across the street from the farm, became available. Tia seized this chance to breathe new life into the original Barrier Farms General Store as an extension of Barrier Farms and a gathering place for the community.
- She envisions it as a place that honors its history while serving the growing needs of the community.
The new Barrier Farms General Store will retain elements of the original, including benches, an old scale, original brickwork, and shelving, preserving the nostalgic charm of the space.
Modern Farm Store/General Store Fusion
Tia aims to create a fusion of the original general store and a modern farm store, a one-stop shop for the community. Visitors can expect to find an array of locally made and specialty items, with a focus on health and nature-based products.
- Featuring items such as honey, maple syrup, rice, grits, biscuits, jams and jellies, barbecue sauce, coffee, tea, fresh homemade bread, and local produce, the store aims to fulfill 80-90% of families’ weekly grocery needs.
Tia’s mission extends beyond providing quality products; she aims to reconnect people through food and the farmers who produce it. By offering a centralized location for various farm-sourced items, she aims to raise awareness about the importance of farming and sustainable practices.
Beyond groceries, Tia plans to expand the store’s offerings with a coffee shop/ice cream counter and a “Makerspace.” She envisions hosting workshops on topics like candle making, sourdough bread baking, canning, and other traditional skills that connect people to their food and the art of homesteading.
Grand Opening Planned
With the grand opening of their new location being held on Sept 30th from 10 am to 6 pm, Barrier Farms invites the community to experience the spirit of the past while embracing a sustainable future.
The event promises to be a celebration of this new chapter, complete with 🍦free ice cream, 💰 special discounts, and an opportunity for neighbors to come together in the spirit of 🤝community and 🌱agriculture. 🎈🌾
Barrier Farms, rooted in tradition yet forward-thinking in its approach, serves as a shining example of the enduring power of family farms and their ability to bridge the gap between farming and community.
Their commitment to quality, sustainability, and community connection is inspiring, and it’s clear that Barrier Farms will continue to thrive for generations to come. Visit their new location and be part of this remarkable journey back to the roots of farming and community.
Planning to visit? Tell ’em Cabarrus Weekly sent ya!
