A Healing Farm - Nourishes with food, sustains with care, compassion and impact.

George and Tabitha Betancourt have a calling that manifests itself in the establishment and operation of Rocking Tree Farm, north of Montana's capitol city. Their business provides natural, healthy food and creates a safe environment where people harmed by violence and trauma can heal through agricultural-based therapeutic activities.

There are as many models and definitions of a healing farm, as there are farms but all have in common the primary mission to offer opportunities to comfort and heal those who seek out options that complement or supplant institutional approaches. What this looks like at Rocking Tree Farms is providing supervised, purposeful agricultural activities—such as caring for animals, growing crops or vegetables, horticulture, land management and related tasks—in a non-clinical, home-like setting. These activities support physical, mental, emotional, and social outcomes while giving participants meaningful work, skills development, a sense of purpose and community connection.

In past interviews we've talked to experts on the front lines offering help for those experiencing trauma. We've met with tribes offering new farm-based solutions for their growing grief from suicides within their community. We've heard from teachers dealing with students addicted to food, drugs and alcohol using hands on, food-based co-hort learning. What they all have in common is a growing need for alternative solutions that capture the essence of personal and custom care that reconnects individuals to their best selves.

Tabitha and George evolve and solve as they serve people using their farm as a way to connect and gather. They observe and listen and this coming month will be hosting a very special event in their orchard - a gathering to acknowledge loss and grief -- and to truly begin to heal.

Resources and Links Below.

Rocking Tree Farm

Armed To Farm

What Are Care Farms?

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Care Farming Network: Care farming uses therapeutic farming to promote health, well-being and belonging. Currently 8 care farms are listed in Montana.

Recovering America Film: Uses of farms for addiction recovery.

Two Virgina Farms Featured (Below)