Rooted in Purpose

Through regenerative farming, we restore soil health, capture carbon, and grow nutrient-dense produce that supports the health of both people and planet.

Regenerative Farming

Native plantings, compost, cover crops, and pollinator-friendly habitats work together to increase biodiversity, organic matter, and resilience.

By minimizing tillage, keeping living roots in the ground year-round, and thoughtfully selecting diverse crops, we move carbon from the air into the soil while improving the land’s ability to absorb and retain water.

A woman kneeling in a field tending to green plants with purple flowers, using a drip irrigation system on a sunny day.

Our Investment in a Sustainable Future

Our commitment extends beyond our fields — we’re supporting the next generation of farmers by dedicating a portion of our land for young farmers to learn and grow their own regenerative agriculture business.

Our Farm Team

  • Woman smiling in a garden

    Lea Scott

    FARM DIRECTOR

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    Lea moved to Austin in 2014 and spent five years as Farm Director at Urban Roots. Her work in agriculture has centered on food access, community building, and regenerative land stewardship through educational farms, cooperatives, and community gardens.

    She believes in a systems-based approach to caring for the land, with a focus on soil health, biodiversity, and growing nutrient-dense food that supports both people and the environment.

  • Smiling woman in denim shirt standing outdoors in a wooded area.

    Frankie Bayne

    FARM MANAGER

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    With a passion for nutrient-dense food and Texas organic agriculture, Frankie has worked on farms and in nurseries across Hays and Caldwell County since 2013. She previously served as Operations Manager for the Texas Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association and as President of the Central Texas Farmers Co-op.

    Frankie brings years of hands-on farming experience, community leadership, and a deep commitment to regenerative agriculture and local food systems.

  • Young man smiling outdoors in a garden

    Philo Toprac

    FARM ASSISTANT

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    Philo Toprac holds degrees in Neuroscience and Plan II Honors from the University of Texas. After transitioning from academic and social service work into farming, Philo found a strong connection to hands-on regenerative agriculture and community-centered food systems.

    With experience on organic farms across the Texas Hill Country, Philo brings adaptability, care, and a deep commitment to Hope Full Farm’s mission and daily farm operations.

  • A woman smiling in front of a colorful floral backdrop with pink, red, purple, and green flowers.

    Christine Messina

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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    Christine’s background spans marketing, sponsorships, corporate philanthropy, and event management with Fortune 100 companies before transitioning into nonprofit leadership and development work focused on children and families.

    She founded Hope Full Farm with the belief that all children deserve access to nutritious food, education, and opportunity, and remains deeply committed to building a more equitable and sustainable food system.

  • A young woman with wavy brown hair wearing a blue plaid shirt with trees and a grassy landscape in the background.

    Mary Genova

    MARKETING AND PROGRAMS DIRECTOR

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    With a background in natural sciences and communications, Mary is passionate about connecting people to Hope Full Farm’s mission through thoughtful storytelling, partnerships, and community engagement. Her interest in sustainability and climate issues grew while studying Marine Science and Geology at The University of Alabama.

    Mary also remains actively involved in local community initiatives and volunteer work throughout Central Texas.

Art on the Farm

Designing, developing, and maintaining a regenerative farm on a former cattle ranch is a creative and passionate endeavor for everyone involved.  We celebrate artistic vision of all kinds through two art installations onsite.

A mosaic table with sundial and a metal sculpture of a globe on a landscaped lawn with grass, rocks, and flower beds.

Syzygy

Leah Shirley; Permanent Flower Studio

Syzygy captures the essence of celestial alignment and the personal metamorphosis of its creator.  At its heart lies a mosaic butterfly, representing the promise of rebirth amidst transformation. As viewers reflect upon their own evolution in the mirrored surface, Syzygy serves as a cosmic clock, marking the passage of celestial cycles and offering perspective on our place within the universe and the transformative power of alignment and hope.

I made Syzygy to honor a time of deep, personal change in my life, where I felt like I was emerging from a cocoon with new wings. I hope this sculpture can serve as a mirror to the cycles of growth, transformation and rebirth that will unfold at Hope Full Farm for years to come.

— Leah Shirley

Large wooden structure with a circular geometric art design painted on it, featuring yellow, white, and light blue colors in a star pattern.

Hill Country Star

Hill Country Star pays homage to the tradition of the barn star in Dutch Pennsylvania and one of the leading barn star painters of the 20th century, Milton P. Hill.  Originating as protective symbols on barns, these stars were created to ward off evil and bring good luck to the farmer and land.

First painted in 1902, the Hill Star, conceived by Hill at age 15, features an elaborate 8-point star with concentric circles in a color gradient. Inspired by this legacy, the Hope Full Farm team created the Hill Country Star consisting of a yellow and white 8-point star on a blue background, encircled by white and yellow rings, and serves as a compass for the farm's journey. Blue symbolizes water for abundant crops, while yellow embodies gratitude for sunshine and goodwill. White represents positive energy, fostering prosperity for Hope Full Farm.