Our Story
From wooded acres to working pastures, built by hand since 1978.
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THE FOUNDER
Meet Ted Sanford
The story of Sanford Farm starts with its founder, Ted Sanford.
Ted's path to farming was anything but conventional; from summers spent living off-grid in the woods of Northern California to a maritime career that took him around the world, his life was shaped by independence, resourcefulness, and a willingness to figure things out along the way.
Those experiences would eventually lead him to 70 wooded acres in Exeter, Rhode Island; and the beginning of Sanford Farm.
SANFORD FARM
A Builder at Heart
Ted has always been someone who would rather figure out how to do something himself.
That ingenuity can still be seen throughout Sanford Farm today; in the pastures, buildings, infrastructure, and systems that took shape over decades of work.
There was no finished farm waiting for him in Exeter...
What stands here today was built piece by piece, with a willingness to learn, adapt, and keep going.
Before Sanford Farm
From the Woods to the Water. Ted's path to the fields of Rhode Island began far from the farm. It started with years spent living off-grid in the woods of Northern California, followed by a career at sea that spanned the globe. These early years forged a spirit of independence and a deep understanding of what it takes to live simply and sustainably.
Where It All Began
In 1978, Ted stepped onto 70 wooded acres in Exeter, Rhode Island. There were no pastures, no fences, and no barns. Just stone walls and a vision. Piece by piece, he cleared the land, built the structures by hand, and established a foundation for a different kind of farming—one rooted in self-sufficiency and respect for the natural world.
The Next Generation
Today, the story continues as the next generation takes the reins. While we upgrade our equipment and find new efficiencies, the heart of the farm remains the same as it was in 1978: raising 100% grass-fed beef with honesty and care. We are building on Ted's legacy every day, ensuring Sanford Farm remains a steward of both the land and the herd.
Built from the Ground Up
Much of Sanford Farm was built with the resources available right here on the property. From producing its own power to milling its own lumber, self-sufficiency wasn't simply an idea; it became part of how the farm operated.
