How Did I Get Here?

People often ask how a fitness coach ended up running a cattle farm. The answer begins with food.

Since childhood, I've lived with severe food allergies that have shaped the way I eat. I've always had to pay close attention to what I consume, where it comes from, and how it's produced to avoid foods that could make me sick.

In my twenties, I began shopping at local farmers markets and quickly developed a deep appreciation for knowing the people behind my food. As a fitness professional, I also understood the important role high-quality protein plays in overall health and performance. I discovered that some of the best food I could buy came directly from the dedicated farmers here in Virginia.

My passion for wellness, combined with my desire to know exactly where my food came from and how the animals were raised, inspired me to seek out a true "know your farmer" experience whenever possible.

Then, in late 2020, an unexpected opportunity changed everything. We purchased our starter herd from Jim, the farmer we had been buying our beef from for years, as he prepared to retire and offered us the chance to continue his cattle operation. At the same time, I was closing my fitness studio, Ascend Cycle, and chose to see it as the start of a new chapter—one that brought together my passion for nutrition, agriculture, and community.

Today, Villacaro Farms exists because I believe healthy food begins with healthy land and healthy animals. Every decision we make—from regenerative grazing practices to animal care—is guided by our commitment to producing exceptionally nutritious, responsibly raised proteins while caring for our livestock, our soil, and the environment that sustains them.

My hope is that when you choose Villacaro Farms, you aren't just buying food—you know exactly where it came from, how it was raised, and the family behind it.

Meet My Family.

We are Kat, Joe, Alexander, Anna Victoria & Isabella Zajac. We are passionate about health, family, and eating locally and sustainably grown (and delicious!) food. 

Kat has spent her career in the healthcare and fitness industries. She owned Ascend Cycle and the Ascend Lift Lab in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria. Ascend was a mainstay of the Alexandria wellness scene for over six years, and was awarded numerous Best of NOVA and other accolades. Prior to opening Ascend, Kat worked in healthcare. When it comes to customer relations, Kat believes in the importance of quality, honesty & humility. Villacaro Farms has an open-door policy to facilitate a true farm-to-table experience - Just like the experience that was monumental for Kat and her family before getting into farming. Contact Kat with your questions or to schedule a farm tour.

Kat is committed to raising animal-based foods you can trust to nourish your family. Every decision made at Villacaro Farms—from animal welfare and nutrition to pasture management and regenerative farming practices—is guided by one simple philosophy: healthy animals produce healthy food.

The same premium beef, eggs, and other farm products we offer to our customers are the foods Kat proudly serves at her own family table every day. It's a commitment to quality, transparency, and stewardship that is at the heart of everything we do.

About Our Farm:

Villacaro Farms is situated on more than 220 acres in Tom's Brook, Virginia, in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, just 70 miles west of Washington, D.C.

Our farm has a rich history dating back to the 1700s. During the Civil War, the property was the site of military activity, and local history suggests the original farmhouse served as Union headquarters. Today, portions of the farm are protected by conservation easements that preserve wetlands, woodlands, and native habitats, ensuring these natural resources remain for generations to come.

We steward our land with regenerative farming practices that work in harmony with these protected landscapes. Through rotational grazing, thoughtful stocking rates, and year-round pasture management, our cattle spend their entire lives on pasture—from birth through finishing. Every animal is born, raised, and finished right here at Villacaro Farms, reflecting our commitment to responsible land stewardship, exceptional animal care, and premium-quality beef.

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