Guardians Farm: A Story of Growth, Community, and Education

Article by Stacey Stearns

David Buck and Tamra French began their farming journey in 2014 with chickens and a vegetable garden at their home in Naugatuck. The following year, they added goats and began making homemade soaps and lotions. “We really started making everything for ourselves, and it snowballed from there,” David shared. In 2020, they moved to their current Southbury property and fully committed to farming when David retired from the Meriden police force; Tamra is still a full-time police officer and an integral part of the farm.

Guardians Farm is situated on land with a rich agricultural history—its main barn dates to 1850, with silos added in 1910. “We had intentions of building a dairy, but it was more for goats and because people were asking for dairy products,” Tamra says. Farm friends moving to Georgia offered them two heifers, former 4-H project animals, one of which was bred. When the first calf was born in 2020, their dairy focus shifted to cows.

The pandemic presented challenges, including supply chain delays that postponed the arrival of their pasteurizer and bulk tank by eighteen months. However, they persisted, and in August 2024, Guardians Farm obtained its dairy license. “Having the cows first lit the fire – they were costing money,” David said. Now, they produce whole milk, chocolate milk, butter, and farmer cheese, with a vision to expand both their dairy production and agritourism efforts.

Agritourism and Community Engagement

Guardians Farm is more than just a dairy; it’s a place where people connect with agriculture. David and Tamra open their barnyard to visitors, offering hands-on experiences such as calf social time, which has been a huge success. “It creates a connection between people, the farm, and the cows. They know the cows producing their milk, and it gives them a reason to support their local farm,” David mentions.

Agritourism also extends to their on-site market, where they aim to stock products from other local farms, including chicken and duck eggs; they plan to add beef and pork products in the future. The farm’s growth strategy includes balancing customer demand and production, ensuring they always have enough milk for farm visitors while maintaining small wholesale accounts.

David and Tamra’s dedication to agriculture education led them to establish a 4-H club in 2021. “A couple of kids from Nonnewaug High School were working with us and wanted to show cows, so we started a 4-H club,” Tamra says. They created Dirt Road Dairy Farmers 4-H Club next, focusing on dairy projects, despite having no prior experience in 4-H or showing cows. “Every time we bring the kids to UConn 4-H Dairy and Beef Day, a dairy judging clinic, or anywhere else, we’re learning ourselves.” In April 2025, David was recognized as the National 4-H Volunteer of the Year for his outstanding contributions to the program. One UConn 4-H member stated, “David is a true role model. A veteran, first-generation farmer, entrepreneur, and police officer, he brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to everything he does. His leadership is not just about what he teaches us, but also about the way he lives his life. He demonstrates hard work, integrity, and responsibility every day. His willingness to sacrifice his own time and energy for the betterment of the 4-H club shows the depth of his commitment to us. He has truly shaped his 4- Hers into better individuals, not only in terms of farming but also in how we approach life with dedication and kindness.”

The commitment David and Tamra have to youth development extends beyond UConn 4-H. They purchased embryos, and the kids showing the animals were there when the calves were born. “We love what kids get out of it and how passionate they are,” David adds. Their efforts are inspiring the next generation of farmers by showing them alternative paths into dairy farming.

Local Food System Support

David had a 22-year career with the U.S. Coast Guard before serving and retiring from the Meriden police department, and he found a strong support system among veteran farmers. “Homegrown Heroes – that’s my support system. I have a lot of people in the state now who I can count on and reach out to if I need something.” The farm hosted a Homegrown By Heroes farmers market in July of 2024 that became their busiest sales day ever. “Veterans are all very driven people, so when you buy from a veteran farmer, you get a superior product. During times of disaster, it’s also a group you can lean on because we’ve all been through stuff and can think through it differently.”

David and Tamra are passionate about educating the public on the importance of local food systems. Recently, they’ve noticed a growing interest in food sourcing. “People ask a lot about the cows’ diet. Social media has brought so much attention to highly processed foods, prompting people to ask more questions,” Tamra says. Local food systems provide infrastructure for our collective food security and the nutritious, high-quality products that support community health, both human and environmental.

To foster this awareness, Guardians Farm launched an Adopt a Calf program with local elementary schools. Their foster children’s school was the first participant, and the program now spans multiple towns. “We worked with the librarian and came up with a program – we had a Brown Swiss calf named Fearless was born in August of 2024, and the kids get weekly updates through videos their teachers can show.” This initiative has sparked interest among parents, leading them to ask how their kids can join UConn 4-H as well.

