A period of illness changed how Luke Hoey understood his body—and eventually, the land. What began as a search for healing led him into the care of soil, stewardship, and small-scale farming. Today, through The Hoey Farm, through his faith, he cultivates not only produce, but relationships—with the land, with customers, and with a way of working that starts where you are.
Q: Hoey Farm is family-owned—can you share the story of how the farm began?
In March of 2019, I was hospitalized for liver failure. I turned yellow, was basically skin and bone, and was given two weeks to live. Jesus healed me, and I began gardening as part of my recovery.
We started by sharing vegetables with friends and family—canning and preserving what we could. The feedback was strong. People kept telling us how much better our food was than what they were buying in stores. That’s when it clicked—we could really do this for a living.
Q: Was there a defining moment that shaped the direction Hoey Farm took?
I was doing a lot of reading books by Joel Salatin, Eliot Colman, and J. M. Forties, and was talking with my wife, Stephanie, about it, and she responded, “I feel like this is us.”
After that, we just ran with it. Stephanie put into words what I had been feeling.
Q: Earth Day invites us to reflect on our relationship with the planet. What does caring for the land mean to you personally?
As a follower of Jesus, I believe God gave mankind the Earth as a testing ground to see if we would be good stewards.
Q: What sustainable or regenerative practices do you use in growing your fruits and vegetables?
This is a great question. I like how you separated sustainable and regenerative. Some incorrectly use the term interchangeably. We are low-till, where we till once to apply lime, and after that we build topsoil.
We apply our organic fertilizer, and we apply compost that is sourced from a reputable vendor. Or we use ours, which is preferable, but a work in progress. We broad fork to incorporate air.
Q: How do you balance productivity with soil health and long-term land stewardship?
We plant green manure crops like winter rye, hairy vetch, and crimson clover. We let them grow until just before flowering, then turn them into the soil.
As they break down, they replenish nutrients and improve soil structure.
Q: Have you noticed changes in climate or growing conditions over the years? How has that affected your approach?
The one thing about farming is that things always change. So you plan for change, especially abrupt change. Sometimes we have an earlier frost or a later frost, so we adjust accordingly.
We use row covers to extend our growing seasons. Sometimes we miss the window and aren’t as prepared as we’d like, and a crop or two is decimated, but we rip it out and plant again.
Q: What are some of your signature crops, and why do they thrive here?
Lettuce, carrots, kale, collards, and cherry tomatoes are our signature crops. They thrive because they are zoned for 7b.
We research the crops that do well in our area and plan our seasons around what grows well locally and in the time frame.
Q: What do you enjoy most about selling at the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market?
The relationships—both with customers and other vendors.
As a first-generation farmer, connecting with experienced farmers has been especially meaningful. They’ve shared knowledge and guidance I wouldn’t have had otherwise.
Q: How does direct interaction with customers shape the way you farm?
It reinforces what we’re doing.
When customers tell us how much they enjoy our produce or how it’s helped them feel healthier, it confirms that the extra effort we put into sustainable practices is worth it.
Q: Why does supporting local farms matter—especially in today’s food system?
It matters now more than ever.
With so many uncertainties in the world today and the continually fluctuating fuel prices, having food grown locally ensures there is food available during a crisis.
Q: What are your hopes for the future of Hoey Farm?
We hope to continue to grow and expand.
We’ve been mainly in the vegetable realm of farming, but are planning to include some fruits and animals in the future. Our ultimate goal is to own our own land and farm it, maybe even have our own farm store on the land.
Q: How do you see small family farms fitting into the future of agriculture?
I see small family farms becoming more prevalent in the coming years, as people turn to gardening to meet the needs of their family and, like us, realize they could do it for a living.
Q: If you could leave readers with one message this Earth Day, what would it be?
Go outside and plant a garden, it’s the best thing ever, and also that Jesus loves them.
Luke’s approach reflects this month’s focus on tending what matters—from soil health to the conditions that support life and growth. His work is a reminder that care, whether for the land or for ourselves, begins with attention and intention.
You can find The Hoey Farm each week at the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market, where that commitment is shared directly with the community.
If you would like to learn more about broad forking, Luke made an interesting video explaining soil health and demonstrating broad forking. View it here.
Shane Jarriel is part of the Greensboro Holistic Collective’s writing team, where he contributes articles, interviews, and digital content that highlight the depth and diversity of the local wellness community. He supports social media, event coordination, and creative strategy, helping elevate practitioners and strengthen connections across the Collective.
Shane is also the business manager and instrumentalist of Kinetic Roots Wellness, a massage practice in High Point, NC, where he integrates trauma-informed care, energy work, mindfulness, and DEI principles into workshops, community events, and client care.
Disclaimer: The information shared in Greensboro Holistic Collective posts is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or legal advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider or professional with any questions you may have regarding your health, well-being, or specific situation. Never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of information you read here. Greensboro Holistic Collective does not endorse any specific practitioners, services, or products mentioned, and participation in any activities is at your own discretion.
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