Reclaiming Our Sovereignty From Farm to Fork with Chef Mollie Engelhart
TX Soil Sisters with Chef/Farmer Mollie Engelhart at “The Barn” bar and restaurant at Sovereignty Ranch.
Join the TX Soil Sisters Co-Op By Signing Up Here.
Hi, y’all! Johanna here from the TX Soil Sisters.
(The podcast media player is below w/ links to things we talk about. Or skip my fluff and listen here.)
Crystal and I took off for a day trip to Sovereignty Ranch in Bandera, TX, a few weeks ago to meet Chef Mollie Engelhart and tour her family’s regenerative farming and hospitality operation.
We took a scenic back roads drive from Lockhart and made our way to The Barn around mid-morning. This barn is not what you’re thinking in the traditional sense of the word; this barn is a farm-to-table restaurant, bar, and farm stand run by Mollie and her family there on the ranch.
As any great chef and mom does, upon our arrival, Mollie asked if we were hungry. I am always hungry, so Crystal and I ate from the brunch buffet before taking off on a tour of the 200+ acre regenerative farm. I went classic scrambled farm fresh eggs, housemade blue corn tortillas, and housemade salsa. It was a simple, flavorful, healthy, delicious hug for my belly. Crystal agreed and also raved about the salmon fillet she ate. Breakfast is prepared every morning for both the family/kitchen/farm team and the overnight guests staying at Sovereignty Ranch.
Chef Mollie’s kind and curious son, Rio, joined us on the farm tour and added his own magic to our experience. I’ve included some pictures and video from our visit below.
This Soil Sisters podcast explores Chef Mollie Engelhart’s trek to Sovereignty Ranch.
Mollie shares her transformative journey from being a vegan chef in Los Angeles to owning and operating a regenerative ranch in Bandera, Texas, with her family.
The conversation delves into her catalyst for change, misconceptions about veganism, and the challenges and insights gained from transitioning to regenerative agriculture.
Mollie explains the Sovereignty Ranch business model — including pastured beef, pork, poultry, sheep, dairy (cows, sheep, goats), a farm stand, CSA subscription, and homestead education enterprises. The hospitality venture includes large event and overnight accommodations, a farm-to-fork restaurant, and a brewery that's currently under construction.
As a chef, farmer, and mom- Mollie emphasizes the importance of building and supporting local food systems in order to create healthy, resilient communities. The episode is a rich dialogue on environmental stewardship, investing in agriculture, personal sovereignty, and the power of local consumer choices.
Happy farming and healthy living, y’all!
Love,
Jo (and Crystal) ❤️
P.S. Please support the Soil Sisters by shopping with our sponsors. That’s the friend economy in action! 🙌
💚 Our Sponsors walk the walk & talk the talk. 💚
✨ @tejastonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨
When you buy Tejas Tonic you’re supporting a Texas farm that's vertically integrated into Texas-made products. The hemp for this blissful bevvy is organically farmed in the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy 15% off Tejas Tonic w/ code: SISTERS 💰
⚡️ @b_pelectric - The Soil Sisters Podcast is powered by B&P Electric ⚡️
Whether you’re building, remodeling, installing low-voltage landscape lighting, or in need of an inspection. B&P is your central Texas electrical contractor. Tell ‘em the Soil Sisters sent you. 😎
listen to the Podcast
Time Stamps and Links
Make Weekend Plans to Dine at "The Barn" at Sovereignty Ranch - a farm-to-table restaurant & bar by chef farmers in Texas Hill Country open weekly on Saturday/Sundays.
Celebrate and Stay a While at Sovereignty Ranch in Bandera, TX. Bring yourself, a few friends, or a family reunion; there are 40 beds and a variety of accommodations.
Connect on Social: @ChefMollie | @SovereigntyRanch | @eatatTheBarn
**********
00:00 Welcome to Soil Sisters Podcast
00:28 Tour of Sovereignty Ranch
01:55 Chef Mollie's Intro to Regenerative Agriculture
04:03 From Veganism to Regenerative Farming
06:19 Challenges and Backlash
11:19 Health and Environmental Concerns
23:08 Journey to Texas
29:45 The Challenges of Starting a Farm
30:09 Educating the Public on Regenerative Agriculture
30:56 Adventures in Moving to the Ranch
34:20 Diversifying Farm Enterprises
35:40 The Economics of Farming
38:37 Homestead Courses and Community Engagement
42:31 The Raw Milk Debate
46:48 The Importance of Local Food Systems
55:46 Investing in Agriculture
01:01:30 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
Soil Sisters Radio Hour on KLKT 107.9, Radio Lockhart
If you live in Lockhart, you can catch the Soil Sisters Radio Hour live each WEDNESDAY from 5-6p on KLKT 107.9. If you don’t live in Lockhart, you can listen to the livestream at KLKT.org.