Small farm, big impact – farm-to-table year-round

Thanks to Becky Haffner from Haffner Family Farm, Alexandria has a winter Farmers’ Market. “I wanted to start one for a long time,” she said. “I sell meat year-round (beef, pork, and lamb). It was an opportunity for other people to make money through the winter. The vendors agreed, and we have a good group of people.”

The market launched in 2023 with 12 vendors — as many as would fit into the location — in the Copper Trail Brewing Co. taproom.

To get the winter marketing up and running took a lot of work. “These markets don’t just show up,” Becky said. “When we [vendors] put some time into advertising and making it better, then we all benefit.“

They kicked off promotion at the summer market. Copper Trail also promoted it. Their work paid off. “It was super amazing. It was packed.”

Hard work and learning, hand in hand

If you’ve been to the summer Farmers’ Market, you’ve probably seen Becky and her kids. Working at the market “has been a great addition to homeschooling,” she said. “My kids can talk with anybody and promote our product. They’re good with money and handing out change. They’re helpful. If they see somebody needs help carrying something to their car, they’ll help.”

As the name says, the Haffner Family Farm involves the whole family: Becky, Will, and their five kids. “We always work Monday through Saturday, but then we have Sunday fun day. So you work hard, and then you get a reward. We’ve always paid them for their hours. It develops character, and they see that hard work equals pay.”

Sunday Funday might include eating out, watching a movie, hiking up Inspiration Peak, going to church, or visiting family. “Sometimes we just are tired and stay home.”

High-quality meat, humanely raised

The Haffner Farm’s mission is “to produce high quality, nutritious, and affordable meat in a manner we can be proud of while teaching our children a good work ethic.”

“I didn’t want to eat meat raised on a feedlot,” Becky said. ”That’s pretty much why we started this meat business. We care about how animals are raised. I wanted to raise, and I want to eat meat that comes from animals that had a good life, lived on pasture, were treated well, weren’t in crowded spaces.”

Raising a family and a farm

Becky’s path to farming may have been unexpected, but she’s where she wants to be. Her family is following their mission to raise animals with care, producing high-quality meat, and the kids are learning the value of hard work. They’re proud to be a small family farm.

Learn more about the Haffner Family Farm here: http://www.haffnerfamilyfarm.com

Schedule: winter Farmers’ Market

The 2024-25 winter market is in the taproom at Copper Trail Brewing Co. It will be the first Sunday of the month, November through April, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.