Mark & Pam Godsell
Why did you begin farming?
Our goal was and is to educate those interested in learning about farm life before technology took over and to promote the humane treatment of animals, all while making it a fun and enjoyable experience for all ages. A trip to the farm provides hands-on learning. We offer a hatchery program for local schools to bring the farm to the classroom and are starting an “adopt the farm” program where they can hear about daily life on a diversified farm in the classroom.
Have you always been an eco-farmer, or did you make a change?
Yes, it is truly a mission of ours — sustainable living, non-use of large equipment to farm, bringing today’s children to the farm to learn and explore where their food comes from.
What was the biggest hurdle you have overcome?
Making a living, as Pam is still employed outside of the farm.
What do you enjoy most about farming?
The animals and how they contribute to the fields; the growing and sharing of veggies to our CSA members; having kids to the farm that have no idea where their food comes from — how crops are raised, how an egg does or doesn’t become a chick.
What is your biggest current challenge?
We are having an issue finding more land near our home to expand our farm.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received about farming?
Don’t expect to get rich monetarily, especially in the beginning, but you will surely be enriched by your mission of providing healthy food and happy animals.
What learning opportunities have helped you become a better farmer?
We learn each day from the many people who walk through our farm. We learn what they don’t know and how we can get our message out to more consumers. Also, not allowing an animal born with a disability to be undervalued or worse — we had one such animal end up in the National Geographic book, Amazing Animals!
Godsell Farm
Muskego, Wisconsin
Farmers: Mark & Pam Godsell
Farm size: 7 acres
Year established: 1990
Number of years farming? 15
Years reading Acres U.S.A.? 2
Products: CSA, vegetables, pastured beef, poultry, pork, eggs
Contact: www.godsellfarm.com or
414-425-2937
What do you see in store for the future of sustainable farming?
We anticipate a big boom. We get more and more inquiries on how to participate on the farm.
What is your favorite season? Why?
Fall, because it’s harvest time.
What do you enjoy most about living on the land?
Not going to the store, but rather going out to the gardens for dinner or the freezer for wholesome meat. Also, loving our animals and having people appreciate our efforts.
This article appears in the May 2015 issue of Acres U.S.A.