Inspiring Conversations with Heather VanLeeuwen of VanLeeuwen Family Farm

Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather VanLeeuwen.

Hi Heather, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
VanLeeuwen Family Farm is run by owners Tim and Heather VanLeeuwen. Together, we have two very adventurous boys Jason and Noah who we hope will continue to build and pave the way for VanLeeuwen Family Farm. We are the first generation small family farm in Kansas.

We use regenerative farming practices which are working with nature not against it. As a first-generation family farm, we have a dream to work in harmony with nature. For these reasons we fed organic grain to our animals and never use any chemicals.

Since 2008, we have expanded our Farm from 40 acres to 176 acres to accommodate the rising demand for meat in the country. We are committed to investing more resources to make VanLeeuwen Family Farm your perfect choice for a superior eating experience.

We take pride in having a Farm rich with fertile soil, chemicals free, and lush native grass in Kansas. We are producing the highest quality meat possible using only the best genetics and regenerative farm management that is not only good for the environment but also for the animals.

We want everyone to know we are a small business and we are not corporate farmers. So anytime a purchase is made we are involved in every single phase of that transaction. We truly love being able to meet and talk with each and every one of our customers. Since we are a small family-run business we make sure we are producing the best product possible for our customers.

This is why we feed organic grain and use regenerative farming… not only better for our farm and animals but the planet as well.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The road taken has not been an easy one when building VanLeeuwen Family Farm from the ground up. We are a first-generation farm so we have a lot of expenses upfront for the purchase of land and cattle. Being the ones that are paving the way for our future generations the responsibility of paying for the farm is one of the most expensive and difficult parts of running the farm.

Tim has to work a day job along with tasks on the farm so there is enough cash flow to pay for the land payments. We work together taking care of the animals in extreme heat and freezing temperatures with the changing seasons.

Sometimes it feels as if our day never ends with everything going on. We also are building an online presence to sell our products.

With that comes a lot of expenses that many don’t think about with the purchase of special boxes, dry ice, and shipping costs to keep our products frozen during transit to our customers. We would say just the money for various things is the major struggle we face and still face as we build our brand.

As you know, we’re big fans of VanLeeuwen Family Farm. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Serving the best premium organic grain-fed meat around! Customer advancement IS PART OF OUR DNA. For this reason, we provide a spectrum of services including but not limited to, custom beef bundles, beef gift boxes, and country apparel.

Our mission is to use Biodiversity and Regenerative Farming to improve the land for prosperity for years to come.

Preserving Nature with Biodiversity has a direct impact on the quality and nutrition of the food being consumed

Our vision is to be the most preferred destination for meat lovers across the country by providing a spectrum of products tailored toward a chemical-free, organic, premium eating experience.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Our social media accounts have helped with our networking. We have been able to sit down and do a podcast and tell our story and talk about regenerative farming all because of an Instagram connection.

We also have the pleasure of going to our local farmers’ market in Pittsburg and Chanute Kansas. Meeting the locals and other farmers have helped make our business stronger by surrounding ourselves with others that have successful businesses as well.

Pricing:

• $85.00 sampler beef box
• 1/8 beef bundle $466.96
• 1/2 beef bundle $2116.76
• Or a variety of different boxes from $100-$200
• Ground beef for $7.00

Contact Info:

• Website: www.vanleeuwenfamilyfarm.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanleeuwenfamily/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanleeuwenfarm/
• Twitter: @Vanleeuwenfarm
• Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCdpCirPibBwfP3hpVHErWDQ