Save Vlieger Family Farm

Goal:

 USD $70,000

Raised:

 USD $11,277

Campaign created by Howard Vlieger

Campaign funds will be received by Howard Vlieger

Save Vlieger Family Farm


A Heartfelt Plea: Save Vlieger Family Farm


Our Roots

The story of Vlieger Family Farm stretches back to 1959, when my parents first set down roots on this cherished land. In 1960, they purchased the farm from Bill and Margaret McDonald—yes, we live on old McDonald’s farm, a place steeped in memories and hard-earned legacy.


A Time of Loss

Life took a sudden turn in January 1980 when my father received the devastating diagnosis of leukemia, lymphoma, and bone marrow cancer. He fought bravely but passed away in August 1981, just a month after my wife and I celebrated our wedding. With a heavy heart, we took on the responsibility of the farm, buying machinery and livestock from his estate. Little did we know, 1981 would mark the beginning of our challenges—the worst year to start farming in the last 75 years.


Resilience and Transformation

In those tougher times, my wife worked at the college, I juggled six part-time jobs alongside farming, and thankfully we survived the farm crisis of the 1980s. It was out of desperation after the 1988 drought that in 1989 I became a student of the soil (it’s a lifetime journey). We began adopting alternative farming methods that has since evolved into what we now proudly call regenerative practices. Our commitment to nurturing soil health became paramount, the foundation upon which our farm stands today.


The River’s Challenge

The West Branch of the Floyd River flows through the lower part of our farm—sometimes scarcely more than a creek. After the advent of GMO crops and increased use of glyphosate herbicides by neighboring farms, the health of the surrounding soil has deteriorated, severely diminishing its capacity to absorb rainfall. Living in the river bottom, we faced the wrath of nature. Since 2018, our farm has been struck by significant flooding events seven times, each with its own costly toll on our crops, livestock, and infrastructure.


A Hopeful Year Shattered

The year 2024 held promise, with our cereal rye crop on track to yield better than ever, towering five feet tall and robust, a testament to the continual improving benefits of regenerative farming. On June 22, disaster struck. In just hours, that beautiful crop disappeared beneath 8.5 feet of water, leaving us with a staggering loss of over $30,000. The grazing season was lost, fencing was obliterated, and we were forced to buying more hay. This which has totaled over $240,000 in the past six years. When you have 40+ years in developing the genetics of your cattle herd it’s not as simple as just selling them.


The Importance of Small Farms

The larger farms are able to deal with the financial costs of flooding better because of they have many more acres that are not affected by flooding. We only have 275 acres, that are dedicated to regenerative food production. We pride ourselves on providing nutrient-dense, clean protein products—beef, chicken, eggs, lamb, pork, turkey and dairy products—to deserving families across the Midwest and beyond. We also make nutrient dense, non-GMO feed for local small operations that want to raise healthy meat and eggs for their families.


The Urgent Need for Support

Sadly, the aftermath of the 2024 flooding left us with unrelenting financial challenges: $30,000 in direct crop losses. $20,000 Increase expenses for hay purchases, $15,000 for infrastructure damage, making a looming $65,000 shortfall to meet our bank commitments. Each number represents not just dollars, but hope, dedication, and our family's legacy built over generations. The first payment of $17,000.00 is due is February 20th, 2025. The next on April 30th, 2025.


Join Us in Our Mission

Together, we can safeguard Vlieger Family Farm—your support will help us rebuild, restore, and continue our mission of providing wholesome food and promoting resilient agricultural practices. We invite you to join us in this effort—because small, regenerative farms like ours are crucial not just for our livelihoods, but for the wellbeing of communities far and wide.

Together, we can turn this storm of adversity into a story of renewal. Please consider supporting our fundraiser to help save Vlieger Family Farm. Thank you for believing in us and the future we strive to nourish.

Recent Donations
Show:
Addilyn Vellinga
$ 20.00 USD
3 days ago

We are praying for your family!

