Good, Fresh, Local Featured Producer:
Pawnee Pride Meats

Farm Name: Pawnee Pride Meats (information from Paul Rohrbaugh)

Website: PawneePride.com

Location: We are located about 1 1/2 miles northwest of Steinauer, NE in Pawnee County.

Owners Names: Paul & Cyndie Rohrbaugh, we are the primary operators of this business.  We do employ our sons and neighbors as needed.

Products: Grassfed beef, Pastured Pork, Pastured Broilers, Pastured Layers(eggs), and pastured turkeys.

Purpose/Philosophy: Our intentions are to grow and sell whole (complete) foods in a way that is sustainable to the environment and our community.  We do this by practices that mimic the natural system for similar animals.  Research show that this is good for the environment, the animal's welfare, the health of the consumer and the well being of the farmer/rancher.

Farming methods: Non-certified organic (no synthetic chemicals, pesticides, fertilizer, etc. All animals are grown in and on a grassland environment without confinement.

Markets: We sell our products to a Lincoln based CSA (community supported agriculture), Village Pointe Farmer's Market in Omaha, GFL, and on-farm.

Why did we start farming? In short it was to fulfill all of the objectives listed above.  My background is in family business and natural resources management.  I like to work and improve the outdoor environment as well as serving people.  I wanted to bring up my family in a rural environment which teaches self sufficiency and work ethic.  I enjoy all natural forms of outdoor recreation, i.e. hunting, fishing, hiking, bird watching, star gazing, etc.

My favorite part of farming: Variety, people, sense of accomplishment, outdoor environment, working with natural forces, good food.

Challenges: The greatest challenges are financial.  There is a need to start from scratch and grow to a size that is financially viable.  During that process one must either work off farm and/or do a lot of quick turnover projects (mortgage lifters) to stay on track.  Weather disasters are then next biggest challenge.  We have lost entire crops, cattle, pens of chickens, etc. due entirely to the vagaries of weather.

How did I learn about GFL: You may wish to visit with Pam or Ellen on this one.  As Executive Director of the Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society, you might say that I helped to start the program.  However, it took lots of folks at the right place and the right time to make it a success.