Stormy Creek Farm is a little over 90 minutes southwest of the Twin Cities in the heart of the Minnesota River Valley area. Stormy Creek does run through the property. It was a nice drive to the third-generation family farm. Brother and sister team, Keith and Kay are the foundation of Stormy Creek Farm. They grew up on this land with their parents. The family originally raised dairy cattle but as we all know, farming has both ups and downs and the dairy herd was eventually sold at auction. The farmland was rented out to other local farms but did remain in the family. Keith and Kay both had careers away from the farm during this time. As the circle of life often works, they eventually found their way back to farming. This time raising 100% pastured and grass-fed beef.
The day we visited their herd consisted of 48 cattle but that would soon change as 18 calves were expected this spring. The herd looked happy and content grazing on their pasture. It has been found that how content and stress-free the animals are will affect the quality of the meat. Check out this article to learn more. The quality of the feed is also vitally important. Cattle fed on poor quality grass versus high quality grass and alfalfa are not going to produce the same quality of meat. Keith shared how it is no different for us if we don’t eat a quality diet with variety, our health will not be optimum either. Their herd is provided high-quality feed grown on their farm thus they know exactly what their herd is eating.
When visiting with Keith, you quickly realize he has done a significant amount of research on how to raise quality grass-fed beef in a sustainable way; researching and implementing what works best for their farm to produce high quality beef for family, friends, and the community.
There obviously have been challenges along the way, this is especially true when starting a farm. Preparing pastures with fencing is a big investment, the cattle need to be rotated regularly to provide fresh grass and to also not let them over graze; it is all an important balance. They are continually analyzing what works and what doesn’t work for their farm. Keith was quick to point out that each farm needs to determine what works best for them to produce a high-quality product. With challenges also comes rewards, and they feel the greatest reward is doing business with family and providing a quality product to the community. I asked Kay where they see the farm in five years? She replied continuing to perfect what they are currently doing and providing quality food.
If you take a drive to New Ulm, you will find Stormy Creek Farm’s beef can be purchased at the New Ulm Community Market & Co-op and is also featured in Lola’s Bistro Burger, a bistro located in New Ulm. Kay works as a barista at Lola’s during the day so maybe you will be lucky enough to meet the farmer and enjoy a burger.
Stormy Creek Farm also offers small purchases, ¼, ½, and whole shares of their beef. You can check out their website for purchase options; their pricing is competitive. Product will be available again starting in August 2020. You can preorder if you are interested. When I visited, they were currently out of stock, so I have a small order placed for the next processing time. I am looking forward to trying their beef. If you are interested in placing an order, I would not wait as many farms are selling out. You can check them out on Facebook and instagram, too.
I want to thank Kay and Keith for allowing us to visit the farm and taking the time to share their vision for sustainable farming. They are truly a blessing to their community, their animals, and the land they are stewards over. Supporting our local farms and artisans is very important to a healthy community.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Heather
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