For many years, the primary face of Polyface Farms has been Joel Salatin, who has pioneered his family’s regenerative farming techniques. Not only have his animals and business prospered, but he’s also made his way into teaching through authoring books and engaging in speaking engagements, as well as appearing in multiple documentaries. Now, as the majority of his work is focused on the latter endeavors, his son Daniel has begun to take the reins, moving into the role of Range Boss. The role evolved over time, but the younger Salatin has been hard at work, eagerly learning the ropes of farming and business since his early years.
“I started as a child -- I started when I was really young. I was homeschooled -- school in the morning, butcher chickens in the afternoon or vice versa,” Daniel said. “At a very early age -- seven, eight years old -- I was literally negotiating with Mom and Dad that I could get up at 5 and run chickens. That’s how I grew up, and that’s what I really enjoyed.”
Daniel felt the calling of stewarding his family’s land early, moving herds of cows around the land as early as eight years old, and he appreciated what that experience gave him. “I felt very accomplished, very meaningful, very purposeful, very grown-up, and valued,” he said. “The value that a young person can feel -- not just financially, but also spiritually -- taking care of the family or adding value to the income of the family, elevates that self-worth. I felt very valued and accomplished at that age because I was able to do grown-up work.”
Now, Daniel continues to carry on the mission of the farm, which he says remains the same, but with his take of also focusing on hands-on training, spearheading mentorship, and overseeing the steward program, recognizing that production and education on the farm are intertwined. Daniel takes both sides seriously and leans into teaching with an involved approach. “My approach is a very hands-on mentor-to-student relationship. It’s important that you are rubbing shoulders with them,” he said. “I’ll demonstrate, allow you to do it, observe, and give feedback. I believe in individual responsibility and ownership -- own everything in your circle. And everything I’m asking you to do now, I’ve done it.”
Daniel is a firm believer that the work that Polyface does results in superior products as opposed to those created in other environments that may use less mindful practices. “It’s not only in the nutrient profile, it's how they feel and how the product tastes,” he said. “There’s a difference in muscle tone, CLAs, fats, and more. Good food should taste better. Healthy food should not be gross. It’s delicious. There’s also more color -- food should have color and be vibrant and full of flavor."
The nutrients and the colors are not the only things that set Polyface apart -- according to Daniel, the cooking process is easier, too. “Our pork cooks about 10-15% faster than commodity pork,” he said. “We have also found that the whites in our eggs hold together better in the pan.”
While Polyface is a large farm, Daniel has suggestions for lower-scale producers who want to grow or move into agricultural endeavors. He recommends doing what’s possible or ideal now for anyone looking to move in the direction of farming produce or otherwise. “Don’t try to be perfect -- just do. Even if you just have two tomato plants and a pot,” he said. “Embrace what you feel comfortable with -- chickens, rabbits -- whatever you’re comfortable doing. Do what you can.”
As Daniel continues to propel the farm forward using the practices and philosophies that his family put in place, he points to the relationships that help to make it possible. “The opportunity to continue to work with people who have the same passion -- I think that’s what’s important to me,” he said. “And I've had a beautiful opportunity to do that.”
“The opportunity to continue to work with people who have the same passion -- I think that’s what’s important to me. And I've had a beautiful opportunity to do that.”