About Our Farm

At Flo-Town Farms, co-owner Melissa Goduti has brought her passion and experience from NYC all the way to Florence, Alabama. She grew up in Connecticut, moved to NYC in 2012 then in 2019 her career took her to the Shoals, she fell in love with the Shoals and decided to make it her home. Melissa's lineage is rooted in Italy. Her Italian grandparents valued fresh meat and produce. In Italy they farmed artichokes amongst other produce and when coming to the USA they did the same. The dinner on the table was from whatever they grew. Melissa remembers going to her grandfather's farm to pick blackberries and vegetables to sell on the roadside. Melissa loves to cook and entertain large groups much like her Italian Mama and her marinara sauce and meatballs could rival that of most Italian Restaurants.  With growing up with fresh and customary Italian foods she realized that there are many Italian treats not available to the Shoals Community. Certain cuts of meat custom Florence, Italy like Osso Bucco, Bistecca alla Fiorentina and Braciole to name a few and she wanted to bring these specialties to Florence while providing a healthy source of meat for the community with no added hormones or antibiotics. In addition to Flo-Town Farms, Melissa owns Luxcycled Designs where she creates Jewelry and Hats from repurposed vintage finds and is also a business consultant helping small businesses grow and operate more efficiently. 

Blake Haithcoat, co-owner of Flo-Town Farms! Blake was raised in the Cloverdale area of Florence. His father and grandfather were local cotton farmers, his grandfather would raise cattle to provide beef for his family. In 2016, Blake made the choice to start raising his own meat after a visit to the doctor. His was told he had high blood sugar, cholesterol and high blood pressure.  He decided to go back to his grandfather's roots raising cattle for his family, after 6 months of eating only his hormone and antibiotic free beef, farm raised pork, fish and limiting processed foods his blood tested at normal levels. This improvement in physical health drove him to grow his cattle operation with the goal of providing high-quality, healthy meat to his friends and community.  Moreover, he also owns Sinking Creek Kennels which specializes in Obedience, Gun Dog and AKC Hunt Test Training. He is a devoted father to his 10-year old daughter, determined to provide the best meat for her as she grows up. Check out Flo-Town Farms to experience the difference.