Meet the Randles
Frank
I grew up in an area north of Birmingham (the closest town was Morris, AL). I earned a B.S. in Entomology from Auburn University in 1973. Before I graduated, I went to work for the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries as the state apiary inspector. I held that position for nine years, during which time Pat and I discovered the farm. We have been blessed beyond anything we deserve and stand on the shoulders of so many great individuals who have gifted us with their encouragement, opportunity, love, enduring support, and belief in us.
Pat
I grew up in Albertville, AL. I earned a B.S. in Nursing from Jacksonville State University. In my senior year at Jacksonville, I came to Auburn to visit a friend who had transfered here. I met Frank and we started dating. A year later we were married and living in Auburn.
Zachary
I was raised on Randle Farms. Through the example, encouragement, and values demonstrated by my parents and brother, I developed a strong work ethic and love for working in harmony with the land. After graduating from Auburn University in 2005 with a B.S. in Horticulture, so began our farm's first year of Community Supported Agriculture. As the soil builds and becomes richer with each passing season, so do our relationships with those we serve.
Ashley
Growing up in Indiana and Kentucky, I developed a love for animals. From horses to parrots, I had them all as pets. I knew I wanted to be a vet from a very young age. After receiving my B.S. in Biology from Western Kentucky University, I graduated from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009. Following graduation, I married Zach and enjoy being a small animal vet, along with getting to take care of the farm animals.
Franklin
At first I didn't want to stay on the farm. I wanted to be a wildlife biologist, which is not entirely removed from the interest that I had in watching things grow since boyhood. However, due to my father having a minor farming accident, I was thrust into the day to day management of the sheep flock. My passion grew beyond day to day management and I saw that I was interested in making it my livelihood. I studied Agronomy and Soils and Agricultural Economics at Auburn University and have a plethora of former professors who will not rest until I complete my degree. I decided to remain on the farm because I enjoy the rewards of the work, which are not necessarily found in a dollar. Additionally, nothing is ever the same; there is always a new challenge.
Anne
I learned a love for watching things grow while working at B&B Nursery in Bolling, AL. I enjoyed the feeling of reaching the end of the day and knowing I had actually done something. I went on to earn a degree in Horticulture and Agronomy and Soils at Auburn University. I began working at the farm in 2008, where I met Franklin, and we are now engaged to be married.