The Crouch Family’s Journey to 3Mississippi
A New Chapter Begins
Three years ago, the Crouch family embarked on a significant life change, trading their California lifestyle for the rustic charm of Northeast Mississippi. Originally from East Tennessee, Mike Crouch had established a life with Syd, his Californian wife, along with their daughter, Frankie, born and raised in the sunny state. However, a yearning for a more peaceful, agrarian lifestyle prompted them to relocate to a rural setting, leaving behind the bustling city life they had grown accustomed to.
Settling into Country Life
Prior to their move to Mississippi, the Crouches had already taken their first steps into country living while residing in Ramona, California. They carefully developed their 6.4-acre property into what they called The Crouch Ranch, dedicating their time and efforts to building raised garden beds, tending to a diverse collection of chickens, goats, sheep, and other animals. This early foray into rural living ignited a passion for farming and connection to the land.
The Call of the South
The family’s wanderlust reached a tipping point when Mike and Syd began to seriously consider leaving California altogether. After a family trip to Oklahoma—a journey that painted a picture of beauty and opportunity—Syd found herself contemplating a new life outside her home state. “If I don’t leave now, I’ll never leave,” she recalled, reflecting on her feelings of hesitation mixed with new possibilities.
Determined to make a change, the family identified key requirements for their next home, including a minimum of 10 acres, ready access to water, a house that was move-in ready, and, importantly, no dry, arid landscapes that would hinder their farming ambitions.
Discovering Mississippi
Their search for the perfect property led them to explore options in Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma before casting a wider net that landed them in Houston, Mississippi. Syd and Frankie visited the property first to scout the land, check out local schools, and assess the community. Although they were enthusiastic about their discoveries, there was an undercurrent of anxiety about uprooting their lives from California.
At 44.6 acres, the new property was more expansive than they had envisioned, but it provided essential features like high-speed internet and vast hunting opportunities—freedoms they felt were constrained in California. Thus, just over three years ago, the Crouches officially made the leap, creating a new home in the South.
Adjustments and New Beginnings
Moving to Mississippi was a transition for the entire family. While Syd missed the familiarity of her friends and family on the West Coast, she found solace in maintaining connections. “I miss my people very much,” she said, but the family continued to thrive in their new surroundings, especially Frankie, who adapted swiftly to the Southern culture and lifestyle.
Now 15, Frankie embodies the spirit of her new home. She is an active member of the color guard at Houston High School, has developed a charming Southern accent, and even shot her first deer at age 12 during their initial autumn in Mississippi.
To reflect their new beginning, The Crouch Ranch morphed into a new identity: 3Mississippi. The family embraced the name change as they dove headfirst into farm life.
Life on the Farm
The Crouches quickly faced both triumphs and trials on their expansive property. Syd found herself caring for an array of animals—including Frankie’s horse, Beulah May, goats, geese, ducks, and several dogs and cats. However, the journey was not without its heartaches; their ambitions of raising sheep faced a significant setback when adverse weather conditions led to sickness among the flock. Despite their best efforts, Syd expressed her heartbreak at losing the animals, yet she remained determined: “But we aren’t giving up, just starting over.”
Mike dedicated his efforts to farming, successfully planting crops that not only fed his family but also garnered attention at the local farmers market. He often sold out of produce during the bustling Saturday mornings, showcasing the fruits of his labor to the community.
Sharing Their Story
In an age where social media reigns supreme, the Crouch family took to platforms like YouTube and TikTok to document their journey. Syd’s YouTube channel, 3Mississippi, has garnered over 100,000 subscribers, where her lighthearted videos capture their adventures and daily farm life. Despite not having formal training in video editing, she creates polished content that resonates with viewers.
Mike also carved out his own niche on TikTok, amassing around 80,000 followers, with one of his videos raking in nearly 3 million views. The family often appears together in these snippets, sharing both comedic moments and the reality of farm life in the South.
A Life Full of Potential
Even amid setbacks like losing their sheep, the Crouch family maintains an overwhelmingly positive outlook on their decision to move to the Deep South. The warmth of the community, the slower pace of life, and the ability to connect with the land have enriched their days in ways they had never anticipated. “We love it. We love the people, the slower pace, the land,” Mike said, emphasizing a newfound appreciation for the lifestyle they have cultivated.
As they continue to learn and explore the vastness of their 44.6-acre farm, the Crouches’ story serves as a testament to the rewards of embracing change and finding one’s place in the world.
