Investing in Knowledge to Feed a Community

Julia and Kelly Seiller had a vision to improve food access in their community and bring fresh, locally grown produce to an area that desperately needed it. To ensure their venture was sustainable, the Seillers prioritized gaining a clear plan before starting their business. Through the FARRMS Farm Beginnings course they were able to lay the foundation for Beard Farms, a young operation rooted in family history and community purpose.

The Williston area is one of many locations in North Dakota often considered a food desert. Most fresh fruits and vegetables are trucked in from distant regions, often arriving past their prime and lacking the flavor and nutrition of freshly harvested produce. Julia and Kelly saw this as both a challenge and an opportunity. With backgrounds in science and a passion for growing local food, they wanted to offer a better solution: fresh, nutrient-dense produce grown right in their community.

Before Beard Farms was established, Julia and Kelly took the FARRMS Farm Beginnings course in 2024. “We wanted to connect with others doing the same thing and see if it was a practical option for us,” Julia explained. “The course helped us figure out the basics, starting with why we wanted to do this, what to focus on, and how to move forward.”

Through the program, they learned how to write a business plan, establish bylaws, form their LLC, and understand essential financial systems. This included resources for finding and applying for funding, information on financial planning, and templates for recordkeeping. Later in 2024, they put that knowledge into practice, formally establishing their LLC, which features a diversified vegetable operation as their key enterprise.

After completing their first year of business, the Seillers participated in the FARRMS Summer Mentorship Program to gain additional support and insight. The program provided an avenue to ask questions on how to navigate challenges and improve efficiency. “Experience is invaluable,” Julia said. “Our mentor was really an open book when it came to asking questions or offering advice.” The guidance they received saved them significant time and effort by helping them avoid “trial and error on something that has already been done.”

The FARRMS network also introduced them to other farmers, organizations, and conferences that support small-scale agriculture across North Dakota. “FARRMS escorted us into realizing our dream of having a market farm,” Julia shared. “They bring support, community, and resources to the many factions of North Dakota agriculture.”

The name Beard Farms honors Julia’s family homestead, where the couple now farms west of Williston along Highway 2. In the spring of 2025, they entered their first full market season, offering a diverse variety of vegetables at the Tractor Supply Market and Downtown Williston Market. Though Beard Farms is still young, they are entering their second season with a clear mission guiding every business decision. They hope to expand their reach while maintaining the personal connections that define local food. “Small local farmers are worth the cost,” Julia emphasized. “When you buy from us, you’re supporting your community and getting the freshest, most nutritious food possible.” With FARRMS’ continued support, Julia and Kelly are proving that even in a food desert, something vibrant and sustainable can grow.