Stories of the Heartland September 2026 | Page 28

Page 28 Stories of the Heartland • Sunday, September 20, 2026 hometownsource. com / heartland /
a lot of my former students had children involved in that terrible incident.”
The farm is also a proud participant in the Worldwide Opportunities for Organic Farms( WWOOF) program which connected farms with volunteer temporary workers to provide education opportunities, similar to student exchange programs.
The program sends workers to the farm to help with farm chores for up to six hours a day with a maximum of 25-hours. The host farm will then provide meals and a place for the workers to stay.
“ We’ re very welcoming to people wanting to learn,” Roy said.
Peace of Heaven Farm is not just home to goats, bees and chickens. The property hosts a space for Ryan Johnson to grow fresh, organic vegetables that are sold directly to the surrounding communities.
Johnson is the owner of Ryan’ s Natural Harvest, a prominent vegetable seller at the Princeton Farmer’ s Market.
All of his produce is grown directly on Peace of Heaven Farm properties.
Roy and Johnson met through a chance encounter, and the pair quickly became friends.
Johnson rents approximately a quarter of an acre of Roy’ s property for his growing which focuses on regenerative agriculture practices.
“ That includes things like no tilling and attempts to mimic nature,” Johnson said.“ I’ m trying to enhance and work with natural processes so I don’ t have a negative effect on the ecosystem.”
“ I grow a diversity of crops, trying to promote beneficial insects that take care of negative pests and diseases,” Johnson added.
In his second year of working
with Peace of Heaven Farm, Johnson has begun to find his stride.
Johnson grows a variety of root vegetables, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, squash and pumpkins, but his main focus is on greens such as lettuce.
“ Fresh greens are harder to grow, so you don’ t see as many of them at local markets,” Johnson said.“ I wanted to fill that gap.”
Going into his third year, Johnson hopes to offer subscription services for his produce.
Peace of Heaven Farm’ s fresh honey is also available for local sale this fall, and breeding season for the goats starts in November with due dates in 2027.
To learn more about Peace of Heaven Farm, visit https:// pohfarm. com /.
To learn more about Ryan’ s Natural Harvest, visit https:// ryansnaturalharvest. com /.
Photo provided
Ryan Johnson is the owner of Ryan’ s Natural Harvest located on the property of Peace of Heaven Farm in Spencer Brook Township. Johnson grows a wide variety of vegetables that he sells at local farmers markets.

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