It doesn’t matter what day of the week it is – there’s always plenty to get done on Wisconsin farms regardless of what’s being produced. So why would a farmer want to take on even more duties?
Aaron Neimann is like any other farmer coping with a long list of “to-do’s” every day around his Edgar beef operation – but also realizing that slowing down to share what he does with consumers is also on that list. Neimann, one of the family members operating Emerald Lane Angus outside of Wausau, decided he’d take that duty of communication seriously. On September 15th, Neimann’s family along with area agribusiness and food processors, will open their farm to visitors for a behind the scenes look at what’s happening on that beef operation.
Neimann says that he’s proud of what they do on the farm and want consumers, and future customers, to see everything from conception to harvest. “People find a lot of comfort in transparency,” he says. “I think if they really learn how our farm is run, they will have a lot more faith in the agriculture industry as a whole,” Neimann tells the Wisconsin Farm Report Radio Network. He says he’s frequently asked whether the farm is organic, or if the beef is “grass fed”. “I tell them we aren’t certified organic, or grass fed, but everything we do is “natural”.” He bristles when consumers tell him about “factory farms” and describe near prison conditions they think animals are raised in. “It’s really not like that at all. We have to make sure they’re healthy and comfortable as we raise them. We’re a family operation.” Emerald Lane Angus consists of Aaron and his dad, and one hired hand getting everything done.
To help with that transparency in production, Neimann’s hosting his first ever “Beef Fest” on Saturday, September 16th from 10-4. Neimann hopes it gives his neighbors and anyone interested, a chance to witness in person all the care that goes into producing their beef. Aside from wagon tours of the farm, visitors will also enjoy great artisan food from area farms and agribusinesses. Find all the details on Emerald Land Angus’ Facebook page.
