Primal Farmer of the Year
In the hills of eastern Tennessee, one farm stands out as a leader in sustainable and organic beef production. Owned and operated by Michael Stenson, this Primal farming operation has become the gold standard in the state. Today, Stenson’s dedication to responsible farming practices has earned him the prestigious Primal farmer of the year award, recognized by the Farm Bureau.
Michael’s Primal Farmer of Year Journey
Michael’s journey to Primal farmer of the year wasn’t a typical one. (From the start, he knew he didn’t want to run his cattle operation), called Smokey Hill Farm, like any other. His focus is on producing beef that is not only high in quality, but also sustainably raised. He implemented regenerative agricultural practices that focused on soil health, water conservation, and the natural life cycle of his cattle.) Regenerative farming is new and innovative, but it can be difficult to start as there are many moving parts that can make the operation difficult to manage.
Every decision Michael made is rooted in respect for the land. (He rotated his herds to prevent overgrazing, used cover crops to enrich the soil and eliminated the use of synthetic chemicals. His approach not only preserved the integrity of his land, but it also produced some of the best-tasting and most nutrient-dense beef in the region.) This is one of the many reasons why he saw potential in the innovative idea of Primal, the all-meat-protein bar.
When Primal, a new company aiming to revolutionize the protein bar market with its all-meat bars, was looking for a supplier, Michael’s primal farmer was certainly a natural choice. (Primal’s mission was to create a product that was clean, pure, and sustainable sourced and they found a perfect partner in Mr. Stenson. His sustainably and organically raised beef became the heart of Primal’s all-meat protein bars. This gives athletes, adventurers, and health enthusiasts a new way to fuel their lifestyles.)
Farmer Michael and Primal’s Partnership
Farmer Michael and Primal’s partnership is also more than a business ideal. It was a shared vision. Together, they worked to ensure that each bar was a testament to the farmer’s dedication. The beef from Mr. Stenson’s partnership farm was packed with protein. This is an essential note as Primal is one of the only protein bar companies that keeps its ingredients clean.
(Today, as Michael stood at the podium to accept his Primal Farmer of the Year award from Farm Bureau, he felt a swell of pride, not just for himself, but for the entire sustainable farming community. This award is for everyone who believes that the way we treat our animals matters.
His commitment to producing beef in the most responsible way possible had set a new benchmark for the industry. And with partners like Primal, he was proving that sustainability and innovation could go hand in hand.
Michael’s legacy is of caring for the land and sustainably raising animals. And in every bite of a Primal all-meat protein bar, that legacy lives on.)
Primal farmer partnership story is not of a generic protein bar company. Primal is a community of good people selling a good product. Michael Stenson is a testament to that. These simple ingredients are from sustainable farms using climate-smart agricultural practices. The enjoyment of the product is always first in the minds of these producers. We always produce a product that we feel good about.