Brun Ko Farm
Emily and Nathan Paulsen
Emily and Nathan Paulsen established Brun Ko Farm near Exira in 2015. They raise pastured meats and eggs as well as more than 30 varieties of fresh herbs and veggies, which they sell directly to consumers through farmers markets and off farm sales. In the past five years, the Paulsens have expanded their business by collaborating with other local vegetable farms to offer meal kits and veggie bundles. Although doubling production in the last two years, the farm is currently not able to keep up with the increasing demand for its products.
Brun Ko Farm’s Choose Iowa grant project will increase the farm’s vegetable production by increasing its washing and storage capacity. The farm will build a pack/wash shed in which vegetables can be washed, weighed and safely stored for longer periods of time. This will add value to its produce and expand its market channels. The increased production will allow the farm to fulfill recent increased demand from the local hospital, school district and two restaurants.
Brun Ko Farm anticipates an immediate 50 percent increase in production and sales upon completion of the pack/wash shed as well as a 600 percent increase within the first two years. Brun Ko Farm is dedicated to their local community and fellow Iowans, and the Paulsens believe that this project will have a positive impact on the economy and health of their local community.
