 As the year approaches its final, festive days, we look back at 2019 before we look forward, and there is much to celebrate and be grateful for. Here are some snippets of our 2019 and things we look forward in 2020! Polar Vortex We started the year with a Polar Vortex that tested all our “winter systems” at the farm. Paul nervously went to check cows every morning and afternoon during the vortex to make sure water was running and cows were taking shelter. To his surprise, while many cows where in the barnyard cozying up together, some decided they’d rather be outside in subzero temps- crazy girls! but they all made it through without a hitch!  Farming Conferences During late winter, we attended two very educational and fun Farming conferences- Paul did Grass Works Grazing Conference in the Dells (the gils and I joined for the water park fun) and we all went to the MOSES Organic Farming Conference in LaCrosse. This was the first year we bring the girls and they really enjoyed it, made new friends, and learned a bit more about what we do as well as meet some of our peers and mentors.  Spring Calving Season Calving season started rough with the loss of a couple of calves that didn't make it. It happens, it's nature, but it is always hard and sad to experience. After that, it quickly picked up with about 20 healthy calves born between late April to mid- June. Summer- Farmer’s Markets This was our first year doing farmer’s markets. We were at the Kenosha Harbor Market and Boxed and Burlap in Delavan, and both were very successful and fun! We admit while it is a lot of work, we really enjoy meeting new people, talking about what we do, and seeing so many of our customers come out and support us. We continue the Kenosha Winter Market once a month indoor at the Kenosha Masonic Center and will be back outside in the summer by the harbor. Family Vacations For Spring break we had a lovely family trip down south to New Orleans. What great memories we made! Full of music, art, good food, alligators, lots of beads and southern charm! In the summer, my parents were visiting from California and we all enjoyed a few days exploring beautiful Door County- watching sunsets, walking around the lovely small towns, shopping, and enjoying some beautiful (and a tad bit cold) beach days!  Farmhouse Construction
Our farmhouse construction got VERY delayed due to a rough winter and other hiccups, but while it has been slower, we have been able to enjoy and learn every step of the process. Perhaps this is what has made it less stressful, but we must admit what we feared would be an awfully stressful experience has been a very fun one. We think a big part of the credit goes to the amazing team we have been lucky to work with- from the architect, to the builder, to the Passive house inspector and everyone involved. Stay tuned as we share our progress and finally (hopefully!) a Spring move to the farm! Growing our Market It has been super exciting to grow our customer base and this year has been a very successful one in that! Now that we’ve been in business for 4 years, we have some loyal, supportive customers that buy their bulk annually or stock up on their beef every couple of months. Our customers are in a variety of places from Chicago all the way to Milwaukee suburbs, but it has especially been neat to see our local community of Kenosha and suburbs supporting us! Things we are planning and look forward for 2020:
We are grateful, excited, and hope to see you in 2020! Wishing you and your families Happy Holidays and a Happy and Healthy New Year 2020!!
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AuthorMarisa usually writes about nutrition, grass fed beef, organic agriculture, as well as sharing delicious recipes; Paul writes about farm work- sharing his stories and experiences, and most times... we both collaborate on the stories! Archives
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