From Pentagon to Pasture- Fidelis Fields Farm

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— Written By Josie Harrell (16 hours ago)

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Estoy de Acuerdo / Eu concordo / I agree

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After 30 years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps, 17 moves, and a high-stress life in Washington, D.C., David and Kristi Eskelund were ready for a change. They weren’t just looking to retire. They were ready to reconnect with the land and pursue a dream they had shared since their college days at Texas A&M. With support from NC Farm School, Fidelis Fields Farm has grown from a dream into a purposeful, sustainable farm. Keep reading to discover how discipline, planning, and passion shaped their journey.

David & Kristi at Fidel's Fields Farm

Fidelis Fields Farm

📍Located in Siler City, NC — Serving the Chatham County community

🐑 From wool to eggs to guardian dogs, everything is grown with care and purpose

🌱 Follow and support their journey

NC Farm School

📬 Subscribe to the NC Farm School Newsletter to stay updated on farmer stories, opportunities, and events: Subscribe Here

🌐 Visit the website to learn more: https://ncfarmschool.ces.ncsu.edu

📱 Follow along on social media to meet more farmers making a difference across North Carolina.

NC Farm School — Built With Intention

From the beginning, the Eskelunds approached farming with strategy and purpose. They enrolled in NC Farm School, which gave them a foundation for thinking through each step. Kristi says the experience helped them analyze every enterprise and plan their growth in a way that made sense for their goals and lifestyle.

David appreciated how NC Farm School connected their dreams with reality. He said it wasn’t about crushing aspirations, but about creating plans that actually work. “You have to be able to scratch out a living. Just wanting it isn’t enough,” he said.

One of the most valuable aspects of the program was the exposure to other farms and operations. Kristi shared how seeing different types and scales of farming helped her figure out what she did and did not want to pursue. It gave them clarity to move forward with confidence.

Their advice to new farmers is simple. Start small, focus on one thing at a time, and find a mentor. One of David’s most trusted local mentors stops by the farm several times a week to offer wisdom from decades of hands-on experience. They both believe in the importance of connecting younger and older generations in agriculture.

Life on Fidelis Fields Farm

In 2019, they purchased a wooded property in Siler City, North Carolina, from neighbors and started clearing it themselves. What began with a small barn and a few animals slowly grew into Fidelis Fields Farm. Today, it is a peaceful and productive space where they raise Southdown Babydoll sheep, chickens, bees, and a garden filled with pollinators. They’ve traded a fast-paced lifestyle for the peace and purpose that comes with working the land.

A day on the farm starts early, often with coffee on the porch and a daily check-in. Kristi begins by tending to the sheep, managing the garden, and working on their growing wool operation. Whether she is washing, dyeing, or processing fiber, she is constantly balancing food and fiber work.

David tackles the heavy labor in the morning, then focuses on the business side in the afternoons. At night, they close down the farm together. He jokes that he uses more critical thinking on the farm than he did working at the Pentagon. When things go wrong, they don’t always have backup or extra resources, so they’ve learned to adapt quickly and solve problems creatively.

They’ve also committed to growing at what they call “the speed of cash.” That means they do not borrow money for farm expansion. Instead, they plan in phases, complete one step at a time, and pay for each project before starting the next. It has allowed them to grow steadily while avoiding burnout and debt.

Kristi petting a sheep

Success Through Community

Marketing at Fidelis Fields happens through relationships. Word of mouth, school programs, and local connections have helped the farm grow. Kristi’s background in education allowed her to teach fiber arts to Chatham County students, which led to new partnerships and loyal customers.

David serves on the Chatham County Ag Advisory Board, helping advocate for farm preservation. Together, they have woven themselves into the fabric of their community, and that has become one of the most rewarding parts of their journey.

Fidelis Fields Farm is a living example of how purpose, planning, and patience can turn a dream into something lasting. Thanks to the foundation provided by NC Farm School, David and Kristi built not just a farm, but a lifestyle filled with meaning, community, and growth.

If you’re thinking about starting a farm, take it from the Eskelunds: don’t rush—just have a plan, good people, and start with what you have. For tips and resources, sign up for the NC Farm School newsletter.