Monarch Farms was established in 1990, by Mel and “Sparky” Mieske, on land that was once occupied, many years ago, by the Chippewa Indians.
Mel jumped at the chance when the property was offered to him by the previous owners. As a boy, he had played on the sand ridges of this parcel, picking up arrowheads and flint pieces.
Since the land was in poor condition, the Mieske’s vowed to reclaim the lost and unproductive land. All the crops and livestock raised on the farm are managed using ecologically sound farming practices.
Three ponds were dug out, where sand had been previously removed, covering three acres in total. Fish have also been introduced into the ponds by the depositing of eggs, or roe, from the feet of the local birds visiting the ponds, and by several interested anglers, who also contributed to the fish population by introducing minnows.
The ponds provide water to the strawberry and vegetable fields, and are an interesting part of the farm tours that the Mieske’s offer to private groups and school children.
Besides being valuable for the irrigation of the farmland, it has always been Mel’s dream to eventually establish a rustic campground, miniature golf course, and to host annual bluegrass festivals amid the peaceful ponds.
Located in the thriving community of Midland, the farm is situated just north of US-10. Mel and Sparky are always delighted to show off their farm and talk about the animals, and offer educational tours for individuals, families, school classes, and church groups.