A red door is recognized as a welcoming symbol to wayward travelers. As first-generation farmers Stacey and Tenzin Botsford planted their farm roots in Marathon County in 2015, they knew they wanted their farm to symbolize the same.
Red Door Family Farm is a certified organic farm located near Athens. The Botsfords grow 10 acres of diversified fruits and vegetables that are sold through their Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), local farmers markets, restaurants and an online store. Additionally, the family has partnered with the Marathon County Hunger Coalition to design the Farm to Family Produce Program, which brings CSA-style produce shares to area food pantries.
These initiatives contribute to the Botsfords’ mission of creating an equitable food system that supports rural communities, promotes health and is both economically and environmentally sustainable.
The Calling
While both Stacey and Tenzin grew up in Wausau, life ultimately took them out West. Through a variety of experiences, they observed that the happiest of people lived close to the land and had connection to a community.
“Stacey was working in Idaho and I was working in Oregon,” Tenzin explained. “When we decided we wanted to get serious about farming and building a family, we made a bet on a football game. Oregon won – so that’s where we went.”
The couple took part in apprenticeship opportunities working on organic vegetable and livestock farms in Oregon. The opportunity to learn from others is what Tenzin credits for setting them up for success as beginning farmers.
“We knew we wanted to do something meaningful and feel connected to something,” Tenzin said. “Eventually, we wanted to set down our own roots and see all four seasons from one vantage point.”
The Start
The Botsfords took the opportunity to return to where they were raised in Central Wisconsin in 2014. Tenzin recognized that getting started as a first-generation farmer was not going to be an easy task.
“We needed to find a viable entry point into agriculture,” Tenzin said. “We, ourselves, really like to eat good food; direct sales seemed like the most logical option.”
In its first year, the Botsfords started their CSA and selling at local farmers markets, both of which continue to be staples for
their business.
A CSA is a small-scale farming model that builds direct connections between consumers and the farmer. This model allows the Botsfords to sell “shares” of their harvest in advance of the growing season. Members of the CSA receive a weekly bundle of produce at peak freshness. In addition to their produce, the Botsfords provide a weekly email with their customers that explains what is in the share that week, tips for storing each item as well as recipes to incorporate them.
“We are able to offer a very curated experience,” Tenzin said. “Members can come out any
time they want to see the farm – which is something that
is important to us.”
A farm does not stand alone; without community, it doesn’t stand at all.
The Community
In addition to their traditional sales, Red Door Family Farm also prioritizes connecting community food pantries with fresh produce. Since 2020, the Botsfords have collaborated with Cattail Organics and the Marathon Hunger Coalition to bring CSA-style shares to food pantries throughout Marathon County.
“The program is called Farm to Family,” Tenzin explained. “The goal of the program is to get healthy options to those in need; the biggest thing missing in food pantries is fresh produce.”
In 2024, the program plans to serve 4,800 families with fresh produce over the course of 22 weeks. Funding for the program happens through private donations, grants and a variety of events. One of those events is the Farm to Feast Dinner cohosted by Red Door Family Farm and Cattail Organics.
“It is a great way to raise money and support community,” Tenzin said. “One hundred percent of ticket sales go toward the purchase of fresh produce for Farm to Family.”
A sense of community is a major piece of the philosophy at Red Door Family Farm.
“The farm does not stand alone; without community, it doesn’t stand at all,” Tenzin said. “As farmers, we want to add value to the whole community, not simply be located here.”
The Legacy
According to Tenzin, the Botsfords have a broad view of sustainability.
“To us, sustainability means being sustainable in all facets: environmental, economical, lifestyle and employees,” Tenzin said. “Across the board, we want everything to be the best quality it can be.”
From the residue management to cover crops, the farm incorporates several practices to better the soil health. Tenzin works with a neighboring dairy farm to compost bedding and incorporate into the soil. These practices ultimately impact produce quality.
“We want to do the best for us and for our customers, and quality soil truly takes our produce to the next level,” Tenzin said.
Beyond environmental stewardship, fostering a positive employee environment has also been paramount to the Botsfords’ success.
“We put a lot of energy into our employees; it has been six years since we have replaced a position,” Tenzin explained. “That comes from having clear goals in mind that give employees a sense of appreciation and purpose.”
A symbol of welcoming, the red door embodies the Botsfords’ philosophy. From farm to table, they continue to build fellowship with their community through quality produce, stewardship and care.
To learn more about Red Door Family Farm or purchase their produce, visit reddoorfamilyfarm.com.
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