Blackburn Pioneer Co.
In our fast-paced lives, embracing a natural lifestyle is more important than ever. Making healthy choices not only nurtures our bodies but also enhances our overall well-being. Think fresh, organic produce over processed foods—keeping our diets as close to nature as possible is key to staying healthy. Plus, shopping locally? It’s a game-changer. Supporting local farmers and artisans not only reduces our carbon footprint but also fosters a sense of community.
We connect with the origins of our food and the hands that cultivate it, making each meal a celebration of our local landscape. This mindful approach helps us appreciate the environment and the bounty it offers. Every choice we make, from the farmers’ market to the kitchen to the dinner table, has a profound impact. By living naturally, we’re investing in our health and creating a more sustainable future.
This brings us to the Blackburn Pioneer Company, a shining example of living with intention and respect for nature. Blackburn Pioneer offers a variety of goods from farm-fresh eggs and Old Florida honey to nontoxic surface cleaners and dehydrated sourdough starter. Run by a sixth-generation Blackburn family—Jeff and Bailey Blackburn—this local company embodies the pioneer lifestyle. They embrace self-sufficiency, resilience, and a deep connection to the land, much like their ancestors. Growing their own food and crafting what they need, the Blackburns honor the values of hard work, ingenuity, and sustainability.
The pioneer spirit runs deep here, inspiring us all to live more deliberately and appreciate the simple, essential aspects of life. So, we spoke with Bailey Blackburn about adopting a lifestyle that’s good for us, our community, and our planet.
Why is it important to keep old traditions and practices alive?
The world isn’t getting any safer or healthier. Why is the ingredient list on a loaf of bread so long? Why are we boiling and bleaching all the wholesome nutrients out of God’s most perfect foods? It doesn’t make sense; people are just getting sicker and sicker. It’s all about the dollar, for most big-box companies, and we are losing sight of the true value of the American farmer. These days, everything is created to be “cheaper than the other guy.” Unfortunately, this means toxins, synthetic bioengineered ingredients, and known carcinogens frequenting our homes. In my opinion, our ancestors had it right: cooking with cast iron to avoid flaking Teflon, line drying clothes to get a fresh scent instead of using toxic dryer sheets, raising and processing their own chickens instead of buying chickens made in a lab. Then there’s also “the devil of convenience”: fast food, disposable products, buying “premade” at the grocery store... it’s all taking a toll on our health.
Where do you get your recipes? Did someone teach you how to make these things?
I taught myself. I usually find a recipe or idea online, then I make changes to it until I find what works best for my family.
What’s the best thing that one can do to immediately improve their health or make their home environment less toxic?
Shop local. Ditch big-box stores. Support a local family instead. Whether you’re buying food, clothes, beauty products, or cleaning products, I guarantee that someone local to you is making it with way fewer ingredients than at the store. Other ideas include changing out cookware—or switching out plasticware—for glass or stainless steel.
What does “homesteading” mean to you?
To me, homesteading means living as self-sufficiently as possible. It absolutely does NOT have to be all or nothing. You can homestead in an apartment if you want. Of course, the goal is to be 100% off grid, but if you’re doing the best you can with what you have I say you’re homesteading!
Who gave you your first sourdough starter?
I started my own from scratch. It took me a couple of trial-and-errors but now “Bonnie” has been going strong for almost a year! She has only ever been fed organic unbleached flour and einkorn (an ancient grain).
Where can people buy your products?
Our goods are offered at the Shop Local North Port Market every Saturday at 9:30am and we also have a website: blackburnpioneercompany.com
