Who We Are
We are farmers and landowners in the Bad Axe Watershed located in the Driftless Region and in Vernon County, WI.
Our Vision
We Strive to foster locally led conservation by engaging farmers, businesses, and community members to identify and address local natural resource challenges in the Bad Axe Watershed.
Our Mission
To demonstrate and implement best practices that improve water quality, reduce flooding, reduce soil erosion and nutrient loss, and help farmers be profitable.
Justin and Darci Daniels Family.
Children: Weston, Sadie,
Hazel and Nellie Jo.
Farmer Spotlight
Daniels Family
About Our Family and Farm
We are the Daniels family of Garden Ridge Ranch, a small family farm just west of Viroqua. We raise grass-fed beef, pasture-raised pork, and organic strawberries, along with organic strawberry jam made from berries grown on our farm. We sell locally at the Viroqua and La Crosse Farmers Markets as well at the local food coops. We also have Garden Ridge Retreat where we welcome guests to stay right on our farm and explore all the Driftless Region has to offer. Our kids are involved in many parts of the farm, from caring for animals to helping with harvest and markets. Farming is truly a family effort, and we are grateful to raise both our food and our children on this land. Justin also does Technical Resources for Byron Seeds and has a seed dealership supporting farmers across the Midwest with forage, cover crops and management practices.
Conservation Practices on Our Farm
Caring for the land is central to how we farm. We practice regenerative grazing with our cattle on our 200 acres to build soil health and maintain healthy pastures. Our pigs are raised outdoors on pasture too. We focus on building healthy soil through diverse pasture mixes, cover crops and daily pasture moves. Our strawberries are also certified organic through MOSA. Our goal is always to leave the land better than we found it while protecting the water and natural resources that make this region so special and provide our community with nutrient dense food.
Why We Are Members of the Bad Axe Watershed Stewards
We joined the Bad Axe Watershed Stewards because we believe caring for the land also means caring for the water that runs through it. The Bad Axe River and its tributaries are an important part of this landscape, and we want to be part of a community working together to protect them. Being involved allows us to learn from others, share ideas, and support efforts that keep our soil and water healthy for future generations.
