Maple K Farms

Spring has arrived on the farm, at least according to the calendar.  This morning we had snow, but it didn't stick.  We have almost all of our spring calves on the ground.  We also have our first batch of chicks for our new venture.  Luckily we had the chicken house warm and ready because with the current temps, they needed it toasty.

We are looking forward to warmer weather so we can get the garden in.  The starts in the "green bus" are getting big.  I would feel silly harvesting my first tomatoes with the plants still in their starter pots.

Mother Nature has her own timeline.  If you learn nothing else on the farm, you learn that.

This is a curious first entry in a blog, but I thought it was a good way to share with customers and prospective customers why we do what we do.

During the past year, we have had several questions about sustainable agriculture and our practices. In order to answer those questions, we have taken a hard look at our farm and arrived at the following definition of sustainable agriculture as we practice it.

We strive to produce products that are both environmentally friendly and healthy for the community, and yet let the farmer maintain the ability to make a living and enjoy the lifestyle. We are continually evaluating our impact on the environment and trying to lessen that impact whenever possible, through solar power, wind power, natural running water, pasture rotation, fewer trips to lesson the use of fossil fuels, and weed management through livestock.

During the last few years with the expansion of our operation, we have found a greater and greater demand for our beef. We believe the market could grow without limitation.  However, with that said, we have had some long deep discussions on where we want to go and the time and financial commitment required.  Looking at these facts, the possibility of ever increasing growth, and the fact that the two of us are committed to the success of our venture, we have had to decide how much to grow.

What we determined was, for Maple K Farms to be sustainable, we have met our potential for growth.  This allows us to maintain proper pasture management, ensure healthy cattle, sustain our customer base, and enjoy the life we have created on the farm.

Sustainable may have different meanings for different operations, but for us it means being able to enjoy providing the healthiest beef for our customers for a long time to come.