During a recent episode of DFW Real Estate Weekly with Todd Tramonte, we sat down with Mason Goss, the former show producer turned farmer, to delve into his remarkable journey from life in the city to life on the farm.
Mason and his family embarked on the adventure of transitioning from their home in Richardson that they flipped over the course of two years to owning a sprawling 70-acre property in East Texas.
Through determination and hard work, they are now realizing their dream of sustainable farming and a slower-paced lifestyle. Join us as Mason shares his experiences, challenges, and the joys of pursuing his dream on Sunny Willow Farm.
-How did you go from being a show producer to a full-on farmer?
Mason: Well, it's been quite a ride. I used to handle production for the show on top of other video and media responsibilities for the team. After our show days, my wife and I decided to spice things up with a two-year house-flipping adventure. Then when we sold the home, we chose to chase our farming dreams out in East Texas. We were after that laid-back lifestyle and the chance to dive into sustainable farming.
-Give us a sneak peek into life on Sunny Willow Farm and your latest ventures there.
Mason: Oh, you're in for a treat. We scored this amazing 70-acre spot in East Texas that we call Sunny Willow Farm. Now we're all about sustainable farming – taking care of cows, pigs, chickens, and the whole shebang. It's a slower pace, but seeing our hard work pay off is beyond satisfying. Right now, we're holed up in a yurt, building our home, and making sure our animals are living their best lives.
-What sparked the idea of ditching the city for the countryside, and how's life different now?
Mason: We wanted a change of scenery and to be self-sufficient. The transition was not always smooth sailing, I'll tell you that. But the joy of living off the land and making sure our family's fed well – it's absolutely worth it.
-Let's talk farming. Tell us about your farming style and what you're producing.
Mason: Oh, we're all about happy animals around here. Our chickens roam free in the pastures, and our pigs are living their best forest life – none of that cramped, factory stuff. We've got pasture-raised chickens and forest-raised pigs, and we're getting ready to serve up some delicious forest-raised pork and fresh eggs. You can catch our goods at local farmer's markets and online too.
-How do you see your farm leaving a mark for generations to come?
Mason: This isn't just about us – it's about setting up something solid for the family way down the line. We're all about responsible farming and taking care of the land. By raising animals in their natural habitat, we're making sure the future generations can enjoy this slice of heaven we've got here.
-What were some of the bumps in the road during this journey?
Mason: Oh boy, where do I start? City life to farm life? That's a whole switcheroo. Keeping up with the daily grind on the farm. That's a lot. Finding the right piece of land, navigating all the ins and outs of sustainable farming – it's been a wild ride. But the feeling of accomplishment and knowing we're building something special makes it all worthwhile.
-How do you manage the farm hustle while still soaking up the good parts of country living?
Mason: Balance. We're working hard, no doubt about it. But then, we've got this beautiful nature all around us. We take time for family, go fishing, and just soak in the great outdoors. And let's not forget the buzz of playing with the sawmill – that's a blast too.
-Let's talk about home and investment. How's your perspective changed through all of this?
Mason: This journey has taught me that investing for the long haul is where it's at. We're focused on passing down a solid legacy. Instead of just focusing on quick gains, we're laying down roots that'll last for generations. Our dream home is more than bricks and beams; it's about family, values, and nurturing the land.
You can learn more about Mason and Ginny Goss's Sunny Willow Farms at SunnyWillowFarms.com.
