Welcome to the Beginning of Blackbird Acres

Mary Elliot, inspiration for Blackbird Acres.

I'm Molly Elliot, a humble and hopeful first-generation farmer. This is part of my story.

In 2015, my sister and I inherited 230 gorgeous acres of verdant farmland. I never wanted to be a farmer—I lived in the city and loved my busy life. But Mary, my sister, fell in love with the idea of a family farm, of living out loud, in wide open spaces. Mary was obsessed with this dream, and in our near-daily phone calls, soon, she soon had me dreaming. Dreaming of sinking my hands into the soil, of connecting with my food and knowing where it came from.

We planned to start the farm in 2020, but the pandemic had other plans. And then, in 2022, the world lost Mary. I lost Mary.

It has taken me two years to resurface and find within me the strength to make her dream a reality. Suddenly, I can see my future so clearly—and it is Blackbird Acres. At this moment, the farm is a whisper of a dream, a vision waiting to be woven. The animals have yet to grace the pastures, the barn is still a work in progress, and the wisdom of seasoned farmers remains a distant horizon.

Yet, it is precisely at this stage of my journey that I find myself compelled to tell my story. It's this, the genesis of Blackbird Acres, that I want to share. I want to invite others to come along, where every decision, trial, and triumph will be laid bare. I want you with me as I explore the intricate dance of selecting crops and animals, cultivating them with tender care, and shepherding them along the journey from field to table.

I never meant to do this alone—and with you, lovely friends, I won't be.

But my new ambitions extend beyond my acreage. I'm seeking guidance from farm experts, drawing on their knowledge to nurture our farm into full bloom. And as I build, I want to share the wisdom of my experiences—the invaluable tips and tricks that illuminate the way forward, even in these uncertain economic times.

Transparency, humanity, and integrity will guide me and as I chart Blackbird Acres' course. I don't simply want to farm; I want to be a steward of the land, a custodian of its bounty, and a champion of a vision rooted in harmony with nature.

Mary was always an idealistic woman, wildly optimistic—maybe even foolishly so. And I'm lucky to say that I share these traits. While I lack experience, I make up for it with an unyielding passion for the land that's been entrusted to my care.

It's this fervent desire to make a difference in my community, to leave a lasting legacy of stewardship and sustainability, and to bring my sister's dream into being, that propels me forward on this journey.

So! I hope you will join me as I embark on this odyssey of growth, discovery, and transformation. Please follow along on our blog and social media channels as we share the small steps, hopefully some triumphs (and likely a ton of tribulations), chronicling the evolution of Blackbird Acres, from humble beginnings to boundless horizons.

Together, let us sow the seeds of a brighter tomorrow, one harvest at a time.

With heartfelt gratitude and boundless optimism,

Molly Elliot

Co-Founder, Blackbird Acres