The Ceridwen Farms Team
Ceridwen
Our little Farm gets its name from the Welsh Celtic Goddess and White Witch Ceridwen (Keh-ruh-dwn). She's regarded as a powerful Welsh sorceress, and one of the most powerful witches in Celtic mythology. She is said to be blessed with the gifts of poetic wisdom, inspiration, and prophecy, called collectively (Awen) in Welsh lore. She uses her magical cauldron, to brew great potions to aid those who seek her assistance. Ceridwen is at times considered the goddess of creation, rebirth, transformation, and inspiration. Also, as the keeper of the cauldron of inspiration (Awen), she's considered to be the muse and inspiration for artists and bards.
We chose Ceridwen to be our farm's namesake, because our farm has given us an opportunity for rebirth, and it's been the inspiration for our own transformation. We also chose her because we grow lots of remarkable herbs and flowers that we use to create our magical potions that we share with you.
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The Farm
Our focus is primarily on growing high quality, all natural herbs and edible flowers. We are currently growing Thyme, Rosemary, Basil, Calendula, Roses, Chicory, Sunflowers, Chamomile, Mint, Raspberry, Elderberry, Lavender, Borage, Echinacea, and Sage.
We are an ethical, sustainable, all-natural operation. We don't use any chemical's, pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers. We continuously strive to be good stewards of the land and cultivate a natural environment that coexists in the eco system.
Ben & Rachael Banks
Ben and Rachael are the founders of Ceridwen Farms.
Ben and Rachael started Ceridwen Farms as an idea in 2022 after Ben retired from the Navy. However, it didn't start to become a reality until the fall of 2023. Since then, things have really taken off!
Ben is originally from Louisiana, where he spent half his life around agriculture. He then joined the Navy and spent the next 22 years serving his country all around the world. He earned a bachelor's degree from University of Phoenix and master's degree from Louisiana State University. He has a love of all things outdoors, and enjoys sailing, camping, hiking, and working the land.
Rachael was born in Ohio and spent the first 22 years of her life living there. She learned her love of the outdoors and a self-reliance from her father. She earned her bachelor's degree in nursing from Wright State University, and she's spent the last 23 years working as a critical care nurse. She made the fateful decision to marry Ben in 2001 and spent the next 23 years bouncing around the world with him. She shares Ben's love of the outdoors and getting her hands dirty.
Herman, Rosie and Sam
These guys are the real Bosses of Ceridwen Farms!
These three bundles of personality are all rescues and demand all of the attention all of the time. Herman is our old man and the wise leader of the pack. Rosie is the true boss of the whole operation and makes sure everyone knows it. Sam has taken on the new role of watch dog. He can sniff and spot any critter within a mile radius! You can find more about our packs story on our blog.
Atlas, we still miss you buddy!
What's New on the Farm?
Spring is Coming!!
We're coming to the end of winter, and things are starting to heat up! We've started many of our spring seeds indoors. The Tractor is greased and lubricated, the Rhino has been given a mechanical and cosmetic refresh, tools are cleaned and sharpened. Our worms have now grown to two bins, and they are veraciously eating and pooping out black gold for our plants! Most of our cuttings are hanging in there and some are thriving especially our elderberries! There's lots more to come as we rapidly approach spring! We are still working local but hope to have something to share online soon!
We Made a Big Move!
Due to some unexpected life events, we made the hard choice to sell our little Washington farm and move closer to family. Not to worry our little Farm is in the capable hands of our friends the Kenfield's. Who I'm sure will be doing a great job taking care of it. Hopefully you see some amazing things from them soon.
With that said, we aren't closing up shop. No, in fact we're growing! Just in different soil. We've purchased a 37-acre farm in Summit, Mississippi that will become the new home of Ceridwen Farms. We look forward to growing and developing here and plan to have plenty of updates from our new home.
Support Veterans
Support Veterans
We are proud and fortunate to have been a recipient of the Farmer Veteran Coalition Fellowship Fund, which helped us restore our old barn. You can find the story here (Barn Restoration Aids Navy Veteran on Washington Farm), and please check out the Farmer Veteran Coalition website and if you can donate to this great organization! Farmer Veteran Coalition | Mobilizing Veterans to Feed America
