Shelli and Paul Meulemans operate Wild Coyote Farm, where they are able to connect with their community and provide organic produce. They are both first generation agriculturalists who found their roots within farming. Wild Coyote Farm offers a customizable produce share throughout the harvest season. They service local homes and the Chicago area with their produce delivery and pickup program.
The Meulemans noted “We pride ourselves on the quality and affordability of the produce we sell, and the community has responded by supporting our farm.” Beyond their produce share, the Meulemans grow a diverse selection of vegetables, along with offering eggs, lamb meat, and wool to support their community.
The Meulemans Family
To continue providing for those around them, the Meulemans utilized GreenStone’s CultivateGrowth Grant. They were able to continue to expand their knowledge with the experience provided through the grant funds. “This grant allowed us to attend the Eco-Ag Conference & Trade Show, where spent time with like-minded growers and learned from luminaries in the field of soil health and regenerative agriculture.”
The conference consisted of a variety of panelists whose topics ranged from complex soil interactions of different chemicals and the value of balancing them, to a discussion around balancing minerals in the soil versus applying foliar chemicals. These presentations allowed the couple to network with many producers and expand their knowledge in the industry.
As Wild Coyote Farm reaches their eighth farming season, the Meulemans have strong goals moving forward, and said, “We would like to continue with aggressive growth in sales, following a trend we have been able to maintain since the farm started. In order to meet those goals, we must continue to expand our land base to continue to be a sustainable organic operation. We strive to have each acre of the farm to be in pasture for two years, then to be rotated back into vegetable production only when it is ready to grow the best possible produce.”
GreenStone is proud to support agriculturalists rooted in growth like Paul and Shelli. We work to provide the educational and financial resources needed to help grow your passion for your operation. To apply for a grant, visit CultivateGrowth Grant | GreenStone FCS.
