It's A Family Affair
Today's family farm has come a long way...
Today's family farm has come a long way. When crops are for commercial rather than personal consumption, business decisions are as important as agricultural systems. Return on investment takes the form of yield per acre, and for one mid-Michigan family, organic methodology has been the key to a healthy crop and international markets.
Jim and DeAnn (BBA '01) Sattelberg, along with their sons and daughters-in-law—Matthew and Megan (BBA '09) and Benjamin and Katie - own Thistledown Farms, a certified organic farm specializing in soybeans, corn, drybeans, and wheat. DeAnn and Megan are both Northwood alumni and Matthew is completing his degree this year. The business acumen they gained from their coursework has been instrumental in the success of Thistledown. The families are naturals at the business side of the enterprise.Thistledown is becoming well known for it's large organic farming methods. Like many farmers, both Jim and DeAnn grew up on family farms and made farming a career choice. Their children just naturally learned to help out on summer vacations and they honed their expertise through 4-H projects. It was common practice to use fertilizers and pesticides back then. Jim was a dealer in agricultural chemicals and that was the beginning of his education about the benefits of organic farming.
Although previously conventional farmers, when looking at soil structure, including its biology and the earthworm population, the benefits of organic methods became apparent. Increased yields and healthier soil were just two advantages of organic farming.
In 2002, the Sattelbergs made the switch to organic farming, and even though it takes three years to get the chemicals completely out of the soil, they have never looked back. Organic certification doesn't come easily. The testing process is rigorous and there are many standards to meet.
One of the biggest markets for Thistledown Farms is in Japan where the soybeans are processed into tofu. Japan is not an easy market to enter. Before the Sattelbergs could sell their soybeans as certified organic to the Japanese markets, a delegation came to inspect the farm. Japanese standards for organic labeling are much stricter than U.S. standards, but Thistledown Farms' methodology passed with flying colors. In order to keep its organic certification, the farm continues to be inspected annually by both U.S. and Japanese personnel.
Today, Jim and DeAnn are especially conscious of their legacy. They want to make sure the ground of which they are stewards is left healthy for generations to come.
They are also passionate about working together as a family and in ensuring the economic vitality of their business. Northwood University well understands that business takes many forms. We are proud the Sattelbergs entrusted us to impart the business knowledge needed to ensure Thistledown Farm's continued success and we will enjoy watching this remarkable family grow - literally!
Linda Mathieu
