Farmstead Foods, LLC, owned and operated by Michael Gehman, is deeply rooted in Southern Illinois, both geographically and in spirit. Michael grew up in the Benton area, where he was immersed in the intersection of horticulture and agriculture. His mother managed a thriving greenhouse and garden center, while his father operated a hog farm and row crop farming business. This upbringing instilled in him a deep respect for the land and the resilience required to sustain farming. After high school, Michael worked alongside his father while taking on landscaping projects, developing a strong foundation in hard work, creativity, and the importance of cultivating both the land and meaningful relationships.

In 2009, Michael and his wife began farming on a piece of family land, starting small by selling produce at farmers' markets in St. Louis. Their first season was filled with challenges, providing valuable lessons in planning, perseverance, and managing supply and demand. To achieve financial stability during critical growing seasons, they launched a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program called Local Farmer Cropboxes, which ensured sustainability. As their operations expanded into restaurant and retail sales, Michael discovered a passion for the culinary arts and found fulfillment in seeing their produce transformed into exceptional dishes by talented chefs.

In 2013, Michael acquired Double Star Farms from his mentor and friend, Clair Rudolph. This transition enabled him to focus on wholesale operations, building a network of local farms to meet the growing demand for fresh, high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. By 2018, Farmstead Foods was officially established, founded on principles of transparency and a commitment to celebrating the farmers who contribute to its success. Today, the company offers a wide range of locally grown vegetables, fruits, dairy, meats, grains, and more, serving the community with pride and dedication.

BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH LOCAL FOOD

Being based in Southern Illinois provides Farmstead Foods with unique advantages. The region’s fertile soil and deep-rooted farming traditions contribute to the production of high-quality crops. Strategically located between major cities, Southern Illinois serves as a vital connection point, linking local farmers with urban markets. Additionally, the prevalence of food deserts in the area presents an opportunity to deliver affordable, fresh food to underserved communities, aligning with the company’s core mission.

Farmstead Foods addresses logistical challenges by collaborating with multiple farms to develop efficient distribution systems, reducing costs while ensuring accessibility for customers. The company is also deeply committed to sustainability, incorporating practices such as recycling packaging, redistributing unsellable produce to food banks, and composting unusable items to minimize environmental impact.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES

The COVID-19 pandemic tested the resilience of Farmstead Foods. When restaurant sales, the company's primary revenue stream, declined almost overnight, the team quickly pivoted to online home delivery and nationwide shipping. By diversifying its customer base to include schools and markets, Farmstead Foods emerged stronger, more versatile, and even more deeply connected to the communities it serves.

PARTNERSHIPS AND VISION

Farmstead Foods thrives through its collaborative relationships with local farmers and businesses. These partnerships not only ensure a steady supply of high-quality products but also contribute to the growth of the local economy. While grant funding has been elusive, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainable growth and continues to advocate for resources that help small farms succeed.

At the heart of Farmstead Foods’ mission is a deep appreciation for the Southern Illinois community. The region’s people embody values of hard work, authenticity, and a shared agricultural heritage that defines the area. Farmstead Foods is dedicated to honoring these values by building a sustainable network that benefits farmers, consumers, and the land. The company’s goal is straightforward: to make locally grown, high-quality food accessible to everyone, fostering a healthier, more connected community for future generations.