Anonymous Giver
$ 25.00 USD
3 days ago

Anonymous Giver
$ 1000.00 USD
4 days ago

hope it helps

Sarah Geiger
$ 100.00 USD
5 days ago

Hi Howard — As a distant Vlieger family member who also owns a farm, we wanted to support rebuilding your farm. You are doing important work spreading truth and light! God Bless you and your family!

Anonymous Giver
$ 20.00 USD
5 days ago

LOTUSWEI - Katie Hess
$ 1008.00 USD
7 days ago

May all your wishes come true!

Maher Family
$ 100.00 USD
7 days ago

Cornerstone Health Team
$ 200.00 USD
7 days ago

Thank you Howard for all you do. The Team is thinking of you and sending prayers too.

Jill Hawkins
$ 50.00 USD
7 days ago

We appreciate you!!!

Brackers
$ 100.00 USD
9 days ago

We will also pray for your family.

Trish S
$ 50.00 USD
11 days ago

Dear Howard and family, praying you reach your goal! I wish I could do more to help! Thanks for all you do! All my best! Trish Sheldon

Brett and Kris Wilcox
$ 100.00 USD
11 days ago

Anonymous Giver
$ 500.00 USD
12 days ago

We wish you well and sorry to hear of this difficulty.

Jorge
$ 20.00 USD
12 days ago

Glad to help

Martin Crompton
$ 200.00 USD
12 days ago

If ever a man and his family were worthy of love and support it’s my good friend and mentor Howard A True Gentleman and Good Steward of the Land Blessings to you and yours Martin

Judy Carman
$ 300.00 USD
12 days ago

I was so sorry to hear about the flood and the effect it has had on your farm and your family. Unfortunately, my donation is severely affected by the exchange rate between the Australian and US dollars. All the best to you and your family.

Sarah Love
$ 25.00 USD
12 days ago

Barbara Bogard
$ 200.00 USD
12 days ago

Sorry to hear about your difficulties. Grateful to be able to help someone who has given so much to others. With much love and prayers for the future of your family and your farm.

Anonymous Giver
$ 300.00 USD
12 days ago

Grateful for the opportunity to help friends who have helped us in so many ways. Prayers!

Devon
$ 25.00 USD
12 days ago

All the best to you. This is a stretch for me right now as I am on a fixed income, but I want to contribute.

Updates

Update #1

February 6th, 2025

Hello friends - In just 3 short days we have already met 12 PERCENT of our campaign goal! Wow! Thank you to every single one of you who has donated, shared, and supported Vlieger Family farm! 

I would like to share more about my dear friend, Howard and the incredible work he has done over the years. I hope it inspires you as it has me!

"Being a full-time family farmer has offered a unique opportunity to not only cultivate the land but also champion the principles of regenerative agriculture and organic farming. This dual role has enabled me to actively engage with communities across the globe, raising awareness about sustainable practices and the risks associated with genetically modified organisms (GMOs). By sharing firsthand experiences, farmers can educate diverse audiences about the environmental, health, and economic benefits of returning to natural farming methods that promote soil health and biodiversity. Notable relationships with influential figures in the field, such as Dr. Michelle Perro, a pediatrician and outspoken advocate for healthy food choices, and Don Huber, a renowned plant pathologist, enhance these efforts. Their research and advocacy underscore the critical importance of farming practices that prioritize both people and the soil.

Through a series of impactful presentations and collaborations with organizations like GMO Free USA, the Weston A. Price Foundation, and Children's Health Defense, the message of regenerative and organic agriculture resonates on a larger scale. Speaking engagements have allowed me to connect directly with diverse audiences, from local communities to international forums, sharing the narratives of family farming as a vital component of global food security. Writing articles and participating in panel discussions further amplifies this voice, providing an avenue to testify against legislation that undermines the rights of farmers and jeopardizes sustainable practices. By bridging the gap between farming and education, farmers can inspire a movement towards healthier food systems, helping to cultivate not just crops but also a more informed and engaged public."

Howard has always strived to educate, inform and collaborate with others in this space. Please feel free to reach out if you feel called to connect. 

With immense gratitude,
Friends of Howard and Vlieger Family Farm


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