Dedicated to Education and Sustainability
WEST PLAINS, MO. – Bernie and Miriam Montalvo, 50 and 46, have been homesteading since 2005.
At the time, they lived in Florida, where they first learned the importance of living off the land. It was in 2020, though, that they moved to the Ozarks.
Together with their three children (ranging in ages from 12 to 25), the couple has created Rustic Waters Homestead, an agritourist operation dedicated to education and sustainability.
The farm is a small-scale operation on about 5 acres of land. She pointed out that ensuring the farm reaches its fullest potential takes a lot of careful farm management and rotational grazing.
“We are doing more than just raising food,” Bernie said. “We’re fostering a true connection with the community and the land.”
The Montalvos invite residents to visit their farm, where they can meet the animals and learn firsthand agricultural practices that promote self-sustenance.
“The goal is to get people connected to the food they eat as well as the land it’s grown on,” Miriam said.
Rustic Waters Homestead raises poultry and rabbits and produces a plethora of farm-fresh produce, including garlic, herbs, onions, and garlic. They use these ingredients to create their special Pique, a vinegar-based Puerto Rican hot sauce.
“You can really taste the difference in everything we offer, from our pasture-raised chickens to our farm-fresh pork,” Bernie said.
The Montalvos raise Hereford pigs, known for their status as a heritage breed and high-quality meat.
“We were drawn to them because they are known for being calm and easy to work with,” Miriam said, adding that their breeding practice is natural cover; pigs are selected according to health, temperament, and an ability to thrive in a pasture environment.
Currently, Rustic Waters Homestead has two breeding pairs of Hereford pigs, which are kept in paddocks. Miriam said that in the future, their living space will be expanded by two more acres.
“This new space will be divided into quarter-acre sections,” she said, “rotating every fourteen days to give the pigs access to fresh forage.”
The pigs are offered fermented feed, which has numerous benefits, including improved gut health, nutrient absorption, and stronger immune systems. Miriam stated apple cider vinegar is included in the fermentation process, citing its digestive health-promoting qualities.
They are given Red Cell supplements once monthly to ensure they receive the necessary vitamins and minerals.
Rustic Waters operates on a holistic philosophy, only treating animals when needed.
“We focus on preventative care to keep our herd healthy,” Miriam said. “Our pigs are monitored closely for any signs of illness, and we make sure they have access to clean water and a balanced diet.”
The farm has a flock of 150 Cornish X chickens; their birds weigh, on average, 7.5 pounds prior to butchering and 5.5 after being dressed. The birds are pasture-raised on a mix of clover and fescue, providing opportunities for natural fresh grass foraging. Like the pigs, the poultry is also given fermented feed to promote digestive health.
“For our poultry, we ensure they always have fresh water and feed,” Miriam said. “We raise our chickens to eight or nine weeks before butchering, ensuring they are healthy and at their prime.”
The operation also offers fresh, gluten-free baked goods alongside its meats.
“One of our biggest wins has been growing our farm to the point where we’re now able to provide locally sourced food to hundreds of families,” Miriam said.
“It’s been a rewarding journey, and we’re thankful to have built a loyal customer base and to offer food that families can trust.”
