The Rucker Farm Story
We’re Isabelle and Garrett Heydt, a young family raising pastured beef, pork, and poultry in the Central Virginia area. Together with our three children, Toren, Sigrid, and Judd, we operate Rucker Farm as a full-time working farm rooted in purpose, transparency, and respect for the land.Rucker Farm is not a hobby or side venture, it’s our livelihood. Every day, we work hard to raise nutrient-dense, healing food while stewarding the land with intention. This is both our passion and our business, one that we rely on to support our family and serve our community.
Our farm started on the land where Isabelle grew up, first farmed by her grandfather, Tommy Eastham, after he bought it from Dick Rucker in 1952. Today, we raise animals across several leased properties in the Louisa/Orange area, allowing us to grow while staying true to our values. Our logo, shaped like a stained-glass window, stands for transparency, a symbol that ties together everything we do.
We focus on healthy soil and strong pasture as the foundation of our farm. When we take care of the land, our animals do well, and that means better food for our family and yours.
We’re working toward a future where farming is regenerative, and long-lasting. Whether you’re new to Rucker Farm or have been with us for years, we invite you to connect with the land, the animals, and the people who raise your food.
Our Farm Products
Testimonials
Let Isabelle and Garrett be “your” farmers! You’ll love their friendliness, courtesy, and enthusiasm. Their dedication to nurture and regeneration of the farmscape is obvious in every bite. Enjoy meats and eggs raised with respect. Oh, and their chicken? The best farm-raised broilers we’ve found anywhere in our area. Rucker Farm—you’re gonna love it!
We love purchasing our chicken and beef from Rucker Farm! It is so wonderful to be able to feed our family food that is not only locally and conscientiously raised but tastes amazing. It has truly been an honor and pleasure getting to know the Heydts and share their gifts to the community!
I just cooked a whole bird for my family and it was AWESOME! Thank you for taking the time and effort to provide such quality.
I never knew what chicken really tasted like until I had Rucker Farm chicken. It's amazing how chickens raised with such care and intention taste so fresh and delicious. Over the past few years, my partner and I have become more aware and thoughtful of the food we eat and we feel fortunate to have found the co-op. Isabelle and Garrett not only provide us with food we trust, but they are building community we are grateful to be a part of.
It's nearly impossible to know where your food comes from anymore - unless you know about Rucker Farm. A brief visit assures you that every animal is well cared for and the garden is nurtured. In turn, your family is getting the best possible product and knows the source by name.
Rucker Farm holds a special place in the hearts of my family. From the first co-op meet up to the most recent Winter Walk, we have been welcomed with open arms. The community they are building is beautiful and I encourage everyone to join in! Garrett and Isabelle care deeply for their farm and it shows in everything they do. They put their hearts into raising quality meats and you bet you can taste the difference. Their chicken is a regular item on our home menu and it never disappoints!
We love being able to participate in the Rucker Farm Coop. As parents, we want to teach our children appreciation for the work that goes into their food and encourage a connection to the food that they eat. We love cooking with Rucker chicken because not only is it delicious, but because we know where it comes from and how they were raised! Thanks to Rucker Farm, our girls only want to eat meat if they "know where it comes from"and we are lucky to know our local farmer.
My goodness, this golden collagen filled broth was beyond my expectations. The flavor was clean and rich, and now I cannot make my soup without their chicken. I know that my family is receiving a bounty of nutrients when I use Rucker Farm chicken as they are provided the most ethical and abundant life in the pasture.
We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors;
We borrow it from our children.
- Native Proverb
Rucker Farm would like to acknowledge the indigenous culture of the Manahoac tribes of this Virginia Piedmont region.