In the heart of Weber County, Faircrest Farms is cultivating more than produce. Led by Farmer Karl and Rita Edeling, the small urban regenerative farm nurtures connection, community, and sustainability through its fields, practices, workshops, and new online presence.

Faircrest Farms began as a local dream to grow healthy food while helping people reconnect with the land, inspired by Karl’s Pennsylvania agricultural heritage. Today, it has blossomed into a vibrant community hub where neighbors can learn, volunteer,  and enjoy fresh, local produce. 

“We like to say we’re more of a family than just a farm,” Karl says. “We grow food, but we also grow people and relationships.”

When Karl and Rita joined Utah State University’s E-Commerce Accelerator (ECA) program, they saw it as an opportunity to reach more customers while keeping their focus on growing food and community. Their new website, faircrestfarms.org, launched this spring and quickly became an essential part of the farm’s success. Since going live, Faircrest Farms has fulfilled hundreds of orders and achieved five-figure online sales, connecting with customers across Utah, and beyond. Nearly one-third of those sales now come through email and text marketing, showing that small farms can thrive when they combine technology with authenticity, and great produce.

“I really do think this is a way to get small farmers like us connecting with customers,” Karl said. “USU’s program has really empowered me to get our farm online. It forces farmers who are super busy to think, I got to sell my product. And they walk you through it in a way that’s doable. I’m really happy that we have a credible presence now.”

Before their online launch, Karl and Rita primarily sold through farmers markets and often filled orders directly from their home. They also built partnerships with restaurants in the Ogden area, recently adding another, providing many with fresh produce picked just hours before delivery. Their website now allows them to manage all these channels more efficiently while understanding customer trends and seasonal demand.

“We have a much better understanding about the dynamics of our customers,” Karl explained. “Who’s ordering, how much, and when. This helps us decide what to plant, when to harvest, and how to prepare for the next season.”

Rita added that the new system has made their workflow and customers experience smoother. "It makes ordering so convenient. Once customers figure it out, they love it. It also helps us when we’re filling orders. We get a clear list, go right to the shelves or cooler, and pull what we need. It’s much more organized and professional.”

At Faircrest Farms, every season brings something new. From crisp salad mixes to bright, flavorful tomatoes, their produce reflects a deep commitment to regenerative practices that build soil health and strengthen community resilience. Beyond the fields, Karl and Rita host workshops, mentorships, and volunteer days that invite others to learn and grow alongside them.

“Dancing with Nature” is Karl’s way of describing the spirit of Faircrest Farms. For him, farming is not just about production, but about rhythm, balance, and working in harmony with the earth. It’s a reflection of how he and Rita approach both their land and their community: with joy, movement, and care.

“We can tell our story much more easily now,” Karl said. “We can share it with a broader audience, and we believe that could really expand our customer base. It’s helping us plan for the future in a sustainable way.”

With support of Utah State University's E-Commerce Accelerator, Karl and Rita found the tools they needed to expand their farm online while staying true to their values. Their journey shows how agricultural producers can combine hard work, technology, and heart to build something that nourishes both people and place, and keeps them dancing with nature.

Visit faircrestfarms.org to learn more about their work, workshops, and fresh local produce.