In this soulful episode of Barns + Farms w/side of Cornbread, we’re pulling up chairs, pouring sweet tea, and diving into a conversation that celebrates real women, real grit, and a whole lot of grace. We’re joined by powerhouse voices from Thrive WNC Women’s Entrepreneur Network—Amy Steele and Sarah Stokes—alongside special guest Meg Montgomery, a whole-animal butcher at Foothills Butchery in Black Mountain, NC.

Together, we unpack what it truly means to build each other up as women in business, especially in the heart of Southern Appalachia. From networking events to meaningful mentorship, the Thrive WNC Women’s Entrepreneur Network is cultivating a space where female founders and dream-chasers can grow, collaborate, and thrive.

With Meg at the table, we also dig into what it’s like being a woman in the traditionally male-dominated field of butchery—and how she’s carving her path (literally and figuratively) with strength and skill.

So grab your slice of cornbread, settle in, and join us for this nourishing episode.

👉 Learn more about Foothills Butchery: ⁠Foothills Butchery⁠👉 Follow Thrive WNC Women's Network: I⁠nstagram - ThriveWNCwen

🎙️ Episode 5: The Legacy and Evolution of Packa’s Place – A Story of Family, Farming, and Community

In this episode, we return to Horse Shoe, NC to Packa’s Place, where the 6th-generation of a remarkable farming family continues to honor their roots while embracing the future. Named after their grandmother, Packa, this farm carries a legacy of innovation and connection—starting with the unique heritage of raising and processing Beefalo (intrigued? Listen and find out just what Beefalo is!)

But Packa’s Place became more than a farm—it’s a thriving hub of agritourism, community, and creativity. What started as a pandemic-driven idea for a pumpkin patch has flourished into something much bigger. Today, the farm is alive with artisan markets, food trucks, local beer, and seasonal events, all designed to bring people together.

Join us as we dive into their journey—how they’re preserving history while adapting to the modern world, the challenges and triumphs of running a multi-generational farm, and their light-hearted vision for the future. It’s a conversation about passion and the power of community.

🎧 Tune in and get inspired by the story of Packa’s Place!

Hey y’all! Welcome back toBarns + Farms w/ a Side of Cornbread! This week, hostShayne Hollifield sits down withHaley from Olive Branch Cattle Company in Marion, NC, to talk about something that goes way beyond farming—it’s about heart, resilience, and the power of community.

WhenHurricane Helene came through, farmers across Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina faced devastating losses. But in the face of hardship, something incredible happened—people from all over the country stepped up, and Olive Branch Cattle Company became an unexpected hub of hope.Hay, feed, supplies, and kindness poured in, and Haley was right in the middle of it all, witnessing firsthand what happens when neighbors (near and far) show up for one another. God had his hands all over WNC!

In this episode, we talk about:🌾 How Olive Branch Cattle Company turned into a distribution center overnight💪 The grit and generosity that fueled recovery efforts🚜 Why farmers helping farmers is a bond like no other❤️ The unexpected moments that reminded Haley what community is all about

So grab a seat (maybe even a slice of cornbread) and settle in—this is a story about farmers, friendship, and finding light in the darkest storms.

🎧 Tune in now on Spotify!

Show Notes:Props go to:

• April Johnson

• Dylan of Satterwhite Dairy Farm

• Joy and Steve from texas (⁠https://www.brownstonechurch.com/⁠)

• Tractor Supply Company (⁠https://www.tractorsupply.com/?cid=Search-Google-TSC_TSC-Brand-TSC%20Brand&utm_medium=Google&utm_source=Search&utm_campaign=TSC_TSC&utm_content=Brand&utm_term=TSC%20Brand&cid=Google-Search&utm_medium=Google&utm_source=Search&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADnTm22V4mF7Wlsaukj3zGEKYkjzj&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-5a9BhCBARIsACwMkJ7aRdKnphwU5Zs1v1-hX7jrX82iQbnILutO_d4bWRXQmO6A0vwMcQ4aAtAmEALw_wcB⁠

• Ohio crew

• Native Roofing (⁠https://www.nativeroofing828.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=wix_google_business_profile&utm_campaign=11532894631253467985⁠)

• Oilve Branch Cattle Company (⁠https://www.olivebranchcattleco.com⁠)