A Gilbert farm that saw rapid growth during the COVID-19 pandemic is now facing mounting challenges, as rising costs, drought conditions, and development pressures threaten its future.
Scott Heartquist started Heartquist Hollow Farm in 2018 as a small homestead operation with just a handful of animals. When the pandemic hit, demand for locally sourced food surged dramatically. Heartquist said they sold what would normally be six months’ worth of meat in just three weeks, which made him realize the operation had the potential to become a full-scale business.
Since then, the farm has expanded significantly into a larger ranch operation, raising beef, sheep, pigs, and chickens. It has also grown to include its own USDA processing facility located in Winkelman, Arizona, allowing the business to handle more of its production internally.
Even with strong customer demand still in place, the farm is now dealing with a number of ongoing challenges. Heartquist says the cost of livestock and feed has risen sharply, making it more expensive to maintain operations. At the same time, drought conditions have made things even more difficult by reducing the availability of natural grazing land.
With little rainfall, pasture grass dries up quickly, forcing farmers to rely on purchasing hay and other feed to keep their animals nourished. This added expense has become a major burden as conditions continue to remain dry.
Fuel costs are another major issue. Diesel, which is essential for running trucks, transporting animals, and operating equipment, has become one of the farm’s largest expenses. Heartquist said the farm spent around $130,000 on diesel in the previous year alone. He explained that even a single truck can cost hundreds of dollars to run over just a few days, and with multiple vehicles in use regularly, those costs add up quickly.
Beyond operational expenses, the rapid growth of Gilbert itself is creating additional challenges. Heartquist described the city’s expansion as a double-edged sword. While population growth brings more customers interested in local food, it also pushes agricultural land farther out and makes it harder to maintain a farm within the area.
As more people express interest in supporting local farms, Heartquist emphasized that there is a tradeoff. He explained that building a strong local food system does not necessarily mean lower prices, but rather access to higher-quality, more nutritious food produced closer to home.
The situation facing Heartquist Hollow Farm reflects broader concerns about whether small, local farms can continue to survive in the East Valley under increasing economic and environmental pressures.
Source: ABC15 Phoenix
