Promoting healthy living

Farm fresh at new store offering quality meat and goods

Alove for animals combined with a concern for health and well-being is the foundation of Fireridge Farmstand, located at 1396 S. Route 7 in Camdenton. Owned and operated by Dana and Collin Becker, this 55- acre venue provides visitors not only the opportunity to purchase quality products, but also an opportunity to enjoy the grounds.

Becker and her husband started the farm five years ago.

“We did it because we both love animals,” she explained. “It was never meant to be anything more than a hobby. The last few years I had it on my heart that I needed to offer healthy food options for people.”

Becker works full-time as a nurse and Collin is a firefighter in Osage Beach. They are both aware of some of the unhealthy ways foods today are processed, packaged and sold. Because of that, they wanted to offer an alternative.

“I wanted to provide and educate people on their health from a very basic nutritional standpoint,” she said.

What sets them apart in their effort to offer a healthier quality of meat is they don’t feed lot their animals. Instead of being kept in a small area and fed an unnatural diet, their animals spend their time in the pasture. Because of this, Becker explained, they have access to their natural diets. If they are confined, she added, it’s because they chose to go into the barn. In addition, animals have unlimited access to water through an automated water system that continually replaces any water used with clean water.

Along with their full- time employment, they both work the farm alone without any hired help. They raise sheep, goat, pig and chicken and have partnered with friends from a neighboring farm to purchase beef.

“We like the way they finish out their beef,” Becker said. “We buy the beef outright from them, then process and sell it.”

Customers can purchase meat every Saturday from 10-6 in the shop portion of their home. Their most popular items, Becker said, are ribeye steaks, chuck roast and lamb.

“We want to create a place that promotes healthy living,” Becker said. “A huge part of healthy living is community. We want to bring people together, support local makers, and create a space that is fun for all ages.” To promote this even further, the couple will be celebrating the opening of their new storefront.

A grand opening for the public is scheduled for April 1 for the 1500 square-foot building that sits on the front portion of their property near the highway. A coffee vendor will be present in the morning and the Swallowtail Farm to Table food truck will be there for lunch during the event.

The new storefront building, Becker explained, will sell goods from other vendors, artisans, and their own products as well. These include eggs, plants, houseware items, and more.

“We want to support the community, and supporting our local artists provides a sense of community,” she added. “By partnering with others we make up for the lack of time, talent and public knowledge we have in some things.” The new storefront will be open every Thursday through Sunday from 9-6.

Becker said they love having kids out to the farm where they can pet the animals. They also transport some of their animals for birthday parties and church events.

“It’s just a small petting zoo but people love it,” she said. “Our animals love being pet and loved on.”

Their future plans for the farm includes the addition of a larger animal petting area for kids and a fresh flower garden. “We plan on doing this for a long time,” Becker said. “I imagine it will continue to expand and grow. I would love to do classes and tutorials at some point in the future.” Additional information about Fireridge Farmstand can be found on Facebook and Instagram. Specific questions can be texted to 573-434-9669.

compiled by Charis Patires