I visited Bull Brook Keep on a beautiful spring day in May; it was a little over an hour drive from the Twin Cities in Minnesota.
Dave and Sylvia have been farming in West-Central Wisconsin for about 10 years. This adventure started for them when most people would be planning for their retirement; but instead, they set out on a new adventure in raising BueLingo beef cattle. For them, it wasn’t just about raising these cattle, it is about establishing a legacy to leave for future generations. They consider themselves serving humanity and stewards of the 72 acres they have been blessed to call home. So, let’s take a look at how they do this.
Tiny Carbon Hoofprint ™ equals a better food system for you and the land.
Dave and Sylvia are committed to this by the following pledge:
- Live in thanksgiving. When I spoke with Sylvia, she mentioned this several times, thankfulness and gratefulness. I believe we could all try to be more appreciative of what we have, it is healing to the soul.
- Use sustainable, regenerative farming practices. Sylvia commented that they have not seeded the pasture lands; yet, the diversity of the plants has improved. This can happen from the foot action of the herd, stirring up the land and results from intensely managed rotational grazing. In the growing season, the herd is moved at least every other day, and often every day. Again, it depends on the condition of the pasture each day. Their commitment to this process is tremendous.
- Raise and sell 100% grass-fed beef. Their cattle get no grains – ever, no growth hormones, no herbicides, and no subclinical antibiotics. This is what is natural for cattle; grazing on a healthy diet of fresh grasses, legumes, clovers, and herbs. They roam their daily pasture area getting exercise and depositing fertilizer on the ground as they go. This is sustainable, regenerative farming. The cattle are happy, healthy, and have a calm disposition. They know the maximum size of the herd for their available pastureland and do not exceed that. This type of system produces healthy livestock, highly nutritional meat, and healthy land. A win for everyone. Check out this article on grass-fed versus grain-fed beef.
- Share their knowledge and experience with others. Dave and Sylvia’s dedication to sustainable farming goes beyond producing wonderful, high-quality beef; they have a passion to share these values with others. They welcome visitors to tour the farm so they can ask questions about their journey and better understand their mission and the mission of many like-minded farmers.
There have been challenges along the way – weather being one of the most challenging. This has affected the price of hay in recent years, the price more than tripling for a bale. The cattle cannot graze on pasture in the winter months, therefore, hay must be purchased for the herd during this time. They did have to reduce their herd size some this past year. Weather is often the biggest challenge for any type of farming. Even with these and other challenges, they are so appreciative of the accomplishments they have made: seeing the herd contently grazing on pasture, the land improving through the years, and providing very healthy beef for themselves, family, and the community.
I believe very strongly to support our local farmers and businesses. These are the people we can get to know. Purchasing food that is produced in other countries or even from 1000 of miles away is not sustainable as we are seeing with the COVID 19 pandemic.
Bull Brook Keep serves both Wisconsin and the Twin Cities area. I would encourage you to connect with them, sooner than later. I purchased a quarter last year and did so again for this fall. You can check out their website for more information.
Be blessed and support local,
Heather
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