FOR OVER 35 years, the Bills family has been a cornerstone of the community, not only raising top-quality Angus cattle but also creating a deep connection between farm and table. Their journey begins in 1985 with Margaret and Stephen Bills, affectionately known as “Doc,” who began raising cattle with a foundation on creating sustainable practices and providing wholesome beef to their neighbors. Their passion for agriculture was clear in everything they did, from maintaining their land to nurturing their prized Angus herd, focusing on top-of-the-line genetics.
Today, the legacy continues with Collin Bills and his wife, Kristin Bills. Growing up watching his father raise cattle, Collin developed a deep appreciation for the art himself.
Kristin, with her warm personality and knack for connecting with people, and Collin, with his entrepreneurial mind, shared the vision of selling beef and creating a space that celebrated local bounty.
This vision materialized in the form of the Farmington Local Market — a charming brick-and-mortar store that opened its doors near the farm on 790 Kings Lane in Tullahoma. The farm has always been committed to sustainable practices and providing healthy, delicious beef to the community.
“We were part of the local market for half a year. My dad and I have full-time jobs. My wife has a full-time job as a mom, and trying to do that on a weekly basis was tough. So, the idea of having a brick-and-mortar store was something that I had seen in another state and wanted to do more of that with our farm. COVID really pushed us in that direction,” Collin explained.
As you step through the entrance, you’ll feel Mikki’s warm embrace. Mikki is a dedicated team member who exudes the store’s friendly and knowledgeable atmosphere. But the Farmington Local Market is not just another butcher shop. It’s a one-stop shop for locally sourced goods.
“We wanted to be more accessible. But for local customers, knowing where their food comes from, is a — has huge value,” Collin emphasized. “So much of the beef that we eat in our grocery store is from international sources, or it’s a mixed product with both national sources and international sources.”
Customers can find everything from pork and chicken to milk, garden products, and even prepared goods from local artisans. Local honey glistens next to jars of homemade jams, and the air permeates with the sweet creamery scent of locally produced cheese.
He continued, “For my wife, there has been such a desire to not just have our beef at the store but have a store that supplies more accessibility for any number of other local markets. It has things that people have made. It has things that people have cooked. We just supply a space for it to be sold. I think the store is a great place to see any number of local products.”
The Bills family maintains a strong relationship with the county extension program, constantly seeking ways to improve their sustainable farming practices. Practicing rotational grazing ensures healthy pastures and top-notch soil quality, while their focus on erosion prevention protects the land for generations to come.
Respect for the land and animals is evident at every step of the process. Farmington Angus cattle are free to roam on lush pastures, enjoying a diet of fresh grasses and natural supplements. This not only translates to a healthier animal but also delivers a richer, more flavorful beef experience for the customer.
“You have no idea where your beef comes from, or how it was treated, or what went into it to get it to your table. From our store, we wanted to supply people with beef that they know is grown here locally and treated fairly. That’s been a huge part of what we do and why we do it.”
Ever since opening the store, Collin and his family have enjoyed experimenting with cooking various types of meats, with Texas favorites being among their top choices.
“Since I’ve opened the store, I’ve cooked things like a brisket. I never grew up eating brisket. I’m not from Texas, but brisket is really good to eat if you know how to cook it. There’s some really good roasts to be had, too.”
Farmington Local Market is a unique place for those seeking a delicious meal and a connection to the land and the people who nourish them. So, the next time you’re in Tullahoma, take a trip to Farmington Local Market and experience the taste of true farm-to-table goodness. GN
