MPW.68 / 2016 Raising Farm and Family by Jake Rutherford
Photographer
Jake Rutherford Washington DC

Team Cliff & Vi

Story Summary

Embracing a mission to establish a Mennonite congregation in Cuba, Nathan and Ruthann Mast transplanted their family of five children and farm from Summersville, Missouri, five years ago.

Nathan’s red angus cattle operation includes raising chickens, goats, ducks, rabbits, semi-wild turkeys, horses, and maintaining a garden. He hopes to eventually become a direct-to-consumer beef seller, while expanding his existing 140-acre homestead. Ruthann tends to the household, garden, and children, while the two eldest boys have an increasing responsibility over the smaller animals as they grow older.

After thirteen years of marriage and two pre-fabricated houses, the Masts are building their own home.