Monarch Farms was established in 1990 by Mel and "Sparky" Mieske, on land that was occupied, many years ago, by the Chippewa Indians.

Mel jumped at the chance when the property was offered to him by the previous owners.  As a boy, he had played on the sand ridges of this parcel, picking up arrowheads and flint pieces.

Since the land was in poor condition, the Mieskes vowed to reclaim the lost and unproductive land through organic farming practices.  All  crops and livestock on the farm are managed using organic practices.

Three ponds were dug out, where sand had been removed, covering three acres in total.  The ponds are used for irrigation of the organic strawberries and are an interesting part of the farm tours that the Mieske's offer to groups of school children.

Fish have been introduced into the ponds by eggs, or roe, on the feet of the local birds visiting the ponds.  Several interested anglers, also contributed to the fish population by introducing minnows into the ponds.

Quality, diversity, and a family-oriented atmosphere make Monarch Farms a wonderful  place to visit.  Enjoy your online visit, and please feel free to drop by again.

WHAT'S NEW @ Monarch Farms:

• Now taking orders for the June 2008 Strawberry Season

• Mid-Michigan Creamery, LLC now has a new website!

• Cheesemaking Workshops @ Mid-Michigan Creamery

  ~conducted by, our NEW Cheese Master, Mary Jane Toth,

    author of "Goats Produce Too!" The Udder Real Thing!

• Plan to visit us in the Fall 2008 Pumpkin Patch