On a warm spring day, Marvin Frink greets his cattle with a warm smile and a proud hello. He stands at the fence line in his cowboy hat marveling at the business that ultimately saved his life. After a couple of minutes observing the cattle’s behavior, he begins to head towards the barn to feed his cows. “My day begins by just being grateful for my family and the land that I have acquired” explains Marvin.

Marvin dedicated 29 years of his life to serving his country in the special operations unit as a Anti-Terriorsim Specialist in the military. After retiring, and returning to his home in South Florida, Marvin’s father noticed something different about him. He noticed that Marvin was suffering from PTSD (post-traumatic stress) and had high levels of anxiety that caused him nightmares and depressive episodes. Marvin’s father suggested that he try farming in order to manage his symptoms and take control of his mental health. Marvin was skeptical at first, because he didn’t know a lot about farming. Marvin knew how to research and follow directions plus with Southern heritage in his blood, he turned his insecurities into passion.

The Frinks also give back to their community by hosting a mental health wellness day for veteran farmers. In its 3rd year, the Day of Healing creates a space for farmers who are dealing with PTSD to come and receive support from their peers. This annual event is sponsored by F.A.R.M (Feeding America Real Meat a 501 non-profit) association and by Nature for Justice: The Soil Inventory Project. Briarwood continues to be a beacon of light for the underserved and marginalized communities. Briarwood Cattle Farm continues to push boundaries by setting the example and being at the forefront of agricultural liberation.
To lean more about Briarwood Cattle Farm LLC, please visit www.briarwoodcattlefarm.com

Written with Marvin Frink of Briarwood Cattle Farm