By Paige Gurgainers
Tucked away in rural Webster Parish, MooreHill Farm and Garden, LLC may be small in size, but its mission reaches far beyond the rows of vegetables growing in its fields.
Owned and operated by Derek Moore, the Heflin-based farm is a small-scale diversified operation dedicated to producing fresh, locally grown vegetables, microgreens and specialty crops for families and businesses throughout the region. But for Moore, farming isn’t simply about what ends up on someone’s dinner plate.
“Farming is more than just growing vegetables,” Moore said. “It’s about building relationships, strengthening our community and providing families with fresh, healthy food they can trust.”
That commitment to community is evident in everything the farm does. MooreHill Farm and Garden supplies produce directly to consumers through local farmers markets and partners with area restaurants, helping chefs source ingredients that are fresh, seasonal and grown close to home.
For Moore, every purchase made at a local farm carries significance.
“When people buy local, they’re investing in their neighbors, supporting the local economy and helping preserve agriculture for future generations,” he said.
Moore’s farming journey has been shaped by determination, perseverance and a genuine desire to serve others. Like many small farmers, he has experienced both challenges and triumphs along the way, yet his commitment to strengthening local food systems has never wavered.
“I believe everyone deserves access to fresh, nutritious food and I’m proud to play a small part in making that happen here in our community,” he said.
Beyond food production, MooreHill Farm and Garden has become an advocate for agricultural education. Moore regularly hosts workshops, participates in community events and works to inspire others to learn more about farming and the importance of supporting local agriculture.
He hopes those efforts, particularly with younger generations, help cultivate a renewed appreciation for the industry. “I want people, especially young people, to see that agriculture is still important and that there is a future in farming,” Moore said.
At the heart of his work is a belief that small farms still have an essential place in today’s food system. “My goal has always been to show that small farms matter,” he said. “We may be small in size, but we can make a big impact.”
That impact is perhaps most visible on market days, when customers take home produce that was often harvested just hours earlier. “There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone enjoy food that was harvested just hours before they purchased it,” Moore said.
And at MooreHill Farm and Garden, that commitment continues to grow – one row, one harvest and one relationship at a time. You will find them set up every month at the Minden Farmers Market. You can also visit their website and socials for updates on upcoming harvests, other market participation and sell-out posts: Moorehillgarden.com
