February Featured Farmer
Tim Braun, Braun Farms
This month we are featuring a member of The Option Army, Tim Braun. Tim is one of our original TOA members, and we wanted to learn more about him, and his family, and the strategic ways he has adapted his businesses over the years. The first quote on their website says a lot: “We're Tim & Renae Braun, and we opened Braun's Market because we wanted to make high quality, locally produced goods more accessible to the community. Norman Borlaug’s quote “Food is the moral right of all who are born into the world” continues to inspire us everyday.”
Q: First of all, tell me a little bit about your farm.
A: We grow corn, soybeans, cereal rye and hay. We also raise beef cattle and broiler chickens for the direct to consumer market.
Q: Can you give me a little more background, details and some things you would like us to know about your operation?
A: My wife Renae and my two boys Henrik (3) and Lukas (1) are a third generation family in farming that started our own operation in 2017. After a career as an agronomist for different seed and chemical companies I decided to go out on my own and expand my farm and related businesses. We currently own a retail grocery business where we sell meats raised on our farm as well as other locally produced goods. I also operate a seed, chemical and grain elevator business. We were recently named a MN water quality certified farm for the efforts we are taking in reducing soil erosion and environmental impact on the farm.
Q: Wow, I had no idea. Congratulations on the certification, what an important recognition to obtain. It also sounds like you have had some great foresight over the years, and have really adapted and made some smart additions. With that being said, where do you see your farm, and the future of farming in say 10 years?
A: I would like to see our row crop and meat operation expand to make enough room for our boys to join us if they choose to in the future. I feel there is a great future in farming if you are willing to adapt to new technologies and new ways of producing and marketing crops.
Q: I think that is all very reasonable and encouraging. I like to hear this. As I learn more from you and other farmers, I see adaption is key. Is that why you joined The Option Army?
A: I joined TOA because I’ve always enjoyed Brian’s insight on twitter and want to learn to be a better trader. We are a smaller operation and I can’t afford to make mistakes pricing my crops. Finding unique ways to reduce my risks and bringing in some income from markets I don’t normally participate in is really helpful.
Q: I am very happy to hear this. This is exactly why Brian started The Option Army in the first place. Shifting a bit, if you were to use one word to describe your day to day life on the farm, what would it be?
A: Day to day on the farm for me can be described as ‘unique’. I never know what challenges will come about with all of the things I am involved in which prevents boredom or stagnation.
Thank you, Tim! It has been a pleasure getting to know you, your family and your businesses. We are delighted to share your story.
To learn more about Tim and Braun’s Market check out their website and follow them their Instagram. If you are ever in Princeton MN, be sure to stop by!
