Our Story

About Archa Glad Acres

Archa Glad Acres is a first-generation farm built with hard work and dedication. Libby grew up in the city, and Michael was raised in a small rural community, but nearly twenty years passed before they began pursuing a farm of their own. About five years ago, they felt a clear calling to learn how to grow their own food. They didn’t yet know where or how they would do it, but their “why” was unmistakable: to become self-sufficient and take control of the quality of their food. After years of searching, they finally found the right piece of land to call home.

Before There Was Land

Even before they had land, both Libby and Michael were committed to healthy living, and it was one of the things that drew them together. They cooked nearly all their meals at home, choosing whole, clean ingredients over fast food or restaurant meals cooked with seed oils. They sought out grass-fed and finished meats and were deeply unsettled by the brutality and conditions of commercial farming. 

Michael, an avid hunter, consumed nearly all of his meat from his own harvests and held to the ethic that the animal he harvested only had “one bad day.” That idea became a guiding principle he carries into farming today: the animals they raise for food should only ever have one bad day. Libby, meanwhile, was deeply committed to a clean lifestyle focused on lean eating, gym training, and a disciplined vitamin regimen she never compromised on.

Together, they found joy in their shared values around health and wellness. They became known as the couple who brought fresh, organic groceries to friends’ houses when it was their turn to cook. Friends laughed at their dedication but admired it too.

Worms, Waste, And The First Soil

Michael first began vermicomposting in their Dallas apartment complex, determined to turn food scraps into soil instead of tossing them in the trash. His first worm herd did not survive the infamous Snowmageddon winter storm, but he started over and they have been thriving ever since. What began as a small effort to cut down on waste soon grew into a passion project, with neighbors even collecting freezer bags of kitchen scraps for the worms.

One of the more humorous challenges of their pre farm life came when they moved from one RV park to another. Alongside their everyday belongings, they hauled giant drums of composted soil. Wherever the Archas went, their worms and the soil they produced went too. It became part of who they were. No matter where they lived, they were literally carrying the soil of their future farm with them.

Building A Farm From Bare Ground

When it was finally time to pursue their dream, they purchased land with no water, no power, no septic, and no erosion control. It was heavy clay soil overrun with invasive Bermuda grass and stubborn mesquite trees. They chose undeveloped land because it was more affordable than property with existing infrastructure, and because it gave them the opportunity to start from a blank slate.

The start-up was far harder than they imagined, but they are thankful for the chance to build every element with the end in mind, an end that keeps growing with their vision. Every road, every building, every water line, and every improvement is designed for future growth, for safety, and for the hope of someday seeing cars lined up with friends, families, and children gathering on the land.

What they did not anticipate was how much runoff from the surrounding open acreage would overwhelm the property. Torrents of water pooled and washed out the first road they scraped in. With no choice, they invested heavily in critical infrastructure just to make the property safe and accessible.

An excavator company spent weeks reshaping the land, cutting in a proper road, adding culverts, and digging a retention pond that now catches runoff and spills into the creek. The work stabilized the land but delayed other dreams like building a shop or house.

Help From Neighbors And Hard Lessons

During this season, they lived in their RV on a neighbor’s property for nearly six months. By God’s grace, a perfect stranger not only offered them a spot but also allowed them to tie into his house with a 50-amp plug for electricity and water. That same neighbor signed the right-of-way agreement required by the co-op to bring electrical service to Archa Glad Acres.

The Archas handled the land clearing, meter installation, wiring, and components themselves to get power onto the property. Even with power in place, water remained a challenge. For nine months, they carried water from another extremely generous neighbor to fill a 500-gallon RV tank.

They relied on a septic company to regularly pump out their black and gray water, which allowed them to keep living and working on the land while they slowly built basic systems. Piece by piece, progress came.

Growing Systems, Growing Vision

They built a well house, assembled their own well pump and pressure system, dug and laid thousands of feet of conduit and water line, and prepared a garden pad. They started seedlings in a cabin and built upcycled pallet raised beds, only to discover how unforgiving clay soil and pests like squash bugs can be. They battled fire ants, learned by trial and error, and stayed committed to organic practices without compromise.

They acquired a 20x60 high tunnel (still waiting to be erected) to expand growing capacity and purchased a 40x60 metal shop that will one day serve as a processing center and commercial kitchen. They continue to level ground, refine drainage, and plan infrastructure for the future.

Each step has been slower, messier, and more challenging than expected, but each step reflects their resilience, faith, and commitment to learning.

Why Archa Glad Acres Exists

Archa Glad Acres is not just a farm; it is the story of Michael & Libby, who refused to quit and who chose to learn by doing. They believe their calling is to regenerate soil, grow clean food, and serve their community. When you buy from Archa Glad Acres, you are supporting that calling and becoming part of the story. You'll be Glad you did!