Shomer Eretz Farm (Hebrew for Guardian of the Land) is a 44 acre farm owned and operated by Marc and Jocelin Whitaker where they utilize all organic methods and organic feeds.

Marc is the youngest of three children and grew up on his family’s 120 acre farm in Ohio where he raised Dexter beef cattle for over 10 years and was involved in the health food industry. Jocelin is an only child, and while she was born in Florida, she has called Ohio home for over 24 years. She has her degree as a Doctor of Traditional Naturopathy as well as PhD in Natural Health which was born out of herbs saving her life as a child and her love for learning and helping others. In total, she holds 9 degrees/certifications in herbology, homeopathy, aromatherapy, natural fertility, and naturopathy. From her teenage years on, her family had a homestead.

Marc and Jocelin were married in May 2015, and as they were praying about where Yahweh (God) was leading their family, they could see how He was putting their talents together to form Whitaker’s Farm Market now known as Whitaker’s Natural Market located just south of Bellville on Highway 13. People often ask us how we describe our store. Imagine a local supermarket, a specialty organic foods store, a bulk food store, and a health food store with homesteading supplies all rolled into one location with a focus on personalized service and quality products. We also love to feature local items as much as possible. Jocelin has her office as a Naturopathic Doctor at the store.

Then in February 2017, they were joined by their little miracle baby, Yalissa. Yalissa was born at 27 weeks, weighing 1 pound 12 ounces and 13 3/4 inches long. After spending 4 1/2 months in the NICU with her, they were thrilled, by the grace of Yahweh (God) and answered prayers, to bring home a healthy little girl who is thriving. One of the things they have appreciated during this journey is being part of a supportive community. Jocelin says, “We have enjoyed being there to help people with their needs and health concerns. Then when we needed the support, we so appreciated receiving it in like kind from our community. That is really what our store and farm are designed to be…a community connecting place for life, health, and faith.” Yalissa is now a happy healthy 7 year old little girl enjoying exploring life on the farm and being homeschooled.

Jocelin's Parents, Terry and Carol, also call the farm home and are hugely involved in the farm, care of the animals, and family life.

In 2020, Marc and Jocelin were able to purchase the land which would become Shomer Eretz Farm. In January of 2021, construction on our home was started with us moving in that May. Ever since then, we have worked to grow the infrastructure, grow the animal herds and flocks, and increase our ability to serve the local community with the highest quality organically raised foods!