The current iteration of Simmons Farm is closing its doors on December 1, marking the end of a 25-year chapter for Brian and Karla Simmons.
The couple shared the news on Facebook on October 19, pointing to family issues and a notice to end their tenancy as the main reasons for shutting down.
“It’s with heavy hearts that Brian and I are ending our farming journey. We won’t be part of Simmons Farm anymore,” Karla Simmons wrote in the post.
The farm, located at 1942 W Main Rd, has been known for its chemical-free vegetables, grass-fed meats, and artisanal cheeses made from their own goats’ and cows’ milk.
They’ve also been a local hotspot for activities like goat yoga, goat hikes, and a daily petting zoo.
Karla Simmons expressed, “We’ve been so honored to be part of your lives – growing your food, joining your celebrations at goat yoga, and being there for your birthdays, engagements, family reunions, and holiday get-togethers on the goat hikes.”
The farm’s closure stems from challenges with extended family members. The couple says these issues have “shaken the security we need to invest our lives and every penny we make into the farm.”
The Simmons have received a notice to end their tenancy, requiring them to leave the property by December 31, 2024.
“Even if we wanted to keep pushing through, we’ve been given a TERMINATION OF TENANCY notice by family. We have to be out by December 31, 2024,” the post revealed.
The Simmons thanked everyone for their support over the years, saying, “We weren’t after an easy life – we wanted a good life, and we’ve lived it well as a farm family for over 25 years.”
Following the publication of this story, Christine Simmons Holden, daughter of Alex Simmons, owner of Simmons Farm and Simmons Family Farm, LLC, wrote the following in an email to What’sUpNewp on Sunday.
“As I’m sure you know, there are always 2 sides to every story. It’s very disconcerting to the majority of our family who have witnessed the deterioration of our family farm over the years to read your erroneous story about Simmons Farm closing.” Holden wrote in an email to What’sUpNewp. “We welcome you out to the farm to take a tour and meet the actual owner and the future owners and hear our story and see for yourself what is actually happening on the multi-generational farm”.
What’sUpNewp offered Holden and Simmons the opportunity to provide further information via a statement and on Monday received the following;
“Alex Simmons has been sole owner of the farm since inheriting it from his mother in 2005. The farm is not closing . The goods & services that Brian & Karla offered will be ending . The decision to not renew a lease was not entered into lightly. The future of the farm and the stewardship of the land is the family’s main concern and a top priority. There will be an announcement after the first of the year regarding the farm . It is important that people understand that the development rights to the 100 acres were sold to the state by Alex Simmons Sr and James Simmons back in the early 90s .There will be no development of the land and the farm will remain family owned for the unforeseen future.”