By Nancy Smith
Chris and Denise Boeckmann and their four children, Rae, Eric, Kristen and Paul represent the 2nd and 3rd generations on their farm in Loose Creek, MO. In 1963, Chris’s father purchased the farm and moved his young family there. He had been one of 13 children on the farm in Koelztown in South Osage County, and knew there wasn’t room for them all on the old farm. His wife, Chris’ mother, was a Backes from Loose Creek. Her grandfather and his brother, owned two meat processing facilities in Loose Creek. To this day, a Backes is processing meat in Loose Creek. In fact, that facility is the only one available for miles around for small farmers to get USDA approved processing. The Boeckmann family found a beautiful two-story farmhouse on rolling land and settled in. At one point, they were contracting with Tyson to raise turkeys in confinement.
When Chris took over the farm, he knew he did not want the life of a Tyson turkey contractor. He began to learn everything he could about raising grass-fed beef. He was a little ahead of his time, and many local farmers scoffed at the idea that anyone would want to buy grass-fed beef. Chris and Denise persisted, though, and they have made a big success of raising their beef by paying close attention to genetics and healthy pastures.
Having seen what a good life they could have by raising cows naturally, the way they were meant to be raised, the Boeckmann’s decided to gradually move into raising pastured poultry as well. They began by allowing a small number of chickens to range in the large buildings that once housed thousands of chickens. The chickens are able to get plenty of exercise in clean surroundings, but the Boeckmann’s plan to move them onto a grass-based pasture system as soon as they have the proper fencing.
All-natural grass-fed beef is tender, flavorful, lower in fat, calories, and cholesterol than grain-fed meat and higher in beta carotene (Vitamin A), conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and Omega-3 fatty acids, which help to reduce cholesterol, diabetes, cancer and high blood pressure as well as improving brain function.
The Boeckmanns set up as vendors at every Healthy Planet Expo, so that is a great place to meet them and learn how to get their healthful meat. You can also contact them through their website, www.boeckmannfamilyfarmllc.com. For those who are near Lake St. Louis, the Boeckmanns’ meat is available at Greene’s Country Store, 8621 Hwy. N, Lake St. Louis 63367. Greene’s phone is 636-561-6637. Greene’s Country Store is worth a trip, and Boeckmann’s meat makes the trip even better.
Nancy Smith is the owner of Peace and Plenty Herbs and a regular contributor to The Healthy Planet magazine.