Swift Level Farms is a 200 acre farm in Lewisburg, West Virginia run by Jennifer "Tootie" Jones. In 1994, Tootie began the journey of converting the property to raise grass fed beef, a process that is more expensive and time intensive (about 6-8 months longer) than conventional beef. The result is a leaner product that is healthier for people and the environment.

When people tell me they can't afford grass feed beef, I tell them you can't afford not to. To understand Tootie and what drives her you must understand her roles which are many: mother, daughter, widower, shepherd, rider, steward, policymaker and the list goes on.

Rainbows appeared after a brief but much needed rain. Much of West Virginia is a drought.

Tootie checks on the grass and decomposition of a cow pie which are vital for the health of the grass, insects, soil, and microbial life. "Since we moved here in 1994, we have never applied any fertilizer to this land besides what’s come out of the backend of an animal."

Tootie, her daughter Rece Nester, and granddaughter Adelyn in the horse barn. "Riding is part of the fabric of who we are. it’s good therapy, it’s really healthy and it’s what keeps us happy. There’s nothing quite like it."

The herd is moved to new pasture. There is always one steer that the herd follows. “He’s invaluable because they all follow him and it’s almost always the biggest one.”

It takes time for new calves to learn the rhythm of the herd. Tootie gently guides this one in the right direction. “We don’t chase anything, they follow. My cousin once told me that’s the difference between a shepherd and a herder.”

Sawyer, a new puppy on the farm.

James Tuckwiller is a ninth generation farmer but like so many young Americans had to decide whether to continue the family tradition or pursue a different career. "For me personally [Lewisburg] is a great location for raising my future children and living in a tight-knit community. My family is number one and being there for each other is what family farms are all about."

Inside the horse barn.

Tootie cleans up the barn as Ouida looks on.

Inside the Main House built in 1827. It is a National Historic Landmark.

Inside the Main House built in 1827.

Nils Tmmerman inside the storage barn. He emigrated from Germany to marry his West Virginian fiancé and helps out at Swift Level to keep busy. "Girls will make you do crazy things."

Freezers are filled with packaged meat by cut. Tootie pointed a steak to me and said "that's Otis." She often becomes attached to certain steers.

Tootie's son, Everett O'Flaherty also works on the farm. “When Everett was little he was not a big fan of wearing clothes. I can’t tell you how many times I would walk in and he would be buck naked in the barn or in the backyard building fires.”

Rece's husband Will, a deputy sheriff, is a common site on the farm helping out when he is off duty.

Adelyn is always ready to ride.

Rece, Will and Adelyn live down the road and have begun to operate their own farm, Red Tail Ridge, specializing in pork.

New pigs are introduced to Red Tail Ridge for the first time.

The pigs meet their new roommate.

Rece enjoying a quiet moment.

Rece with Adelyn on her back, exit the barn after a long day.