Kostka Ranch near Strum is a testament to the determination and passion of a young couple, Cody and Leeza Kostka. Their journey to becoming successful farmers is built on hard work, resilience and a deep love for the land and their animals. For those looking to connect with the source of their food, the Kostkas offer high-quality beef while also providing a transparent and welcoming approach to farming.
Starting from Scratch
Cody and Leeza’s farming journey began in their early twenties. The couple met in 8th grade at the county fair, and after rekindling their relationship years later they embarked on a shared dream of owning a farm together. When the opportunity arose to purchase Cody’s family farm, they immediately jumped on it and began converting the dairy operation to fit their beef cattle’s needs.
“We didn’t start with much,” Leeza recalled. “Our first calf was half dairy, half Hereford – nowhere near where we wanted to be with our herd. But it was a start, and we kept at it. This past year we were lucky enough to have calved out 27 of our own animals.”
The early days were filled with challenges. The Kostkas had to learn everything from scratch, often through trial and error. They said they are lucky to have neighbors, friends and family willing to answer questions, loan equipment and help with the animals as they first got started.
“You don’t have to climb the mountain the first day,” Leeza said. “It took time, and there were setbacks. But we kept going, one step at a time.”
Growing the Ranch
Year by year, the Kostkas expanded their herd and improved their farming practices. What began with a single calf grew into a thriving farm with 75 animals this past year, with an emphasis on the Charloais breed. Their success didn’t come overnight. It was the result of consistent effort, learning from mistakes and commitment to their vision.
One of the turning points for Kostka Ranch was building a strong community of loyal customers. Word-of-mouth referrals played a crucial role, as did the couple’s commitment to transparency.
“We love bringing people out to the farm,” Leeza shared. “If they want to see the cows or the operation, they just have let us know.”
In today’s digital age, social media is an invaluable tool for connecting with customers. Leeza is passionate about documenting their farming journey and sharing it with their audience on social media.
“I like to document everything— from our haying process to our animals,” she explained.
Balancing content creation with the demands of running a farm and raising a family is no easy task. Yet, Leeza’s authentic and heartfelt posts resonate with their followers, showcasing both the beauty and the challenges of farm life.
For many of their customers, buying meat directly from a farmer can be a new experience. The Kostkas take the time to educate them, explaining different cuts of meat and how to store large quantities. Transparency and openness have been key to building trust. By inviting customers to see their farm firsthand, the Kostkas demystify the process and foster a deeper connection between consumers and the source of their food.
“Helping others understand beef cuts and freezer stocking has been huge for us,” said Leeza. “I enjoy showing people what is possible when they have a bulk amount of meat in the freezer and new ways they can feed their family.”
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, the Kostkas have ambitious plans for Kostka Ranch. They aim to expand their sales, making their high-quality beef more accessible to a broader audience.
“Right now, word-of-mouth works for us, but I’d love to see us at farmers markets and selling individual cuts in the future,” Leeza said.
The couple is committed to scaling sustainably, ensuring that they can maintain the quality and transparency that their customers have come to trust. Long-term goals include adding infrastructure for show animals and creating more opportunities for customers to experience the farm firsthand.
Despite the hard work and occasional setbacks, Cody and Leeza find joy in the simple pleasures of farm life.
“If we can say it was a good day and we look forward to tomorrow, that’s what makes it all worth it,” Leeza said. “At the end of the day, when we walk through the pasture, look at our cattle and just enjoy being with them, that to us makes it all worth it.”
For families looking to connect with dedicated farmers behind their beef, Kostka Ranch can be found on Instagram at @kostkaranch or [email protected].