Hobby farm brings joy to community members
Story by: Jill Smith
Photos provided by Nikki Rhein
Agriculture runs deep for Nikki Rhein. Raised on a small pecan farm in Belleville, Illinois, Rhien wanted to pursue a career in agriculture. Currently an extension agent in Marshall County, Rhein has an 11-acre farm in Murray- a labor of love that started during the pandemic.
“COVID was such a doom and gloom thing, and I thought people – even if I did it for one summer – I thought people might really enjoy seeing some pretty flowers,” Rhein said. “They’re not seeing people but they could come to the house and get some flowers. That whole summer was pretty sad, so I thought flowers might brighten everyone’s day and make them happier.”
This year has exceeded her expectations.
“I figured out that I could do the Zinnia Bar and the Build Your Own Bouquet – that’s why I’m wanting to dive in a little deeper because that works so well,” Rhein said. “I don’t have to stay up all night making arrangements, and people love doing [bouquets]. It actually ended up being more profitable than making arrangements because I can only stay up so long.”
She grows dill, sunflowers, amaranth, 14 varieties of zinnias, larkspur, bupleurum and more.
Rhein’s farm began as a small flower operation, but has expanded to include vegetables when she has time. She grows tomatoes and peppers and when time allows, garlic, cucumbers, zucchini and squash.
As a way to share her produce with the community, Rhein runs a farm stand outside her property. She said people have enjoyed the convenience of having local produce near them.
“I had extra produce and I had a little building, so why not?” Rhein said. “I put it up, lifted it up, put it on skids and just dragged it over to the road and put a farmstand sign on it.”
She is also going back to her family roots and is starting her own pecan farm, just like her family in Illinois.
Currently, pecan trees are planted on eight and a half acres. Rhein said once the trees begin producing, she will spend most of the fall season harvesting.
“I do see the flowers growing for a couple more years, and then I’ll probably kind of get maxed out on what I can handle,” Rhein said. “Then my trees will start rocking and rolling and I’m gonna be busy. There’s definitely a limit and I don’t foresee myself purchasing more land anytime soon.”
Rhein sets up her ‘Build Your Own Bouquet Table’ at the Murray Farmers Market and Marshall County Farmers Market.
Rhein said she finds her hobby farm fulfilling and enjoys making people’s days.
“I do like when I get to donate flowers because that’s very rewarding, and I started donating some flowers to nursing homes,” Rhein said. “Being outside, day to day, getting to work outside with my hands, I love it. When you love what you’re doing, it’s not work.”