Building a Sustainable Future with Bobcat Equipment: Carla Beltran’s Homestead Journey
Discover Carla Beltran's inspiring journey of transforming her homestead dream into reality with Bobcat® equipment. From her vision of sustainability to creating a haven for all, follow Carla's story of dedication, hard work, and hope.
Turning a Dream Into Reality
For Carla Beltran, the dream of owning land and living a self-sufficient, sustainable lifestyle was always a vision she held close to her heart. Growing up in the city, she longed for wide-open spaces, a deep connection to nature, and the ability to raise animals in an environment she could call her own. That dream, however, was more than just about land—it was about creating a space where she could cultivate food, nurture animals, and give back to the community.
Turning that vision into reality wasn’t easy. It required years of dedication, resilience, and resourcefulness. For Carla, every step of the journey—from securing land to implementing sustainable agricultural practices—was a challenge that tested her determination. But with the right mindset, hard work, and the support of Bobcat® equipment, she has been able to shape her homestead into a thriving, self-sufficient haven. Today, she stands as a testament to what’s possible when passion meets perseverance, proving that the right tools and unwavering dedication can transform even the most ambitious dreams into reality.
Her journey began with a deep-rooted desire to escape city life and build a legacy rooted in sustainability and environmental stewardship. “We lived in the city,” Carla recalls. “We never had the opportunity to be on acres. So growing up, I remember having this conversation with my dad … ‘One day I want to have a zoo.’” This childhood dream laid the foundation for her lifelong mission—to create a homestead where she could not only cultivate the land but also foster a deep appreciation for sustainable living and community involvement.
Overcoming Challenges to Secure the Land
Purchasing land was no easy feat for Carla and her sister, Stephanie. As small business owners, they recognized the need for more space to support their growing operations. The opportunity to acquire land came through an online auction—an intense process that tested their resilience. Initially outbid multiple times, Carla remained determined. On the final day of entries in August 2018, she took one last chance and secured the property.
“I never thought that this was actually a possibility until we got the land,” she says. “Once we got the land, things started to fall into place. We haven't really looked back ever since.” With ownership secured, Carla was ready to bring her vision to life.
A Vision for Biodiversity and Sustainability
Carla’s ambitious plans for her homestead extend beyond simple land ownership—her goal is to create a thriving, biodiverse ecosystem. “My goal is to fill up the whole portion with different biodiversity, all types of fruits and nuts, but I also intend on adding more animals,” she shares. Her vision is centered on cultivating a self-sufficient agricultural environment where every resource, from food to water, is sustainably managed.
Executing such large-scale transformations on acres of land requires powerful, reliable equipment. That’s where Bobcat machines come in. Carla relies on her E40 compact excavator for efficient digging, whether it’s planting trees or creating trenches for irrigation. When it comes to moving soil, rocks, and materials across the homestead, her T66 compact track loader provides the versatility and power she needs.
Carla also utilizes specialized Bobcat attachments to streamline daily tasks. The tiller aids in preparing soil for planting, the trencher is essential for digging irrigation lines, and the bale fork simplifies feeding her cattle. “Getting equipment was definitely a must,” she explains. “We use it all the time to move dirt around, rocks around, cut the brush, and move the hay bales.”
Creating a Homestead for a Greater Purpose
Carla’s homestead is more than just a personal sanctuary—it’s a place of hope and healing. Inspired by her time volunteering at a foster abuse center in Dallas, she has dedicated her orchard to serving others. She envisions a space where children, especially those who have faced adversity, can experience the joys of nature firsthand.
Her goal is to create events where children can pick fruit, learn about farming, and participate in activities like making homemade jam. By sharing the abundance of her orchard, Carla hopes to instill a love for agriculture and sustainability while providing meaningful experiences for those in need.
“There is no place I’d rather be,” she says. “This is not work for me. It’s my peace, and I love it. It gives me a purpose.”
From Land to Legacy: The Future of the Homestead
Looking ahead, Carla envisions her homestead evolving into a fully self-sustaining property over the next five to ten years. She dreams of building homes for her family, completing the orchard, developing a vineyard, adding a stocked pond, introducing beehives, and expanding her vegetable garden. With Bobcat equipment by her side, she knows the journey ahead will be more manageable and rewarding.
Carla’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and the right tools. Through hard work and the support of Bobcat machinery, she is turning her dream into reality—one acre at a time.