Rachel Hampton’s passion for agriculture began when she revitalized her parent’s operation, Hampton Ridge Farm, in northern Kentucky over a decade ago. As well as being the visionary behind Spotted Ox Farm she is also the Draft Animal Program Manager at Turner Farm. She holds a bachelor's degree in Sustainable Agriculture with a minor in Draft Animal Power Systems from the Wendell Berry Farming Program of Sterling College. Growing up she took riding lessons, showed cattle, and developed an understanding of animal behavior early on through groundwork. It wasn’t until college that she learned it was possible to combine her childhood passion for horses with her farming goals. She now has experience driving and working horses, mules, donkeys and oxen. She is passionate about sharing this craft and relaying the ability to pull from our shared agrarian past to farm for a better future.

Jay Breeden grew up helping his great grandparents on their family farm and has a deep appreciation for tradition as well as rural values, like neighborliness. He began farming as an adult after he and Rachel married in 2014. He holds a degree in Diesel Technology from the University of Northwestern Ohio and works as a lead technician for Penske Trucking in northern Kentucky. At home he puts his technical and mechanical skills to use on antique equipment.

Zoe Thompson has been the Draft Animal Teamster at Turner Farm since May 2023 where she works with Rachel. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness from Wilmington College. Raised in a horse-loving family, Zoe developed hands-on experience with a variety of breeds from an early age and has competed in eventing, show jumping, and dressage. Her background as an equestrian and in agriculture naturally led her to combine her love of horses with a passion for gardening. At Spotted Ox Farm, she is dedicated to integrating traditional draft animal power with sustainable farming practices.