Briarwood Cattle Farm: How Agriculture Heals

Military veteran and cattle rancher Marvin Frink reflects on how farming changed his life

 

Although born in a Floridian neighborhood where crime and poverty were prevalent, Marvin Frink and his parents were determined to ensure he did not succumb to the challenges of his environment and would grow up to be a success.

Upon graduating high school, Mr. Frink decided to join the military to provide for his family and serve his country. Dedicating 15 years of service, including deployment to Iraq, Marvin found himself afterwards dealing with high levels of anxiety and depression. His father, the late Reverend Kirby Frink, noticed he was suffering with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and introduced him to farming as a therapeutic coping method.

Years later after the passing of his father, Marvin continued the dream his father had for him of becoming a cattleman. Today, Mr. Frink continues to advocate for farming and working with cattle on a daily basis as a transition aid from military life to civilian life.

Briarwood Cattle Farm is a first-generation farm located in Red Springs, NC. The beef cattle operation produces and sells premium quality grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, and pork.

Mr. and Mrs. Frink express gratitude for the daily opportunity to help feed their community, support fellow veterans, and advocate for farming and agriculture as a way to heal those struggling with mental health.

For more information on Briarwood Cattle Farm, visit www.briarwoodcattlefarm.com.

If you are an agripreneur and would like to be featured in our Agripreneur Spotlight Series, please complete this form. Nominations are also welcome. Please submit any questions regarding your submission to fhfcomms@freedmenheirs.org. 

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