Founded by Tom Lutsey, Waseda Farms brand and business now are owned and operated by Jeff Shefchik.
Tom Lutsey founded Waseda Farms in 2008 during a cancer run-in when he started studying the health benefits of organic beef. He, his wife Sharon and sons Matt, Jeff, Nic, Andrew, created an organic farm business on the family’s land in Door County.
“Our vision was to create a certified organic, sustainable farm in Door County that would encourage the best environmental practices and humane animal treatment and provide agricultural jobs to a community we care an awful lot about,” said Tom Lutsey. “And we did it. I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished and grateful for all the support we received from the community along the way.”
Tom’s son Matt served as long-time president of Waseda Farms, and son Jeff worked with restaurants in the region.
Waseda Farms grew to operate Waseda Farms Market on the farm in Door County, providing walk-in and curbside pickup orders at its butcher shop in De Pere, Wisconsin and shipping nationwide through its online marketplace.
“Our family has focused on this business for the last 15 years. Now we’re each at stages in our lives where we have varied interests,” said Lutsey. “We’ve found another person who is passionate about growing within the organics market. Our friend Jeff Shefchik shares our vision and has the enthusiasm to build this business and help more people benefit from organic quality products.”
Shefchik, has farming roots of his own. Growing up in Luxemburg, Wisconsin, he raised animals for the county fair and worked on his neighbor’s dairy farm. For the past 20 years, Shefchik grew Paper Transport, where he served for 15 of those years as the company’s president and part owner.
Two years ago, after selling majority control of Paper Transport, Shefchik purchased a 2,600-acre cattle ranch in southern Missouri. The goal of the Missouri farm is to raise organic grass-fed cattle and to provide quality beef directly to the consumer. By acquiring the Waseda Farms brand and business, Shefchik will add the Missouri farm as a supplier for Waseda Farm’s offerings.
“We are incredibly impressed by what the Lutsey family has done in the creation and growth of Waseda Farms. The brand, the market reach, the care for their animals and the land is remarkable,” said Shefchik.
Shefchik’s early plans include growing all Waseda Farms production and sales operations. This will include expanding the number of animals, including pork, in Door County.
“Tom and I both believe the Door County farm can raise more animals and the storefronts, including online, can bring more products to our loyal customers. We also seek to cast a wider net to grow within the rapidly expanding organic foods market,” said Shefchik.
The Lutsey family plans to continue to help Shefchik with his plans. They also seek to maintain their connection to the countless staff, individuals, organizations and families they have come to know through their farming efforts.
