Meet Amanda Armstrong | Fowl Rancher , Homesteader, & Natural Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Armstrong and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?

My idea of balance has changed significantly over time. Initially, I viewed it as a split between equal amounts of work and life activities. But now, I understand that achieving balance means setting realistic boundaries and dedicating adequate time to all aspects of life that matter most.
I see balance as a dynamic state rather than a fixed endpoint—something that requires constant reflection and recalibration as circumstances change over time.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As my fowl ranch continued to flourish, I found that quail and duck were particularly popular with the locals and visitors who came to purchase our products. The quail eggs have a rich, slightly sweet taste that many of our customers can’t resist, and the duck eggs, larger and more robust in flavor, are often in demand for special recipes or unique breakfast treats.

As the turkeys mature, their meat becomes another offering that sets us apart from other farms in the area. In the autumn, when the males reach their prime, their free-range and vegetable-fed diet result in a full-bodied, succulent taste that turns heads at any Thanksgiving dinner.

The meat rabbits are a fairly new addition, but they are already a hit with those who seek to cook traditionally English fare, and many have praised the lean, flavorful meat.

It hasn’t been easy – running a farm requires tireless work, sharp decision-making, and often some level of unpredictability – but as I watch the sun rise over my land each morning, with the mountains forming a majestic backdrop and the call of quails filling the crisp air, I can’t imagine doing anything else. This is not just a livelihood. It’s a lifestyle, one rooted in the traditional values of respect for nature and dedication to the art of farming.

As we continue to grow and expand, I’m excited to see where this path will lead us. One thing is certain though – whether it’s hatching more eggs, rearing new rabbits, or introducing new game birds into our flock – this rural mountain homestead is not just a reflection of my past, but a symbol of our vibrant and thriving future.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I enjoy spending a little time on historic Main Street in Trinidad. I find that A.R. Mitchell offers a variety of new art and works from the prolific Cowboy Pop artist A.R. Mitchell. The town has a few hidden gems to eat at like Drop City, where the gourmet hot dot is predominantly featured on their menu. They also offer a unique atmosphere, with some interesting shopping too. There are many coffee shops, but sometimes I want tea! Trinidad Tea Co. offers homegrown blends of teas and fresh baked goods in the most beautiful location next to the historic Fox Theater. The Fox Theater is currently being renovated back to it’s former glory.
For evening fun, the Trinidad Lounge has local and traveling music almost every night of the week, or the Well Taproom gives you an opportunity to sing at karaoke. Or watch locals jam during open mic night.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We stand together in our farms and ranches with our hands deep in the soil and our eyes gazing out on the land that feeds us, the community that surrounds us, and the world we are impacting.

The journey isn’t easy; we fight against social stigmas, against unrelenting weather, and the seemingly ever-present economic struggle. It is also a battle against the mindset that the world of agriculture belongs to men alone.

These female farmers and ranchers have shown me that you don’t have to be the strongest or the loudest to run a successful operation. It’s about knowledge, dedication, creativity and persistence. It’s about getting back up after a tough day or a difficult season and putting your hands back in the soil, your eyes back on the horizon and pushing forward.

Together we share the triumphs, the tribulations and the quiet moments of contemplation. We lend each other a listening ear, a helping hand and advice rooted in shared experiences. Through all of it, we build relationships as strong as the very land that supports us.

Every day, these women inspire me with their strength, their knowledge, and their spirit. Every day, I feel the courage and the drive they instil in me. Every day, I am a better entrepreneur and person because of their influence.

Their strength lies in their connection to the land, their animals, their communities, and most importantly, each other. This network is more than a lifeline – it is a beacon, a community and a legacy. We grow our businesses together, helping each other not only survive, but thrive.

To the female farmers and ranchers, I salute you. Your unending determination, passion, resilience and innovation inspire not just me, but all of us. You embody the spirit of entrepreneurship, stewardship, and community-building. Your legacy is not only in the products you grow and raise, but also in the change you’re making in the agricultural world.

In many ways, these women are not just cultivating the land, but also nurturing the very future of agriculture. Together, we’re making a difference and creating a legacy of which we can be proud.

Long live the women of agriculture. Here’s to each one of you: farmers, ranchers, homemakers, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and most importantly, inspirations. You are reshaping our world, one acre at a time. Thank you for your tireless work and enduring spirit.

Website: www.greyfoxranch.com

Instagram: @GreyFoxRanch

Facebook: www.facbook.com/greyfoxranch