Visit CA&J Farm in Mathews. There you will meet Jean Howard who wears many hats: owner, farmer, egg-hatching tender. Herbalist, bookkeeper, master gardener. Beekeeper, drum circle facilitator.

The farm, established in 2017 by Jean and C.A. Howard, offers educational, medicinal and herb sharing “natural wellness to the beat of a drum,” Jean said.

She has managed to stay positive in the face of two huge obstacles in the past year, both thrown at her by Mother Nature: COVID and super-rainy weather.

A native of Alabama, Jean Howard has a background in bookkeeping which helps her carry out her dream of an all-natural farm in symphony with the elements.

She is a high school graduate who took on four years of herbalist training, and now passes on that knowledge to classes in herbs at her farm.

She and C.A. have been married 47 years. She said, “We do this together—along with our ‘Farm-ily!’”

C.A.& J. Farm is located at 5620 East River Road with a postal address of F...