Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Brock.
Hi Michael, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
During my service in the United States Marine Corps, I often found myself thinking about what direction I wanted to take once it was time to transition back into civilian life. I’ve always had a passion for animals and felt more of a connection with them sometimes more than people, I decided the best way to honor that passion was to use my GI Bill to pursue an education in agriculture.
After completing my active-duty service, I moved to Springfield, Missouri, with my girlfriend—now my wife and business partner—to attend Missouri State University. I earned my bachelor’s degree in animal science, while she completed her master’s in public health.
Once we finished our degrees, we relocated to the southern Kansas City area, settling in Pleasant Hill, where we eventually purchased our first property. Around that same time, I made the decision to further my education by pursuing a master’s degree in agriculture from Colorado State University. We got married, and soon after, we welcomed our daughter into the world.
With a clear goal of making farming my full-time profession, I committed myself fully to bringing that dream to life. I didn’t know exactly how it would come together, but I was driven by a deep sense of purpose and determination. That perseverance led to the creation of Grizzly Acres Farm. Originally, I wanted to run cattle but over time sheep began to make more sense especially since my wife is a 3rd generation sheep farmer. We started modestly with a few ewes and a ram—and as anyone familiar with “farm math” knows, four sheep can quickly turn into twelve. Before long, we had a fully operating farm with sheep, chickens, bees, a goose, and two livestock guardian dogs.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There are never any smooth roads in farming, but that’s why we love it! Of course there are never really any days off when it comes to owning livestock and you have to work with mother nature not against it. There have been times where I have had to leave my regular 9-5 to move sheep because the area they were in was starting to flood. Other times it is just simply a matter of having time and resources needed to complete the task that need to get done. One of the biggest hurdles for smaller producers is the barrier to entry and the amount of capital it takes to get going. Direct to consumer sales or starting any business for that matter, takes a lot of time and energy away from your family and other things you enjoy doing.
We’ve been impressed with Grizzly Acres Farm, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We offer customers a variety of options, including lamb cuts, whole lamb, and fresh eggs when available. Our commercial sheep flock is made up of Dorper and Katahdin crosses and continues to expand. This year we have also made moves and started into registered breeding stock as well with a newer breed for the United States, the Australian White. With a focus on enhancing our flock’s genetics and recently partnered with Smart Reproductions—an accredited USDA Livestock Export & Research Center—to introduce Australian White hair sheep embryos into our ewes. We purchased our embryos from the Australian White USA Breeders Association. The embryos were brought over directly from Australia from the farm that developed the breed.
Now with the embryo successfully transplanted to our mothering ewes we patiently wait lambs to drop mid-April.
It is our belief that this breed will help to change the minds of many consumers in regard to their opinion of lamb as a protein source. The Australian White has undergone some studies that show the fat content has a lower melting point than that of other breeds. They have nicknamed the breed the Wygu of the sheep industry.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I am always a advocate for continuous education. While my free time is sparing, I do try to read but that often turns into audiobooks or podcast on my way to and from my other full-time job. The most important book I try to read daily is my bible. My church, family and friends prove to be my most valuable resources. Other books I have read and or listened to recently are Jack Carr’s Terminal List series, and intermittently Marcus Arurelius’ Meditations. Podcast I listen to Joe Rogan, Shuan Ryan, Tucker Carlson. I watch a lot of YouTube trying to learn new things and see what others are doing when it comes to our field.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.grizzlyacres-farm.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grizzlyacres_farm/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064701519603
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@grizzlyacresfarm