Looking Ahead

Guardians Farm continues to blend dairy production, education, and community engagement. “Whether it’s dairy or a different project, it may lead to more UConn 4-H members over time. Educating people so they learn what the process is and what goes into food production benefits everyone, even if they don’t get into agriculture,” Dave concludes. Through their dedication to sustainable farming, youth engagement, and veteran support, David and Tamra Buck are shaping the future of agriculture in Connecticut.

Connecticut souvenirs, Connecticut tee shirts, connecticut apparel • Finding Connecticut — shop.findingconnecticut.com

Don’t Miss

• Barry Bostwick celebrates 50th anniversary of ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ with national tour, including stop at Warner Theatre in Torrington
• Sift Bake Shop and A.T.Y Bar & Bonbons opens at Mohegan Sun
• Little Big Town brings their Summer Tour ’25 to Bridgeport

•••• Message center – Connecticut savings and messages from our sponsors •••••••

Connecticut Merch

If you’re from Connecticut or just love it, then you’ve come to the right place. Show your state pride with our assortment of unique Connecticut merchandise.

Our popular collections 203 • Two o’ Three • 860 • Eight Six O’ • I Really Really Miss Connecticut • Just a kid from Connecticut • Love & Live • Connecticut Fall

We also have merch by town, not all towns are available yet. You can always contact us and we can order the design you are looking for.

Save 10% on all products with promo code Post10. Always free shipping

AMG Catering & Events Spring Cooking Schedule

5/14 – Spring Sauce Class – Click here for more information
5/21 – Hibachi / Blackstone Class — Click here for more information

Matt Berninger of The National to Perform at District Music Hall on June 1

Matt Berninger, the distinctive baritone voice behind Grammy-winning indie rock band The National, is set to perform at District Music Hall in Norwalk, Connecticut, on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. This concert is part of his solo tour supporting his upcoming album, Get Sunk, which is scheduled for release on May 30. Known for his introspective lyrics and emotive performances, Berninger’s solo work continues to explore themes of vulnerability and human connection. Click here to purchase tickets.

Gourmet Cookies

Indulge in Keksi gourmet cookies, featuring classic flavors such as chocolate chip and snickerdoodle, as well as new monthly creations. Made with the highest quality ingredients, each bite is a delicious treat. Perfect for any cookie lover!

Movie showtimes at Prospector Theater

Looking to see a movie. Click here for showtimes

Save on CBD!

My name is Jillian, and I am the editor here at Finding Connecticut. When I came across New England Hemp Farm a few years ago, I had recently had my ankle fused. New England Hemp Farm’s Sports Relief Rub and 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil have helped with everyday and weather pain.

Finding quality products that can improve your day-to-day life can be tough, but with New England Hemp Farm, getting a good night’s sleep or relieving your pain and anxiety has never been easier. Plus, using our code Findingconnecticut35, you’ll save 35% on your first purchase. And don’t forget, returning customers can use code Findingconnecticut20 to save 20% on orders. Let us help you find relief and savings with New England Hemp Farm.

Products we use here at Finding Connecticut include Sports Relief Rub • 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil • Pet Drops • Pet Treats

Let’s create with Victory Designs

Need help with your creative needs? Our team has 20+ years of experience with Adobe, Shopify, and WordPress, and we offer affordable graphic design and web services. Let Victory Designs assist you with bringing your ideas to life.

Connecticut business owners:
Are you a local business owner in Connecticut looking to boost your visibility and reach more customers? Look no further! Our platform provides a unique opportunity to showcase your business to an engaged audience of people who love and live in Connecticut. By partnering with us, you can reach potential customers who are actively seeking things to do, places to dine, and local merchants and service providers to support. Don’t miss out on this chance to grow your business and connect with the local community!

Connecticut with us!

Stay informed with daily news directly in your inbox! Our service is completely free, and we guarantee your privacy – your email and information will never be shared, traded, or sold.

Stay connected with us on social media
Facebook • Instagram • Threads • Tiktok • X • Newsbreak • Bluesky
Join our Reddit community

Share your Connecticut experiences with us by using #findingconnecticut on Instagram

Click here to return to Finding Connecticut’s home page

Don’t miss our reviews

Concert reviews • Restaurant reviews • Family restaurant reviews

Looking for the latest news by region, topic, and events

Foxwoods Resort Casino announces May Entertainment Lineup

ICYMI: Our top 5 visited stories of the week

Guardians Farm: A Story of Growth, Community, and Education