Healing Soils Foundation Awards the Paul Bickford Legacy Grant to Meadowlark Farm and Mill
The Healing Soils Foundation is proud to award its first ever Paul Bickford Legacy Grant, under its Healthy Soils, Healthy Grains initiative, to Meadowlark Farm and Mill. The grant, totaling $145,000, will support Halee and John Wepking in the continuation and strengthening of the organic and regenerative agricultural practices implemented on their 1000-acre organic grain and livestock farm, Meadowlark Farm and Mill in Ridgeway, Wisconsin.
This grant honors the legacy of Paul Bickford, a beloved friend, mentor, and innovative organic farmer. Paul, who passed away in a farm accident on August 23, 2022, was a pioneer in transitioning from conventional to organic farming practices. His journey began with his father Melvin in Sauk County, before he established the Bickford Diary in Ridgeway in 1978. In 1992, Paul and his family converted their confinement dairy operation to rotational grazing and became strong advocates for this movement. Over the last decade, Paul transitioned to organic grain farming under the name Bickford Organics. Paul was a tireless advocate for organic farming and nurturing the next generation of farmers. He served on Wisconsin's Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection's Organic Advisory Council and the USDA Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers. His contributions were numerous, and his legacy continues to inspire. In 2015, Paul sought to advance his mentoring and ensure the farm’s succession. He posted an ad on Craigslist that emphasized ethics and trust as cornerstones of organic farming, leading to his partnership with Halee and John Wepking. The Wepkings are proud to carry on Paul’s commitment to sustainable, regenerative agriculture.
The Paul Bickford Legacy Grant will enable Meadowlark Farm and Mill to further their efforts in organic and regenerative farming, enhancing soil health, biodiversity, and sustainability. Meadowlark Farm and Mill is an important part of the regional grain ecosystem – growing, purchasing and milling organic grains from regional farms. John Wepking runs the farming operation overall. Halee serves as the Farmer Collaboration Working Group Coordinator for the Artisan Grain Collaborative, facilitating peer learning and regional collaboration for other regenerative and organic farms. Meadowlark Farm and Mill provides organic, nutrient dense grains, flours, and beans to consumers, bakers, restaurants, and distillers across Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois. Meadowlark Farm and Mill exemplifies Healing Soils Foundations dedication to farmers who are healing our soils and nurturing our collective future.
The Healing Soils Foundation is proud to be part of Paul Bickford’s legacy. This is the first award under the Paul Bickford Legacy Grant Fund made possible through the generous support of the Paul Bickford Estate, continuing Paul’s passion for supporting organic agriculture and young farmers.
The Healthy Soils, Healthy Grains initiative is a program of the Healing Soils Foundation. This initiative is currently focused on organic and regenerative grain operations in the Midwest operating at scale. In the United States, over 50% of daily caloric intake comes from grains – presenting a tremendous opportunity to improve human and planetary while supporting thriving rural communities in America’s heartland. For more information about the Healing Soils Foundation and to apply for a Paul Bickford Legacy Grant under the Healthy Soils, Heathy Grains initiative, please visit healingsoils.org or contact info@healingsoilsfoundation.org.
About Healing Soils Foundation: The Healing Soils Foundation is dedicated to cultivating a healthier future through director support of farmers who implementing organic and regenerative practices at scale. Through charitable grants and ecosystem-building, we strive to catalyze a future where healthy soils ensure a legacy of health and hope for the planet, people, and communities for generations to come.
About Meadowlark Farm and Mill: Meadowlark Farm and Mill, under the stewardship of Halee and John Wepking, continues the legacy of Paul Bickford in advancing organic and regenerative agricultural practices. The farm is committed to regenerating the land and providing high-quality food to their community, fostering sustainable farming and biodiversity.