Location: Leavenworth, Kansas
Farm Name: JET Produce and Meats
Generations: 3rd-generation family farm
Land: 15 acres of produce + 500 acres livestock and feed
Family: Jacob, his wife Jennifer, and their two daughters
A Legacy Rooted in Soil
Jacob Thomas comes from a long line of farmers. His grandparents started the farm, and the tradition was passed down to his father and now him. Located in the heartland of America, his farm “JET Produce and Meats” supplies fresh vegetables, eggs, pork, and poultry to the local community.
Jacob and his wife, Jennifer, do it all — from seeding and harvesting to selling at local farmers markets. Their two young daughters, Lisa and Sarah, often play nearby as their parents work long, honest hours on the land.
A Hit from Washington
In 2023, a sudden $1 billion cut in USDA funding under the Trump administration disrupted two major food programs that Jacob relied on — both aimed at providing fresh farm produce to schools and food banks. For JET Produce and Meats, it meant a loss of nearly $8,000 in income, around 10% of their yearly earnings.
Additionally, a $750,000 USDA grant meant to help expand their farm operations was frozen, putting their long-term growth plans on hold.
A Battle on Multiple Fronts
To make matters worse, new tariffs affected their import of flower cuttings from Canada. Rising feed and fuel costs, unpredictable weather, and shrinking federal aid forced Jacob to take on more physical labor and financial risks just to survive.
Their income became so tight, they had to reassess every dollar spent — from chicken feed to tractor repair. Meanwhile, big agri-businesses continued to receive large subsidies, while small, independent farms like his struggled.
Fighting Back with Farmers Markets
Despite the setbacks, Jacob and Jennifer refused to quit. At their first farmer’s market of the season, they made $1,800 in a single morning. That day, their stall displayed crisp Bibb lettuce, vibrant asparagus, and farm-fresh eggs — a visual story of resilience.
Their focus now is to partner with a new local grocery chain to boost weekly orders and revenue. Jennifer manages the books, marketing, and social media, while Jacob wakes at dawn for fieldwork and deliveries.
Mental Health in the Field
Farming is not just physically demanding — it’s mentally exhausting. Jacob openly shared that he’s been dealing with depression and anxiety. The stress of unpredictable income, weather events, and now policy cuts took a toll.
“There are days I skip meals, not because I’m fasting, but because my stomach is tied in knots from worry,” he told a reporter.
To cope, he started therapy and leaned on local support groups for farmers facing similar challenges.
Why This Story Matters
Jacob Thomas isn’t a rare case — he represents thousands of small and mid-size American farmers caught between policy changes and economic instability. Yet, his passion for the land, his commitment to fresh, local food, and his belief in community keeps him going.
Lessons from Jacob’s Journey
Diversification is key: Jacob farms vegetables, eggs, pork, flowers, and more. This spreads out risk and increases income streams.
Community is everything: Regular customers at farmer’s markets have become their lifeline.
Speak up: Jacob is now advocating for farm support and mental health awareness for rural families.
Conclusion: The Seeds of Hope
Jacob and Jennifer continue to weather storms — political and environmental — while raising two daughters and growing honest food. Their story is one of quiet heroism, resilience, and grit.
Their message to other farmers? “Stay rooted. Stay strong. People still value real food from real hands.”
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