The things we learn in childhood have a way of providing a platform for future dreams to take shape. This has certainly been the case in the life of Kelsey Owens and her husband Matt as they have taken their collected wisdom and paired it with their own ideas to shape a life connected to the land for their three children.
Growing up, Kelsey’s grandfather had a ranch that she would often help out on. No stranger to beef cattle like many young folks in rural areas, she had the added benefit of growing up on wild game and trapping, knowing how to pluck a goose and field dress animals. This resourcefulness in harvesting from the land was furthered by her Grandma Lindsay who would walk through the woods and point out everything by name and use, knowing what to eat, what to use to heal, and what to leave alone for the woods to shelter. Kelsey not only fondly remembers the packages of herbs from her grandmother, but has developed her own toolbook and now walks the garden and fields alongside her children, collecting herbs for teas and medicine, harvesting honey from their bees, and showing respect for creation by finding a purpose for most everything.
Kelsey and her husband Matt are innovators, and have two unique ventures in their collective that speak to their commitment for efficiency and holistic health.
The first venture she credits to her husband Matt, who researched and picked the Lowline Angus breed (the “original Angus”) of smaller frame cattle that thrive on less land and grass alone. With a focus on “feeding beef not bones” these cattle are more cost effective while still producing quality beef. In addition, the niche market for grass fed beef offers the Owens a more reliable price than the commercial cattle market, and they have a faithful local customer base
When not busy with the cattle, kids, bees, pigs, 4-H animals, garden, or any of their other many projects (they even built their own home!) Kelsey makes soaps and salves that she sells on their website www.championgrassfedbeef.com . This business got its start when she found herself trying to find a use for the leftover fat from their feeder pigs. Between the fat and the abundant herbs from their garden, she soon discovered she could make quality soap, and add a special twist to it. Her soap making journey has progressed from Tupperware container molds to handcrafted molds made by her loving husband, and soaps ranging from “Paprika and Tangerine” all the way to a Deep Sleep Salve. After researching different methods, Owens began using the hot press method, and the “Zing Test” to see if the soap is ready. The Zing Test consists of touching the soap to one’s tongue. If the soap is still heavy with lye and hasn’t turned, it will literally zing the tongue. With her own beeswax and milk from their sweet Jersey cow Sprinkles, the majority of her products are sourced on the farm.
Between Kelsey’s creative tendencies and Matt’s innovative thinking, their children Peyton (14) , Paige (11), and Bo (8) are sure to follow in the family tradition of living off the land. The girls are already able to field dress most animals and then turn around and cook them.
If you’re looking for kindhearted, wise folks who aren’t afraid to stand up for their ideas and put in the work, you should take a look at the Owens family. You will find them working the land, caring for animals, and discovering new ways to better the community through holistic health.
Stock Show Tradition
Left to right
Peyton, Kelsey, Paige, Trenda Monnahan (aunt) John Monnahan (Grandpa) not pictured is Great Grandpa Paul Monnahan who was very well known for his registered horned Herefords makes 5 generations showing at National Western Stock show in Denver Colorado. Peyton’s mini-Hereford Libby. Herefords continue in our family.
