Karl Krebs Karl Krebs

Welcome to Myth & Oak

Welcome to Myth & Oak, our sustainable farmstead in Stem, North Carolina. In this first blog post, we share how our journey began—two people and nine acres dreaming of something more. With a focus on ethical animal care, agroforestry, and gluten-free crops, we’re building a small sanctuary rooted in stewardship, community, and joy. From forest trails to pig rescues, we invite you to follow along as we grow something meaningful here in Granville County.

Hi friends — we’re Karl and Brittany, and we’re so excited to welcome you to Myth & Oak, our small but mighty farmstead in the heart of Stem, North Carolina.

What started as a simple dream—to live with more intention, closer to animals, dirt, and each other—has grown into a bold vision: a place where land, community, and care come together in meaningful ways.

We’ve put down roots on just over 9 partially wooded acres with rolling pastures, wildlife trails, and wild edges full of potential. The moment we first walked the land, we knew this was more than a place to grow food. It’s a place to grow stories.

Why “Myth & Oak”?

For us, myth represents the stories we carry and create—about ourselves, the land, and what’s possible. Oak is a symbol of strength, wisdom, and deep roots (plus, we’ve got some mighty oaks right here on the property).

Together, the name reminds us that farming isn’t just about crops or animals—it’s about relationships, stewardship, and choosing to care. Nature was here long before us. We’re not here to conquer it—we’re here to listen, to learn, and to help it thrive.

What We’re Building

Our vision is still evolving, but it’s anchored in a few guiding values:

  • Ethical animal care, with plans for a small sanctuary where animals live safely and with dignity.

  • Agroforestry and sustainable growing, including native plants, mushrooms, and naturally gluten-free crops.

  • Education and community, from trail-building and workshops to hands-on volunteering and seasonal events.

  • Accessibility and joy, creating space for everyone—especially those historically excluded from land-based healing and connection.

We’re starting small: fencing pastures, restoring the pond, prepping garden beds. But with each step, we’re building something rooted in care, story, and purpose.

We’ll be sharing our journey as we build Myth & Oak from the ground up—one fence post, seedling, and sunrise at a time.

Follow us on Instagram, share our posts with friends, or reach out if you’d like to volunteer or donate materials. There’s lots ahead—blueberry plans, pig rescues, and forest trail magic.

Thanks for being here at the start.

With love,

Karl & Brittany

Myth & Oak

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Karl Krebs Karl Krebs

Investing in Local Roots: Brittany Completes the Small Farm Bootcamp

It all begins with an idea.

At Myth and Oak Farm, we believe that good farming isn’t just about putting seeds in the dirt—it’s about stewardship, science, and community. That’s why we are so excited to share that Brittany has officially completed the 2026 Small Farm Bootcamp through the N.C. Cooperative Extension!

Located right here in the heart of Southern Granville, our farm is dedicated to bringing the best of local agriculture to our neighbors in Stem and Creedmoor. This intensive program has given us the tools to do exactly that.

What is the Small Farm Bootcamp?

For those who aren’t familiar, the Small Farm Bootcamp is a rigorous, multi-month program designed for new farmers and landowners in North Carolina. Hosted at the Granville County Center, the course brings together Extension Agents from across the region—including Granville, Person, Vance, and Durham counties—to share expert-level knowledge on sustainable land use.

Brittany spent her Wednesdays and Saturdays diving deep into the "how-to" of modern, responsible farming.

Building a Better Farm for Our Neighbors

The program covered critical modules that we are already implementing at Myth and Oak:

  • Soil Health & Pollinator Management: Understanding how to work with the land in Stem, NC, to ensure our soil stays nutrient-rich and our local bee populations thrive.

  • Food Safety & Postharvest Handling: Ensuring that every piece of produce or poultry product that leaves our farm meets the highest standards of safety and freshness.

  • Irrigation & Infrastructure: From field trips to Lyon Farms in Creedmoor to hands-on small engine repair, Brittany has gained the technical skills to keep Myth and Oak running efficiently.

Why This Matters for Stem and Creedmoor

When you support a local farm, you aren’t just buying food; you’re investing in the local ecosystem. By participating in these Cooperative Extension programs, Myth and Oak is staying at the forefront of:

  1. Sustainable Vegetable Production: Growing smarter, not just bigger.

  2. Season Extension: Working toward ways to provide fresh options to the community for more months out of the year.

  3. High-Standard Poultry Production: Bringing ethical, informed practices to our feathered friends.

Are You a Future Farmer?

If you’ve recently purchased a few acres in Southern Granville or are dreaming of your own garden plot, we cannot recommend this program enough. It’s a wonderful way to meet fellow growers in the 27581 and 27522 zip codes.

We are so proud of Brittany for her hard work and dedication to making Myth and Oak Farm the best it can be. Stop by and say hello—we’d love to chat about soil health, local food systems, or what’s growing next!

Brittany of Myth and Oak Farm holding her Small Farm Bootcamp completion certificate at the N.C. Cooperative Extension Granville County Center.

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Karl Krebs Karl Krebs

Blog Post Title Three

It all begins with an idea.

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

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Karl Krebs Karl Krebs

Blog Post Title Four

It all begins with an idea.

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

Read More