MEET AMY JAMES

I’m Amy James, one of the proud owners of The Grazing Goat CO. Growing up on my family’s cotton and peanut farm in West Texas sparked my passion for farming at an early age.

I have always loved being outdoors, whether it was helping on the farm or maintaining the landscaping at my family’s home. I thought that later in life, I might continue the family business of growing cotton. But when my health took a turn a few years ago, I started focusing more on eating and growing my own food.

I’ve struggled with digestive issues since childhood, but in my late 20s, I began experiencing new, more severe symptoms. Weight gain, constant bloating, and nausea. I was afraid to eat almost anything. Doctors ran test after test, but nothing new was presenting—at least nothing obvious—so I just lived with those symptoms for over two decades.

By the time I was 42, I was on medication for high cholesterol and high blood pressure and still in pain, bloated, and 30 pounds overweight. I was miserable and uncomfortable in my own skin. It didn’t matter how many salads I ate; my cholesterol and blood pressure numbers were through the roof. Finally, in 2023, I was diagnosed with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). I finally had an explanation.

The 20-year mystery had been named, but now what? My brain shut off when I heard the words "liver disease." That just sounded terrifying, and there’s no magic pill for this condition. Then I started my research. 

I was already active and eating as healthy I possibiity could ... so I thought. Following a strict diet was not new to me, but I decided to make a few adjustments to my  "clean-eating" approach. These adjustments quickly became game-changers for my overall health. First, I committed to a completely organic diet, eating only chicken, seafood, and vegetables for three months. I cut back on drinking, dedicated even more time to learning to grow some of our veggies at home. Within two months, I lost 25 pounds. Within six months, I felt better than I had since my 20s and had nearly reversed my NAFLD. 

This experience motivated me to dedicate even more time and energy to growing safe, healthy food for my family and my community. I am passionate about sustainable, organic practices, and I put my heart into cultivating fresh, whole foods that benefit both people and the planet.

I believe in the concept of regenerative agriculture, which is why we only use natural fertilizers from compost and chicken waste, pull our weeds by hand, minimize tillage, and plant cover crops in the winter. I also enjoy connecting with our wonderful community through the Grow and Give gardening program, which supports the Larimer County Food Bank by providing food for families in Northern Colorado.

**Please note that I am not a physician. This is what worked for me personally. Talk to your doctor before making any changes to your diet or routine.