Gregory Hopkins spent his 11 year military career as a Pararescueman with the Alaskan Air National Guard, accomplishing more than 100 civilian rescues. Greg is a dynamic individual who has excelled in many fields, including teaching soil science at University of Hawaii, wilderness EMT training, and as a firefighter.
In preparation for a career in farming, Greg studied under Bill Mollison, Greg Judy, and Joel Salatin. The study allowed him to develop well thought out, long-term rotational grazing strategies. He manages 265 acres, with a diverse livestock operation of hogs, chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, and ewes. All of the pigs, other than the breeding pair, have been pre-sold in the community, with a waiting list for future litters. He is expanding production to keep up with the demand for raw goat milk and cheese.
Greg is very involved in both the farming and veteran communities. He has opened up his farm to the Veteran Homestead Project, which provides agricultural training and camaraderie to Veterans with PTSD.
In 2015, Greg was awarded a Farming Fellowship, funded by Prairie Grove Farms. The funds made it possible for him to purchase new durable, portable, shade structures and a farrowing hut for his hogs. All Breen Mesa farm products are sold with the Homegrown by Hero label.