Grassroots Farm- Spring of 2009

A Brief History

Since our first steps on the farm property in the fall of 2007, we’ve come quite a distance. For the first 8 months we worked on developing a business model consistent with our principles. Business plan in mind, our next goal was to observe the land while Lindsey finished up her employment with other organic vegetable enterprises. May 2008, we rented the pasture for a year to a herdsman raising Belted Galloway cattle. During the course of 2008, we planned improvements, mended fences, explored financial opportunities, acquired equipment, and, in June 2008, registered as Grassroots Farm, LLC, a Wisconsin Limited Liability Company.

By February 2009, Lindsey was ready to go into vegetable production. A seedling greenhouse was constructed near the old barn. A serendipitous referral to a connection in Chicago led to an invitation to participate in the first year of a neighborhood Farmer’s Market in Andersonville. Our farmer’s market business has continued to grow with the Andersonville market into a multifaceted enterprise. We discuss food issues and politics, swap recipes, and give direction on preparation and use of the produce and herbs on the market table.

The spring of 2010 found the farm a recipient of a Frontera Farmer’s Foundation grant that made it possible to construct a 24′ x 30′, two story aluminum pole barn that serves as our vegetable processing shed. Lindsey added the first season of Community Supported Agriculture to the business mix, bringing share boxes to Chicago and also with members in Madison, WI. A NRCS (Natural Resource Conservation Service) grant was received to build a high tunnel, completed by Lindsey in November 2010, where 2011 Spring CSA share veggies were produced.

Our past season, 2011, added livestock to the diversity of products. Certified Organic Eggs were available to our Wisconsin-based customers from April through October, when our mature flock of laying hens made a trip to an “old chix” retirement home near Whitewater, WI. We will acquire a new flock for the upcoming season. We also raised 8 Duroc-Hampshire cross pigs for market this year and are able to offer fresh frozen and smoked pork cuts as part of our product mix. 2012 will bring the prospect of turkey, chicken, honey, beef, and another round of delicious custom milk-fed pork.

From 40 acres of Canada thistle to thriving, diverse small farm, we have “miles to go” and are enthusiastic about the future of farming on Dutch Hollow Road in Monroe, WI.

Check out Part 2 our winning video submission (below) for the John Kinsman Beginning Farmer Food Sovereignty Prize

See Part 1 here.