Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan Broker.
Hi Morgan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Shemps farm started in 2019 with the mission to feed people and we bought a 200 year old farm that needed a lot of love and construction. The first 2 years we cleaned up the house and rebuilt greenhouses while building up organic matter and proper nutrients in our fields to plant blueberry’s, raspberry’s, strawberry’s, sweet corn, pumpkins and trees.
We had many great successes and failures through the years and have found our niche for what works well in our area and specialized areas where we can push out of seasonal markets. Our goal has been to offer something new and different to the area. We are the only fig farmers in our region and do small batch product runs of mixed ciders, jams, oils and honey. We love farming in such a diverse region of agriculture and are planning the additions of an Airbnb for our Upick operation and other outdoor excursions and private hunts on game lands as well as a small game preserve for endangered Markhor goats and tours.
Looking to serve our community as best we can and feed others as a fully certified organic operation where families can see how their food should be grown, packaged and prepared/shipped. It’s been awesome to see how markets and co ops and locals really come together. Some things turn in to great successes and many things crash and burn for agriculture at the drop of a hat because we’re fighting the elements and volatility.
But 100% us participate in agriculture, so it has been humbling and exciting at the same time, always on our toes.
We always joke about this farm becoming a tv series on how the day to day is impossible to talk about; a lot of laughs, a lot of tears and some blood, but wouldn’t ask to change that for anything. Our hope is to make this a legacy and a farm preserved.
Our team has really kept expectations well and we couldn’t do this without them. They have a great passion for agriculture and hunting humanely and safely and showing non residents the best spots. Many companies have helped and sponsored us along the way that become the best of tools in the field.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The smoothest part of farming and outfitting is always coming together for the great feasts whether it be at a restaurant like Studebaker house or Alloy Kitchen or just a home cooked meal over a fire or potluck among strangers and family.
The hardest part is educating the masses on why organic truly is more nutritious, better tasting and improves the entire micro economics of their regions wherever they are or begin. And explaining that if you go hunt or fish with us, the elements can get in the way, things can go wrong fast, and there may not be any trophy some days.
There’s always the broken bones, broken machines and broken hearts throughout each season, but in never giving up, the bounties and the changes and challenges in serving others through the happiness that quality food brings just can’t be matched. The simple things really shine and but also the smiles to see someone do it for their first time or 100th.
We were meant to serve. It is our highest calling. Even on the worst days we find so much to be thankful for and content with. We know who’s in control and he’s authoring a good story here.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I come from a family of many trades. I personally found great success in being a conceptual artist and pianist internationally to which innovate agriculture. My brother is currently in film and our Big chief comes from success in the petroleum industry.
I am most proud of what we are doing on farm. We offer guided hunts/fishing, upick berries, beekeeping lessons and rent our cabin with lake views/access and a variety of tours.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
You can always reach out to collab on products through socials or email. We love consulting or selling new products or creating fun videos with our businesses so that we can grow together and inspire others to aid in the good fight.
Or meet us at FBC in Bellefonte to grow with many industry workers and supportive roles.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Shempsfarm.con
- Instagram: Shempsfarm
