NEWS & PRESS

Ever wonder who’s wrangling goats and growing good things at Two Step Farm? As our on-site Farm Manager, James is helping bring one of the community’s most distinctive amenities to life. We sat down with him to talk goats, gardens and why building a community around nature feels like the right kind of work.

Where Farmer James steps in

Q: How would you describe your role at Two Step Farm?

A: I’m the on-site farm manager, which means I’m working with the goats every day and getting the barn and pasture systems set up and running. A big part of my role right now is socializing the goats — getting them comfortable with people, touch and interaction — especially because we have a new herd arriving in the next few weeks.

I’m also overseeing the garden areas. We’ve got 12 showcase garden beds focused on vegetables and companion planting, and we’ll slowly phase in ways for residents to get involved — from helping harvest to taking things home. Down the road, we may even add more garden spaces as the community grows.

Q: What does a typical day look like for you here?

A: There really isn’t a set schedule, it’s whatever the day demands. Mornings usually start with feeding the goats brush supplemented with hay, followed by treats and training time. They’re still getting used to people, so a lot of my time is spent helping them feel comfortable and safe around humans.

Then there’s garden work: pruning, watering, keeping an eye out for pests and maintaining the spaces. Between the two pasture areas and the garden, there’s always something that needs attention. Once residents are here, I’ll also be doing more showcasing and education, helping people understand what’s happening on the farm and how they can be part of it.

Why Two Step Farm feels different

What excited James most about Two Step Farm was the goats. (Obviously.) “The job title Goat Farm Manager kind of sealed the deal,” he laughs. But once he dug deeper, he realized this community was doing something rare.

Instead of clearing out nature to make room for homes, Two Step Farm is turning nature and animal interaction into amenities. It’s a place where farming isn’t hidden away — it’s celebrated. And for James, that makes all the difference.

Community experiences, farm-style

Q: How will residents be able to engage with you and the farm?

A: I’m out in the pasture most days, so people can stop by, ask questions and get to know the goats. We’re planning things like coffee-with-the-farmer conversations, hands-on learning moments and working with the community team on events.

We’ve already welcomed our first baby goat and would love to have more in the future, which will give us the chance to fully socialize them from the start. We’re also exploring ideas like goat hikes, where everyone gets a goat to walk along with. 

Q: What kinds of interactions do people seem most excited about?

A: Honestly, just the fact that the goats are here. People who aren’t even buying homes yet come back again and again just to see them. Kids will be playing on the playground and wander over to ask about the goats. And everyone’s excited for more baby goats — me included.

The Farmer James behind the boots

When the day winds down, James trades farm life for family time. He loves hanging out outside with his two-year-old son, playing guitar or unwinding with video games. He’ll also admit it’s hard to have a bad day when goats are part of your job, though Epsom salt baths still come in handy.

Q: What’s a fun fact residents might be surprised to learn about you?

A: I breed snakes in my free time — big ones. I focus on native Texas species, especially Western Hognose snakes. I also track frogs and keep an eye on wildlife coming back to the Two Step Farm property. We’re already starting to see deer return, which is pretty exciting.

Looking ahead at Two Step Farm

Q: What are you most excited for residents to experience in the next year?

A: Getting to really interact with the goats — goats that are socialized, comfortable and happy being hugged and played with. That kind of connection sticks with people.

I’m also excited to see the gardens evolve. Because of sun limitations, we’re starting with leafy greens and herbs, but in spring and summer we’ll introduce smaller fruits and vegetables. Watching people learn where their food comes from and take part in that process is what it’s all about.

 

With Farmer James tending the land and the goats settling into their roles, Two Step Farm’s agricultural heart is already beating strong. And as residents arrive, that connection between people, animals and the land is only going to grow — one goat, one garden bed and one good conversation at a time.