How it all began
We are Melissa and Ben, first generation farmers. Both born and raised in Southeastern Wisconsin, we met in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 2004. At that time, we both shared an interest in cooking, health and all things food. After traveling across the country for both school and work, we purchased a small 10 acre farm in Northern Colorado in 2014. Focusing on sustainable agriculture, we raised chickens, goats, pigs and a few cows. After outgrowing the farm, we returned home in 2016 to grow and expand Unconventional Acres in Arena, Wisconsin.
Unconventional Acres is a woman owned farm and small business! Day to day operations, marketing, and sales are managed and completed by Melissa 365 days a year. Major farm jobs and projects are tackled together as a husband wife team when Ben returns home from his off farm job. With a continued passion in cooking, health and all things food, we work hard and farm slow to bring you the best pastured meats direct from our farm to your table.
Tools of the Trade
Farm Equipment
Round baler technology and wet bale wrapping has allowed us to make and store better winter hay. Our bale grinder and feed bunk system minimizes waste and provides better nutrition consistency.
Animal Management
Advances in animal behavior sciences and handling techniques have been applied to our corrals and handling facilities to minimize stress during routine checkups.
Social Media
Connecting our customers and community to the farm, and allowing us to share our farming journey.
Forest Equipment
Skid steer, forestry mulcher, grapple bucket and other equipment have supported our effort to efficiently clear and restore the health to our woods.
