- Rice, MN
A.J. Popp
Beef farmer + canning enthusiast
Our operation is relatively new. I manage the day to day of our operation between feeding, bedding, herd health and feed store runs along with trying to keep our boys out of too much trouble. We’ve pivoted our operation a few times, switched over to just feeder cattle about three years and sold off our small herd of stock cows. We were running our cattle out on lots but recently finished our partial pit, partial bed back barn in January. Outside of the farm, I make beef tallow balm and sell baked goods. I enjoy cooking, baking, canning and preserving, and talking to others about agriculture!
Do you farm with family?
Yes, we farm with my father-in-law. My husband’s family has all been farming for years but his dad and uncles sold their dairy in 2001. When we moved home from college in 2016, we started planning and purchased our first 10 heifers in November of 2017.
What are your hobbies?
I really enjoy cooking, baking, canning and preserving!
Why is sharing information about agriculture and farming important to you?
You don’t have to come from a strong farm upbringing to become part of it as an adult. I grew up on a very small hobby farm and showed livestock in 4-H for multiple other farms, I knew I wanted to be involved in agriculture someday but I never imagined it would be at the level I’m at today!
Tell us a quick story from the farm.
I have a very tame steer in our of our pens right now that I named Gus Gus. I like to give him different treats to see what he likes and doesn’t like. Fun facts, he LOVES sourdough but does not like regular yeast bread.
WE ARE COMMONGROUND –
