Potawatomi Farm is a Whole Lot More Than Just a Farm

By Joe Moreno

Rez Life Ink Slinger

Potawatomi. The name may conjure up thoughts of a Tribe, their Casino, or perhaps even a State Park, but there's more....much more.....as in FARM.

Better known as Bowewadmi Ktegan, a farm owned by The Forest County Potawatomi, offers a wide variety of produce, meat and fish, not only to their Tribal Members, but the general public as well.

According to Farm Manager David Cronauer, there are over three hundred acres; " Over three farms of ag land." he further explained.

Their products include grass fed beef cattle and bison, as well as naturally raised pork, fish, and chicken, along with a good variety of produce, berries, and honey as well. Did I forget eggs? Yes, I did; they also offer farm fresh eggs.

The Bowewadmi Ktegan initiated operations in the spring of 2017 with the goal of providing a natural, sustainable source of produce, fruits, fish and animal protein to the Tribal community. To achieve this goal they have undertaken the following measures to ensure success : built 6 high tunnels to extend growth times, planted apple, pear, and plum trees, brought in pigs, beef cattle, and bison, chickens housed in coops, built an aquaponic facility, planted raspberries, blueberries, honey berries, and have acquired honey bees to pollinate crops as well as to provide honey......and it does not stop there, they are continuously expanding with plans to offer cooking and gardening classes in the future.

Although credit for the original individuals who may have been inspired to create Bowewadmi Ktegan remains elusive, Cronauer explains it was originally a Tribal concept in which, different elements came together to involve a feasibility study in 2016. Soon thereafter, in 2017, staff got hired, the feasibility study was implemented, and things just took off from there.

Among the different activities one might encounter at the farm, one might be surprised to see they also have a commercial compost operation, which they not only utilize for the farm's needs, but also sell their surplus to the general public.

While new ideas are ever emergent, plans for an addition to the Aquaponics facility will include a new greenhouse in the spring. Something else that seems to be in the works for the farm include expansion of the sugar bush, as Cronauer states: " We would like to expand the Maple Sugar Bush in the future."

Bowewadmi Ktegan has been no small undertaking. It has been one that has been meticulously planned, (right down to the honey bees), and executed with the help of their adequately staffed, qualified team, which includes Cronauer, Assistant Farm Manager Joe Shepard, Senior Farm Technician Shawn Mulligan, Farm Technician Dave Peters, Land and Natural Resources Division Administrator Frank Shepard Jr., Farm Sales and Marketing Coordinator Melinda Carroll, Aquaponics Technician Stephanie Rosie, Food Preservation and Production Specialist Wenona Siggelkow, Seasonal Farm Apprentice Theran Ahtone, and Farm Store Clerk Cindy Pemkiewicz.

Their website, (farm.fcpotawatomi.com), is very well organized and illustrated, depicting all manner of beef and bison cuts as well as a huge variety of produce, right down to the honey they offer. If one were to scroll through its pages, one would notice the ease of navigation there in, leading you to a very detailed description of their offerings along with vivid imagery.

In this day in age of processed food, it's refreshing to know that there is a healthy, natural, sustainable alternative such as Bowewadmi Ktegan to fit the bill. It will certainly be, (if it isn't already), appreciated by many and imitated by a few, to ensure many years of prosperity to come.

Future. As in BRIGHT. BRIGHT FUTURE as synonymous with Bowewadmi Ktegan. After having managed operations successfully for six years, and with plans in the works for further improvement and expansion, they are sure to enjoy a bright and prosperous future with their model concepts and professional implementation. Need I mention the countless satisfied customers that have, and are, enjoying this new, natural food source alternative?

Located at 3389 County Highway H in Laona WI, where they are open to the general public Mon - Fri 9:00AM - 5:00PM, (Open Saturdays June - December 9:00AM - 4:00PM), and offering Guide Farm Walks every Wednesday starting at 1:00PM sharp. Their phone number for pickup at the farm is (715) 478-4545, and both C-stores carry farm products.

Potawatomi. It doesn't mean just Tribe, Casino or even State Park anymore, it means a lifestyle which will take you on your journey to the Casino and State Park.