Wallace Homestead Farm

I had ordered bulk beef ,pork and chicken from this farm contracted for delivery, the MAIN draw to this farm for me. I had to complete a customized order for the meat purchase which required an inquiry from Jane, the owner of the farm. I cleared up all questions she had to process the beef and asked for an approximate time for delivery. Jane was able to provide an approximate completion date from the meat processor, and also mentioned that her husband was hospitalized, but failed to mention that this could possibly interfere with the delivery of the order. Two days later Jane emailed me that delivery was no longer an option and that I would have to pick up the order on one specific day because neither she nor the butcher had room to store it to be flexible with another pick up time. Well, picking up the order was not possible for us. This farm is located about 153 miles from us, we have 3 children 5 years old and younger, my husband had to work that day, and we were leaving for vacation the following day. If anyone is unaware, packing up a family of five for any length of time is a job in itself. So I reiterate that pick up was not possible at that time. But Jane tried to be creative for us to pick up, she suggested I ask a neighbor or family member to pick up for us-did I mention it was 153 miles one way? She suggested that I get a sitter for the kids so I could pick up while my husband worked-well my nursing infant would not want me gone that long. Unfortunately, Jane was not creative on her end of the contract. She did not seek out anyone to help her uphold her end of the contract. She could have hired someone to deliver; I could have also helped with this additional cost. Perhaps her family or neighbors, or maybe an employee from the butcher could have made the delivery, she did not exhaust her options, and she never even offered me an incentive to pick up the order. So, I had to cancel the order. This was discouraging to me because grass fed beef farms, especially those that deliver, are not a dime a dozen. I was looking forward to natural, nutritious meats for my family. Jane agreed to mail back my deposit, even though the contract says non-refundable. Why? Because SHE WAS UNABLE TO UPHOLD HER END OF THE CONTRACT. When I had last spoke with Jane she did not mention any details of the timeliness of returning the deposit. So I tried to contact her by phone with no response, then I contacted her by email with no response, so I called again and finally got an email response with the details. I did receive the deposit within the timeframe she gave me, but was surprised to see that SHE WROTE CONDESENDING COMMENTS along with it because we did not pick up the order and inquired so many times about the deposit. I understand and have compassion that her husband was hospitalized at this time. But BUYER BEWARE_ THIS FARM OWNER IS JUST NOT BUSINESS SAVY, SHE LACKS THE ABILITY AND TACT TO DEAL WITH THE PUBLIC APPROPRIATELY.