River Oak Farm sits in the heart of historic Lowesville, tucked along the banks of the Piney River in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Spanning 75 acres, the land is a beautiful reflection of classic Appalachian terrain—fertile river bottoms, rolling high meadows, and lush cove forests. Tobacco Creek traces the southwest edge, while Priest Mountain rises quietly to the northeast.
This land carries a rich agricultural legacy. Dating back to 1846, when a small cabin was built from hand-hewn American Chestnut logs, the property was once home to thriving corn and tobacco crops. In its early days, the Virginia Blue Ridge Railway—one of the shortest steam-powered rail lines in the country—ran directly through the farm, transporting chestnut logs, apples, and other goods out of the mountains.
For many years, the fields and barns rested, left undisturbed and still. Today, we’re honored to bring life back into this land—bringing intention, care, and renewed purpose to a place so deeply rooted in history. As stewards of River Oak Farm, we feel both proud and hopeful to play a role in its next chapter, contributing to a growing return to the land and a revitalization of agrarian life.
the farm
Our Practices
Pasture Raised
By moving our livestock to fresh grass daily, they always have access to nutritious forage while our pastures have time to rest and recover. We prioritize animal welfare by tending to our animals with hands-on care twice a day.
GMO-Free
Our supplemental grains are sourced responsibly and locally, supporting regional farmers while producing exceptional meat for your family’s table.
Rotational Grazing
Healthy soil is the foundation of everything we do. Through rotational grazing, our animals move across pasture in a way that allows grasses to recover and soil to rebuild. These regenerative practices improve pasture health, support biodiversity, and help us steward the land for the long term.
Our beginning
Adam and Cassy, the heart behind River Oak Farm, built their journey from the ground up—rooted in a deep respect for the land and a passion for sustainable agriculture. Adam’s path began at 19 and took him across the country, gaining hands-on experience in farming and food production, while Cassy’s connection to the land started early and grew into a lifelong commitment to supporting local, sustainable food systems. Together, they brought their shared vision to life when they purchased River Oak Farm in 2013—creating not just a farm, but a meaningful legacy we’re honored to carry forward.
2014-2025
Luke and Megan step into the story of River Oak Farm with deep respect for all that came before them and a clear vision for what’s ahead.
Luke’s passion for farming began early, shaped by a love of gardening and an appreciation for local food - taught to him by his mother. Rather than following a traditional educational path, he chose hands-on learning—traveling to Africa to study sustainable farming before returning to build his experience alongside Adam starting in 2020.
After discovering a passion for gardening, Megan’s journey led her into the world of flowers, where she spent years managing a flower farm before joining Luke full-time. She looks forward to sharing that love of gardening—and this space—with others, welcoming them to experience the connection between farm, kitchen, and community.
2026 - Onward
our present
why buy?
HEALTH BENEFITS
Healthy Animals = Healthy Meats
Our pasture-raised meats are rich in beneficial nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids and CLA, along with important vitamins and minerals such as zinc, iron, B-vitamins, vitamin E, beta carotene, and glutathione—making them a nourishing part of an anti-inflammatory diet.
ANIMAL WELFARE
Our animals are raised with access to their natural diets and behaviors, enjoying daily sunshine, fresh air, and pasture. This healthy environment supports their well-being naturally—so antibiotics are never needed and never used.
We are committed to investing in our community and maintaining transparency in our farming practices. Our work helps preserve rural landscapes and the traditions of rural life while supporting a more human-centered food system that stands in contrast to large-scale corporate control.
BUILDING COMMUNITY
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Regenerative farming works with nature to restore healthy ecosystems. By promoting biodiversity, avoiding synthetic inputs, and integrating livestock, it improves soil health, water retention, and the natural carbon cycle. In contrast, conventional farming often contributes to deforestation, pollution, soil erosion, and other practices that degrade the land over time.