Tier Haus Farm

Tier Haus Farms and Down to the Bone Designs is owned by teacher, livestock farmer, and proprietor Carolyn A. Gerdes. Her opening presentation and follow up discussion tied in various concepts our class covered throughout this semester in sustainable food. When Carolyn said, “I teach, so I can farm.”, in a grudgingly dissatisfied, certain, and serious tone. It reaffirmed some of the adversities modern farmers must overcome in order to establish, and maintain a sustainable, and resilient farmstead and profitable business. In her presentation she illuminated the numerous barriers and obstacles continuously hampering small-scale or start-up farmers’ ability to reside on a strictly farmstead production income and sustenance.
Carolyn’s story reiterates the notion that the majority of modern farmsteads are comprised of multiple earner individuals & families. Her examples of success at Tier Haus and other small farm businesses highlighted some of the distinctive niche market opportunities that provide as a complementary sources of
This business was developed out of would-be animal waste bi-products like bones, teeth, and skulls. When an animal becomes old, sick, dies, or is found dead on the property, Carolyn harvests and cleans the remaining animal parts and often adds further value to the product by turning them into, things like handcrafted weapons, pottery, and jewelry. Furthermore, she has diversified her farm income by entering unique egg markets created by varying cultures and chicken egg allergies. Tier Haus Farms sells to local regulars on-site, but also caters to online and traveling clients as well. She also grows hot and spicy pepper varieties, herbs, and vegetables in the summer months, and sells reclaimed barn wood after turning them in to crafts or