Fresh Roots Farm’s Sustainable Practices Protect the Environment and Rural Livelihoods
The Localer: Returning to the family’s farmland, this couple has taken an eco-friendly approach to providing farm-fresh food to their community. | By Karen Eull
Michelle Schram and Troy Stozek with their two children on the farm. | PHOTO: COURTESY OF MICHELLE SCHRAM
(From top) Grass-fed cattle grazing; Fresh Roots Farm offers grass-fed beef, eggs and raw honey. | PHOTOS: COURTESY OF MICHELLE SCHRAM
Michelle Schram hadn’t always planned to return to her family’s farmstead, but after she moved away and met her husband, Troy Stozek, the two of them decided to move to Cartwright, Manitoba. “It took me some time to come around to the fact that I wanted to be here,” recalls Schram, “But [I had to go] away, I guess, to figure that out and appreciate what I had growing up here.”
Together, the couple created Fresh Roots Farm, keeping grass-fed cattle, hens and beehives on perennial pastures — sustainable grazing areas that foster deeper plant roots, improve soil health and retain water.
“It’s my grandparents’ land, so it feels very meaningful,” says Schram. “It doesn’t take long to feel that, even for Troy, who didn’t grow up here in this community. The land that we get to steward means a lot to him as well. And we do our best to care for it.”
Caring for their land means investing in regenerative farming practices — an approach focused on restoring the land and its ecosystem rather than simply sustaining it. This includes encouraging biodiversity by planting trees and building an apiary (an area where bees are kept) to support pollinators. Dividing the acreage into smaller paddocks allows them to control where cattle graze, giving the land an opportunity to rest and regenerate.
Schram and Stozek’s strong connection to community has also shaped their business. They are part of a network of Manitoba farmers — which includes 100 farms and a co-operative of 35 farmers’ markets — who sell directly to customers, bypassing conventional distribution models. Schram is on the board of directors for Direct Farm Manitoba, a business model that helps people feel closer to the source of their food.
Fresh Roots Farm customers can order grass-fed beef, eggs and raw honey online or subscribe to a monthly box, and pickup, local delivery or monthly drop-offs are available in Winnipeg. The farm serves about 150 families each month and has developed lasting relationships with many.
“One of the things that a lot of parents have noted is that the kids who are picky eaters [will] eat food that they wouldn’t otherwise eat because they know it comes from Troy and Michelle’s farm,” says Schram, “because there’s a connection there. That’s a little more than just something Mom and Dad got off the grocery shelves!” CAA
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Michelle Schram and Troy Stozek with their two children on the farm. | PHOTO: COURTESY OF MICHELLE SCHRAM
Fresh Roots Farm’s Sustainable Practices Protect the Environment and Rural Livelihoods
The Localer: Returning to the family’s farmland, this couple has taken an eco-friendly approach to providing farm-fresh food to their community. | By Karen Eull
Michelle Schram hadn’t always planned to return to her family’s farmstead, but after she moved away and met her husband, Troy Stozek, the two of them decided to move to Cartwright, Manitoba. “It took me some time to come around to the fact that I wanted to be here,” recalls Schram, “But [I had to go] away, I guess, to figure that out and appreciate what I had growing up here.”
Together, the couple created Fresh Roots Farm, keeping grass-fed cattle, hens and beehives on perennial pastures — sustainable grazing areas that foster deeper plant roots, improve soil health and retain water.
“It’s my grandparents’ land, so it feels very meaningful,” says Schram. “It doesn’t take long to feel that, even for Troy, who didn’t grow up here in this community. The land that we get to steward means a lot to him as well. And we do our best to care for it.”
Caring for their land means investing in regenerative farming practices — an approach focused on restoring the land and its ecosystem rather than simply sustaining it. This includes encouraging biodiversity by planting trees and building an apiary (an area where bees are kept) to support pollinators. Dividing the acreage into smaller paddocks allows them to control where cattle graze, giving the land an opportunity to rest and regenerate.
Schram and Stozek’s strong connection to community has also shaped their business. They are part of a network of Manitoba farmers — which includes 100 farms and a co-operative of 35 farmers’ markets — who sell directly to customers, bypassing conventional distribution models. Schram is on the board of directors for Direct Farm Manitoba, a business model that helps people feel closer to the source of their food.
Fresh Roots Farm customers can order grass-fed beef, eggs and raw honey online or subscribe to a monthly box, and pickup, local delivery or monthly drop-offs are available in Winnipeg. The farm serves about 150 families each month and has developed lasting relationships with many.
“One of the things that a lot of parents have noted is that the kids who are picky eaters [will] eat food that they wouldn’t otherwise eat because they know it comes from Troy and Michelle’s farm,” says Schram, “because there’s a connection there. That’s a little more than just something Mom and Dad got off the grocery shelves!” CAA
Grass-fed cattle grazing; Fresh Roots Farm offers grass-fed beef, eggs and raw honey. | PHOTOS: COURTESY OF MICHELLE SCHRAM