Agriculture's roots run deep in the family's history dating back to Hannelie's childhood experiences in Namibia, where her family raised bore goats and sheep. After moving to the US and establishing her family, Hannelie and Werner spent many weekends "escaping" urban living and traveling to the beautiful farm countryside of Sussex County. Attracted by the vast open space and agricultural heritage of the County, they eventually relocated their family to Frankford and began to build their vision of a family farm.
Churutabis Farm began as many small family farms do, with a great deal of planning, sweat equity and investment-and a few animals. The family soon became involved in the Sussex County 4H Livestock program and the three Rheeder children began learning about dairy goats through their hands-on experiences in the goat club. Juan, Migael and Lindie learned about breeding, tending and showing their goats with the guidance of their club leaders and fellow members. As a 4H leader, Hannelie was able to contribute her vast experience and knowledge to the organization as well.
For a time, dairy and meat goats were the focus of the farm enterprise. The family grew in their enjoyment,knowledge and expertise in this area- however as a business venture- sustainability was challenged by an over abundance of product which could not be marketed (milk, cheese, butter etc.) and a limited demand for breeding stock.
Poultry was part of the family's operation early on-but as a sideline rather than a focus of their ag efforts. Prompted by a need to evolve from a backyard family farm into a agri-business, the family readjusted their thinking and identified a market niche that could satisfy their personal goals and grow their farm business. Tapping into local expertise,investing in their own internet research and developing a network of friends within the local farming community -Churutabis Farm made a successful shift from livestock to poultry production. Now they are fast becoming one of the area's premier producers of farm raised duck, guinea hen and geese-supplying locally produced meat to satisfy the growing NYC restaurant market demand.Demand for their product has increased significantly over the past few years. To meet supply demands, Churutabis Farm continually reviews their expansion and management plans-careful to be be certain a market is in place BEFORE making additional dollar or labor investments (a lesson most small farm producers soon enough learn).
Churutabis Farm has developed a carefully orchestrated and timed production schedule and has virtually eliminated "brooding" from their program-reducing many of the management challenges associated with incubation and hatching of new chicks. Now, day-old birds are shipped to the farm. The birds are naturally raised and pastured until they reach their optimum market maturity. They are then sold to a distributor who processes and markets the finished product.
By adjusting their production process and working with a distributor, Churutabis Farm can focus their resources and attention to raising meat products of consistent quality and desirability.This management system also allows the family to take a much needed "breather" during the deep winter months- a welcome change from previous years of livestock production.
Churutabis Farm is a great example of the evolution of agriculture in New Jersey-demonstrating how small farms are adding to the beautiful mosaic of agriculture in the Garden State.
To those small farm producers currently finding their way in the farming business, Hannelie offers this advice: " If you build slowly, and develop a market for your product before adding more to your plate-you can be successful. Though it isn't an easy road, your passion can be profitable, sustainable and rewarding."
The Sussex Naturally congratulates Churutabis Farm for their success in developing a management and business plan that meets the growing demand for high quality, locally grown food products.
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