There’s something about fall in Florida that feels a little different than anywhere else. While the rest of the country is pulling out sweaters and sipping hot cider, we’re still basking in sunny skies and warm evenings. But even here, there’s one unmistakable sign of the season: the farms. From fresh eggs to pasture-raised meats to jars of golden honey, our local farms remind us that harvest season is alive and thriving right in our own backyard.
When I first moved to Sarasota, I didn’t realize just how many small farms existed within driving distance. Over time, I’ve discovered that visiting them isn’t just about shopping for food, it’s about slowing down and reconnecting with the people who care for the land and animals that sustain us. These farms aren’t faceless operations; they’re family-owned, built on traditions and values that give new meaning to the phrase farm-to-table.
As someone who loves exploring local spots, I’ve found that farms add a unique dimension to our community. You can meet the farmers, walk the land, and see firsthand how your food is raised. And when you bring that food home, it doesn’t just taste fresher, it feels more meaningful.
This year, I had the opportunity to visit two very different but equally special farms. One is rooted in raising animals with integrity, producing some of the most flavorful meats I’ve ever tasted. The other is dedicated to growing vibrant produce and specialty goods that brighten kitchens across Sarasota and beyond. Together, they showcase the variety, care, and community spirit that make our local farms worth celebrating.
Four Daughters Farms, Parrish, FL
Tucked away in Parrish, Florida, Four Daughters Farms is more than just a working farm, it’s a family legacy rooted in care, transparency, and a deep love for animals. Named after the owners’ four daughters, the farm began with one simple intention: to know exactly where their food came from and how it was raised. Today, that mission has grown into a thriving local destination where families can experience the difference of pasture-raised meats and locally sourced feed.
The farm specializes in Cornish Cross chickens, Broad Breasted turkeys, Pekin ducks, Berkshire pigs, and more. Every animal is raised with space to roam. Pigs are in shaded wooded pastures and birds are moved to fresh ground daily. They’re fed with Non-GMO grains from Resaca Sun Feeds, the very same line of feed the farm offers for preorder to the community each month. Protecting this land and its animals are six beloved Great Pyrenees dogs, who stand guard as gentle but fierce protectors of the farm.
What makes Four Daughters Farms remarkable is not just their commitment to humane, sustainable practices, but also the quality it produces. Berkshire pork, often called the “Wagyu of pork” is celebrated for its marbling and flavor. Every cut reflects the farm’s belief that quality begins with healthy, well-cared-for parents and continues with each new generation born on the property.
On my first visit, I placed an order online, brought my kids along in the car, and set off to pick up my very first farm-fresh meats. The experience was seamless, but what really amazed me came later in the kitchen. From the smoky, rich bacon to chicken with a flavor that felt almost elevated compared to the grocery store, I was blown away. It’s the kind of food that makes you pause, savor, and realize just how different “farm-to-table” tastes when it’s truly local.
Jessica’s Organic Farm, Sarasota, FL
Just a few miles from UTC, Jessica’s Organic Farm has become one of Sarasota’s hidden treasures. For decades, it’s been a go-to for locals seeking produce that isn’t just fresh, but truly organic and thoughtfully grown. The farm’s philosophy is simple yet powerful: food should be grown without genetically modified organisms, pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or hormones. That commitment shows in every bin of colorful vegetables, crates of crisp greens, and jars of wholesome products lining their farm stand.
Walking through Jessica’s Organic Farm is an experience in itself. During harvest season, produce is picked continuously throughout market days — Friday through Sunday — and placed on display within minutes or hours of leaving the field. That’s why their vegetables often last up to two weeks in the fridge: there’s no middleman, no long-haul trucks, just farm-to-table in its purest form.
Beyond the produce, Jessica’s also offers unique finds you won’t stumble upon in traditional grocery aisles. Local, grass-fed raw milk (sold as pet food, per Florida regulations) and small-batch yogurts have become staples for many health-conscious families. Eggs from Amish pasture-raised hens, organic pantry items, and seasonal specialties round out the market, making it a true one-stop shop for anyone looking to embrace organic living.
As someone who moved to Sarasota from Southern California, discovering Jessica’s has been eye-opening. Back home, finding organic produce often meant navigating crowded stores with limited local options. Here, I can drive a few miles and buy vegetables harvested right before my eyes. It feels personal, connected, like I’m not just buying groceries, but supporting a legacy of organic farming in our community.
This fall, I’ve made a commitment to shop more often at Jessica’s instead of relying on grocery store chains. It’s a small shift, but one that feels impactful for my family’s health, for the farmers who work tirelessly to grow real food, and for the community that thrives when we choose local first.
About the Author
Tanya Kara Tutcher is a Sarasota-based influencer, writer, and founder of Influence PRX. Through her brand @tanyainsarasota, she highlights local restaurants, family-friendly experiences, and small businesses across Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch. Originally from Southern California, Tanya brings a fresh perspective to Florida living, blending her passion for storytelling, food, and community connection.
“This Thanksgiving, let us give thanks not only at the table but also for the hands and hearts that bring the harvest home.”