Blue Ox
Grazing for Change
Outside Wheeler, Wis. where the Driftless meets the North Woods, you'll find our family farm and all its inhabitants.
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When we moved from rental-farm life onto our own land in 2013, your steadfast farmers knew two simple truths:
There is a lot of work to be done.
and
This is an important path to follow.
While we've accomplished a lot,
our mission still remains:
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to improve the land on this tired farm we purchased
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to give our livestock the best life we can muster
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to provide habitat for the wild things
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to support the community that surrounds us
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We chip away at that mission every day through:
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managing our mix of grasslands and forest with livestock in a system called 'rotational grazing'
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engaging with our neighbors to advocate for family farms, rural communities, and our food system
Meet Your Steadfast Farmers
I entered sustainable agriculture through my taste buds. While working and learning in the Minneapolis fine dining scene, I developed a deep appreciation for the taste and quality of the produce and proteins coming from area farms.
I appreciated the relationships formed between the eaters and those producers through the quality of their products.
This “epi-curiosity” led me to my first internship on a diversified vegetable farm in Southeast Minnesota. I was hooked – produce couldn’t get any better than right out of the field!
Since then, my path has lead me to working on several farms, obtaining a Bachelors degree in sustainable agriculture, managing a community-based non-profit farm and a farm to school initiative – all with the goal of producing the best quality possible and improving our world.
My passion is to grow high quality food for my community. I want it to taste just as good on your plate as it does in the field.
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I've developed a strong interest in managing the nutrition of our sheep and cattle by learning more about forages and better managing our pastures. This leads to healthy livestock and eaters, alike.
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When I'm not farming, I coordinate with other producers in the area through my role as the Dunn County Farmers Union president. Together, we visit farms, learn from each other, and organize to bring about the positive changes we want to see in our region.
From a young age, I enjoyed caring for wildlife, being outdoors, and cultivating community. I remember long summer days visiting my grandparents' farm in South Central Minnesota, but never expected that farming would become my own way of life.
I studied anthropology and art. I stepped into agriculture through community outreach - working with Extension's 4-H and Master Gardener programs before joining Caleb on his quest to grow food.
Soon, I discovered an unexpected passion for shepherding. Our style of farming allows me to use my fascination with biology to provide animal health care and act as "flock midwife" during lambing. I enjoy the quirks of animal psychology and love fiber arts. We're a good match!
Even more, I love to wander the outdoors while moving fences - listening to the symphony of wildlife mixed with the munching of happy animals. I enjoy rumination as much as our resident ruminants.
When I'm not farming, I work for farmers. I worked at MOSES for several years. There, I coordinated the nation’s largest organic farming conference and became Executive Director. I was also elected to the Wisconsin Farmers Union board in 2018.
I am now Director of Special Projects with Wisconsin Farmers Union. I deeply enjoy this role and the opportunity to serve my community as we advocate for family farmers, a healthy food system, and strong communities.