Prairie Rose Farms

04/13/2026

Hail, weary traveler. The road before thee is fraught with peril and uncertainty. Take now this humble piglet, that it may serve as thy steadfast companion upon the journey ahead, and bring thee comfort and courage through the trials yet to come.

(Pardon me, I recently rewatched Monty Python & The Holy Grail)

04/12/2026

Farrowing is all fun and games, until you’re elbow deep in a sow retrieving a breached piglet.

The piglet survived, and both of them are doing well.

Never a dull day!

07/07/2025

Most days I catch myself wondering how I even got here — and honestly, it usually feels like any success I’ve had is built on the work of a lot of other people.

The genetics that get chefs excited? That’s thanks to the decades of dedication from the Hendricks family. The chef connections? All kicked off by a chance meeting with Justin Brunson that snowballed in the best way. Even the way I raise pigs came from watching folks like Cliff Davis on YouTube and lurking in Facebook groups, trying to make sense of it all.

It wasn’t my invention — but I’ve still had to do the work. Long days, tough lessons, and figuring things out as I go.

Right now, I guess, it feels like I’m in the eye of the storm. The next six months will probably shape the future of this farm. And yeah, that can be overwhelming. But I’m also weirdly at peace with it. I get to chase something I care deeply about, work with incredible people, and be part of something bigger than myself.

So thank you — for the support, the encouragement, and for listening to me ramble a bit this morning.

05/01/2025

Every time I get to welcome a new pig onto the farm, I feel the weight and beauty of what we’re doing out here. Being a small producer means I know every animal that walks this land, and I get to raise them with the care and intention they deserve. But the real magic happens when that story doesn’t stop here—it travels with the food, all the way to the people I get to share it with.

Throwing the Field to Fork dinner series has been one of the most meaningful things I’ve done. It’s a rare thing to be able to close the loop like this—to raise an animal with purpose, harvest it with respect, and then sit down at a table with others and share in the result. It’s not just about pork. It’s about connection, honesty, and the joy of feeding people something real.

I’m incredibly grateful for the chefs, friends, florists, event coordinators, venue owners, and guests who’ve believed in this journey and helped me bring it to life. Thank you for letting me be part of your meals—and for letting these animals’ lives mean something more.

Here’s to more dinners, more connection, and a deeper understanding of where our food comes from.

– Matt Hatala
Prairie Rose Farms

07/09/2024

07/01/2024

07/01/2024

07/01/2024

I’m so excited for Rowan and I to be apart of the “Know Your Producer” Tour this July 28th.

We are one of 4 farms to be featured in the tour, with a farm to table dinner incorporating ingredients from every farm prepared by The Spire!

Tickets are still available here —->

https://engelbrechtfarmwaverly.com/products/cedar-valley-know-your-producer-tour-dinner

It’s July which means at the end of the month will be the “Know Your Producer” tour and dinner. This week we will share a little about each farm or chef. Our first stop of the tour is with Ancestral Farms Iowa . Read their bio below!