Becca and Joey Hilby manage Joey’s grandmother’s farm in Hazel Green, which has been in the family for generations. While it carries a rich history, the couple considers themselves first-generation farmers because they are blazing their own trail by introducing new practices, livestock and products to the farm. Becca and Joey moved to the farm in 2025 and started making it their own. They raise corn, soybeans, hay, and a diverse array of livestock including steers, pigs, chickens, and goats.
At Hilby Family Farm, sustainability means ensuring the land, animals, and farm structures remain healthy for the next generation. Joey has begun experimenting with no-till farming to improve soil health and reduce erosion. These practices, alongside gradual improvements to farm infrastructure as finances allow, demonstrate their commitment to responsible farming.
“If the kids choose to take over, we want to make sure we are giving them the best chance possible for success,” Becca shares.
Becca has found innovative ways to reduce waste. Her latest venture involves turning beef tallow—a byproduct of cattle processing that often goes unused—into handmade candles.
“I realized how much beef tallow goes to waste from an animal, so I discovered that you can make candles with it,” Becca says. “It’s a creative outlet and a way to use every part of our beef.”
The farm’s slow and steady growth has allowed the Hilbys to experiment with practices that fit their unique operation while setting up a sustainable business model for their children.
In addition to caring for livestock, Becca manages marketing, maintains the farm’s website and sells products at farmers markets. Using technology like Square Space streamlines the customer experience, enabling flexible payment options and real-time inventory updates.
Becca’s goal is to create a farmstand to invite the community to shop directly on the farm. A farmstand would provide an accessible space for the community to buy local goods while inviting them to experience life on the farm.
“I think one of the biggest challenges for people to shop local is they don’t always know where to go to do that,” she explains.
For the Hilbys, farming is a family effort. 
Their children are involved in daily chores, from feeding calves to helping work cattle.
“It’s a great place to raise our kids, and we hope that they love it as much as we do,” Becca says.
Their commitment to sharing the farming lifestyle extends beyond the farm. Becca has been sharing her story online for 15 years. Through Instagram (@beccahilby), she connects with an audience passionate about agriculture and rural life.
“Farming can be isolating, and while social media can’t replace real-life connections, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people and others going through the same things as you,” she shares.
Despite the challenges of balancing full-time jobs off the farm, parenting and farm work, Becca and Joey remain committed to their long-term goals. By taking it slow and focusing on one project at a time, they are building a farm that is financially and environmentally sustainable.
Leaders of the Land® is Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s brand for sharing sustainability stories. Monthly profiles highlight farmers across Wisconsin working hard to meet their environmental, social and economic goals.
Leave a Reply