Daily Inspiration: Meet Cheryl Zuckschwerdt

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheryl Zuckschwerdt.

Hi Cheryl, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I come from a family line of farmers, so the rhythm of the land and the value of hard work have always been in my blood. From a young age, I knew I wanted my very own farm one day. Right out of high school, I joined the Army, carrying that same drive, discipline, and determination I’d inherited from generations before me. The Army tested me in ways that taught endurance, problem-solving, and how to push through when the stakes are high—lessons that became the foundation for everything I do on the farm.

After my service, I started small, learning the rhythms of livestock, soil, and seasons, and gradually built Not Forgotten Farmstead into the operation it is today (est 2021). We raise multiple breeds of meat goats, heritage cattle for beef, pasture-raised chickens with strong genetics, as well as lamb and pork. Every decision is intentional: breeding strong, healthy animals; managing the land with regenerative practices; producing the highest-quality meat for our community; and creating a system that supports both productivity and family life.

It hasn’t been easy, but each challenge has taught me patience, problem-solving, and the value of hard work. Today, the farm isn’t just a business—it’s a legacy. A place where my children learn, where the land thrives, where animals flourish, and where we’re setting a standard for the next generation of farmers and ranchers.

I came to this work knowing it would test me—but also knowing it would teach me how strong I really am. Not Forgotten Farmstead isn’t just a farm; it’s proof that heart, skill, and intention can build something that lasts.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not. Farming is hard work on its own, and I came into it already carrying the wear and tear of my time as an Army veteran. My body had been tested in ways most people don’t see, and the ranching life only pushed it further. By our second year on the farm, I gave birth to my third child, and the following year I faced an emergency spinal surgery. I had to figure out how to keep moving, keep the farm running, and keep my family safe all at the same time. There were days I didn’t know if I’d make it through, but quitting wasn’t an option.

On top of the personal struggles, there are the realities every small farm faces today: rising costs, unpredictable weather, and the constant balancing act of running a sustainable, profitable operation while staying true to regenerative practices. Every season demands adaptability, creativity, and stamina.

But here’s the truth—those struggles are what sharpen you. They teach resilience, patience, and grit. They force you to be smarter, not just tougher. And in the end, they make the victories sweeter: watching animals thrive, seeing the land heal, and knowing your kids are growing up with an understanding of hard work, responsibility, and respect for the life around them.

I’ve faced injuries, sleepless nights, and storms I couldn’t control—but giving up was never an option. Every challenge has only made the farm stronger, the animals healthier, and my children more grounded. The struggles are real, but so is the progress, and the best is still ahead.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Not Forgotten Farmstead, my work centers on raising livestock the right way and protecting the land so it’s better for the next generation than it was when we started. We raise meat goats, heritage cattle for beef, pasture-raised chickens with strong genetics, as well as lamb and pork. Our focus is simple but demanding: strong, functional genetics and the healthiest meat possible, raised with intention from start to finish.

We specialize in breeding animals that are built to thrive on pasture—resilient livestock that don’t require constant intervention. Genetics matter, and cutting corners always shows up somewhere down the line. We take the long view, selecting animals that contribute to healthier herds, healthier soil, and ultimately healthier food for the families who depend on us. Everything we do is rooted in regenerative practices because the future of farming depends on it.

What I’m most proud of is how far we’ve come—and how much farther we’re willing to go. This farm was built through grit, discipline, and an unwillingness to quit when things got hard. It’s still growing, evolving, and improving, and that forward momentum matters to me. We’re not trying to stay comfortable; we’re trying to build something that lasts.

What truly sets Not Forgotten Farmstead apart is that I don’t fit the mold people expect. I’m a female farmer, and that doesn’t slow me down or soften the work. I can wrangle goats, handle livestock, and put in the hard days right alongside anyone in the ranching world. Strength shows up in a lot of forms, and I’ve never felt the need to explain or apologize for mine. We also care deeply about how our livestock is raised—so much so that I can’t even walk through a grocery store meat aisle anymore. Once you know what real quality looks like, you can’t accept anything less.

I work too hard and care too much to raise mediocre animals or produce mediocre food. I don’t cut corners or sell anything I wouldn’t feed my own family, and I refuse to be part of a system that’s comfortable with low standards. This land has a future, and it’s my job not to leave it broken for the next generation.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is doing things the right way—raising animals the way they’re meant to live, caring for the land so it’s better tomorrow than it was today, and building a farm that supports my family while holding true to high standards. That includes raising my children on the land, showing them the value of hard work, respect for life, and the importance of integrity in everything they do. Every decision I make on this farm affects the soil, the animals, the food we provide to our community, and the example my children carry with them.

I care about quality because I know what happens when people prioritize convenience over integrity. I can’t walk through a grocery store and buy most meat because I know the neglect, the compromise, and the systems that allow it—and I refuse to be part of that. That’s not acceptable to me—and it shouldn’t be for anyone who cares about the future of food, the land, or the people who depend on it.

I care about the future because farming isn’t just about today; it’s about what comes next. The land, the animals, and the next generation of farmers and ranchers—including my own children—are counting on the decisions we make now. If I’m going to spend my life on this work, I want it to matter beyond myself, to leave something worth inheriting, and to show that strength, discipline, and care can create results that last.

I don’t just raise livestock; I raise standards. I don’t just farm; I raise my children to respect the land and protect a future. And at the end of the day, I wouldn’t trade muddy boots, morning chores, and the laughter of my kids for anything.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.NotForgottenFarmstead.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notforgottenfarmstead/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/notforgottenfarmstead

Image Credits
Rachel G Chapa Photography