Derek Kampfe is a 5th generation cowboy whose ranching roots run deep. Since 1901, his family’s 4K Cattle Company has been raising grass-fed, organic, and all-natural beef. In 2023, Derek and Jeff took it a step forward, literally.
Forward Farms is a regenerative, grass-fed and grass-finished beef that is certified carbon-neutral by Legacy Verified. They’ve created a coalition of independent ranchers who share their dedication to sustainable agriculture. Together, they offer a beef that’s tender, flavorful and higher in Omega 3 fatty acids compared to grain-fed beef.
Recently, we caught up with Derek and Jeff to learn more about their journey and hear their advice for fellow entrepreneurs.
1. Why did you start Forward Farms?
Our family has proudly raised cattle in Montana since 1901. With over a century of heritage and experience behind us, it was crucial for us to create a business model that ensures a sustainable future for the generations to come. Recognizing the urgent need to transition away from our dependence on fossil fuels, we founded Forward Farms with a vision to reshape the future of cattle ranching. Drawing on a lifetime of expertise in the livestock and meat industry, we felt a deep responsibility to innovate and explore new methods of raising grass-fed cattle that are not only profitable but also environmentally sustainable.
Forward Farms is the culmination of that vision and commitment—a model for raising grass-fed beef in a 100% carbon-neutral fashion. Our family, along with our dedicated team, are working to redefine ranching practices, preserve the land, and set a new standard for sustainable agriculture.
2. What obstacles did you face along the way?
One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced, both as a family and as a business, is that there could be a greater sense of urgency out there to make changes. We need everyone in the food chain—cattle raisers, service providers, wholesale buyers, and consumers—to come together and push for a new way of doing things.
Consumers play a huge part in this. It’s not just about enjoying a great meal—it’s about asking the right questions and using your dollars to support sustainable practices. When people think about where their food comes from, it creates a ripple effect. The more we think about where our food comes from, the greater opportunities we can create for a sustainable future.
3. What lessons do you have for other entrepreneurs?
As entrepreneurs, we see the challenge of fossil fuel dependence not as an obstacle, but as an opportunity for innovation—a chance to differentiate our company from conventional competitors. Embracing sustainability pushes us to think creatively, adapt, and lead by example in an industry that’s ripe for change.
Our goal is to avoid the doom and gloom. Sustainability is an opportunity for innovation rather than a requirement for survival.
4. What’s on the horizon for Forward Farms?
On the near horizon, we’re focused on expanding how we measure carbon emissions. We're moving beyond direct product emissions to include our electricity consumption, and eventually, our entire supply chain.
While the task can feel overwhelming at times, we believe that if enough companies follow suit, we can fundamentally change how food is grown, raised, and brought to the market. Right now, our focus is on raising cattle and producing beef, but in the long term, we aim to influence how other proteins and even vegetables are grown sustainably.
5. How do you keep work/life balance? What drives/inspires you?
Derek: My family is what drives and inspires me. Just two weeks ago, my wife and I became first-time grandparents to a beautiful baby girl, and that milestone has deepened my commitment. At 59, I could choose to turn a blind eye to the changes our planet desperately needs, but that wouldn’t be fair to my granddaughter. I owe it to her, and to future generations, to work hard now so that when I finally retire, I leave behind a more sustainable world.
Jeff: Outdoor activities have always put my mind at ease. Whether it be moving cattle, feeling the cold wind on my face during ski season, or catching freshwater trout in crystal clear streams, the more I get outside the better I feel. I guess you could say the outdoors is my therapy—without the hourly rate! I think this serves as both my work/life balance and my motivation. Preservation isn’t a passive act—it takes effort to maintain the places we love. After all, those trout aren’t going to protect themselves...mostly because they’re too busy swimming!
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