Kyle Brisendine wearing our Support Female Farmers Tee
____
Tell us about your farm!
Willow Farm is a regenerative farm in Southwest Michigan, just outside of Homer Michigan. Along with my parents and some help (and lots of cheering on) from my husband we raise grass-fed beef and lamb and pastured poultry and pigs. All of which we sell through our on-farm shop.
I was born into it! I grew up on my parent's farm and couldn't see myself doing anything else. I loved farming so much I went all the way to England to find a Bachelors degree that lined up with how I wanted to farm.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a farmer?
Right now my biggest challenges are educating the customer on quality food, why it matters, and why it is worth paying more and making the trip to the farm.
What are your thoughts and beliefs on farming in the face of climate change?
I believe that when done properly (using regenerative agriculture techniques) that agriculture has the power to bring things to a more equilibrium and for farmers to be more resilient to a changing climate. Conventional agriculture makes climate change worse and leaves farmers quite vulnerable to any change in the climate.
What are some misconceptions you hear about farming and agriculture when it comes to climate change that you'd like to address?
I think people are very quick to judge and blame agriculture (especially animal ag). They only see the media propaganda that eating meat is damaging the world. Well, it is. But only if you continue to use feedlots and factory farms. I would like to see people be more educated that animal agriculture can be a solution to climate change.
I am farming for a world where families take the time to come to the farm that grows their food. Where people know the name of their farmer. I am farming for a future where prioritizing nutrient-dense food is the norm. Soil health is a priority, regardless of the type of farm or location. My farm is making a difference by healing the Earth through regenerative agriculture and teaching people about the importance of good food.
Willow Farm is a regenerative farm in Southwest Michigan, just outside of Homer Michigan. Along with my parents and some help (and lots of cheering on) from my husband we raise grass-fed beef and lamb and pastured poultry and pigs. All of which we sell through our on-farm shop.
____
____
How did you get into farming?
How did you get into farming?
I was born into it! I grew up on my parent's farm and couldn't see myself doing anything else. I loved farming so much I went all the way to England to find a Bachelors degree that lined up with how I wanted to farm.
____
What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a farmer?
Right now my biggest challenges are educating the customer on quality food, why it matters, and why it is worth paying more and making the trip to the farm.
____
____
What are your thoughts and beliefs on farming in the face of climate change?
I believe that when done properly (using regenerative agriculture techniques) that agriculture has the power to bring things to a more equilibrium and for farmers to be more resilient to a changing climate. Conventional agriculture makes climate change worse and leaves farmers quite vulnerable to any change in the climate.
____
____
What are some misconceptions you hear about farming and agriculture when it comes to climate change that you'd like to address?
I think people are very quick to judge and blame agriculture (especially animal ag). They only see the media propaganda that eating meat is damaging the world. Well, it is. But only if you continue to use feedlots and factory farms. I would like to see people be more educated that animal agriculture can be a solution to climate change.
____
____
What future are you farming for and how do you think your farm can make a difference?
What future are you farming for and how do you think your farm can make a difference?
I am farming for a world where families take the time to come to the farm that grows their food. Where people know the name of their farmer. I am farming for a future where prioritizing nutrient-dense food is the norm. Soil health is a priority, regardless of the type of farm or location. My farm is making a difference by healing the Earth through regenerative agriculture and teaching people about the importance of good food.
____
Where can we follow along and support you?
Website:www.willowfarmllc.com
Instagram: @willowfarmllc