Doudlah Farms Organics

Doudlah Farms Organics is driven by its mission to provide nutrient-dense, safe, and flavorful foods to communities across the nation. The organization is led by Wisconsin farmer Mark Doudlah, a fifth generation farmer, and his wife Lucy, who believe in the value of organic, regenerative farming for the land and the people it nourishes. Their son, Jason, a sixth-generation farmer, is set to carry on the family’s farming practices and has been working with Mark since he was just 9 years old. 

 

The Doudlahs' generational farm was not always organic. The shift began after a true loss. Mark’s father, Earl, was diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma in 2008. This cancer is known as the Midwest Farmer’s Cancer and is believed to be caused by long-term exposure to harmful chemicals used in farming. The family knew something had to change. After Earl’s passing, Mark and Lucy committed themselves to farming without chemicals, regardless of the challenges. 

 

Transitioning to organic took more than three years, and it took a lot of perseverance as the expense was both financially and logistically challenging. However, no price was too high for the Doudlahs to create products they know are changing lives for the better. After receiving the organic certification, the Doudlahs decided they did not want to stop there. They wanted to go beyond organic and beyond expectations. 

 

“We decided that we wanted to be regenerative and improve our soils each year because when we do that, the plants are healthier, more nutritious, denser, better food, and people will get well a little faster,” Lucy says. 

 

After this decision, the Doudlahs focused on adopting regenerative practices, an agricultural method that restores soil health, boosts biodiversity, and enhances water cycles, all while supporting healthy communities and ecosystems. For the Doudlahs, food is medicine, and their crop is part of the cure. Their main products are dry beans, grains, sunflower kernels, and honey. 

 

Around 2023, Doudlah Farms Organics partnered with Seasonal Harvest to further its mission and expand its reach across Wisconsin. 

 

“Sheri is just a wealth of knowledge with great connections, and she's so willing to help everybody,” Lucy says. “It helped us logistically reduce transportation time, increase our profit margin, and helped get our brand more recognition.”  

 

Lucy is also excited about further opportunities with Seasonal Harvest, like getting their products into school lunches through this partnership. 

 

As the Doudlahs look toward the future, they have a philosophy of always striving to improve, all for the common good. They are in the process of developing the FARMWISE Project, a state-of-the-art facility that would serve as a hub for local producers and offer infrastructure and distribution channels for organic products.

 

For them, it’s not just about profit, it’s about purpose and making a difference. They freely share their knowledge and resources with other farmers looking to do something similar. 

 

"My favorite part about being a Wisconsin farmer? Honestly, it’s all the other Wisconsin organic farmers. It’s so much fun knowing everybody and communicating with people. I just love it,” Lucy says. “Also, it feels good knowing you’re not hurting anyone, you’re actually helping make people feel better, and we feel good about what we are doing. It’s a win-win.”

 

Through their work, the Doudlahs are leaving a legacy of positive change for generations to come.