Meet the Farmer: Sentinel Family Farm
Meet the Farmer: Sentinel Family Farm
Some farms begin with generations of family tradition. Others begin with a calling.
For the owner of Sentinel Family Farm, that calling came after a 20-year career serving as a Search and Rescue helicopter pilot in the U.S. Coast Guard.
After retiring from military service, they were looking for a slower pace of life—one rooted in caring for the land, raising animals with intention, and continuing a life of service in a new way.
That journey led them to Cottage Grove, where Sentinel Family Farm officially opened in January 2026.
What began as a desire to produce nourishing food for their own family has grown into a mission to help other families know exactly where their food comes from.
Today, Sentinel Family Farm is a proud Homegrown by Heroes certified farm specializing in pasture-raised eggs, chickens, and turkeys. Their poultry spend their days on pasture and are fed a non-GMO, corn- and soy-free diet that is freshly fermented each day.
But what makes this farm especially memorable isn't just the food—it's the story behind it.
"I have a special place in my heart for chickens," they share. "They're intelligent, curious, and full of personality."
That appreciation shines through in the daily care they provide and in the stories they share online, inviting their community behind the scenes to see the work, stewardship, and relationships that go into raising food with intention.
Accessibility is also an important part of their mission. Sentinel Family Farm was recently approved to accept SNAP benefits, helping make locally raised food available to more families throughout the community.
They also offer an Egg CSA Membership, delivering pasture-raised eggs directly to homes throughout Cottage Grove on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly schedule. Farm pickup is always available for those who prefer to visit the farm.
If you're looking ahead to fall, now is a great time to plan. A limited number of whole pasture-raised chickens from their spring harvest are still available, pre-orders are open for their October chicken harvest, and turkey reservations will open this fall for Thanksgiving pickup.
At Willamette Farm & Food Coalition, we believe every farm has a story worth telling. Sentinel Family Farm reminds us that caring for a community can take many forms—from rescuing people by helicopter to nourishing neighbors one egg, one chicken, and one meaningful conversation at a time.
Because your food has a story—and it doesn't begin at the grocery store.
