The Barn 1912 Story


About Us

To truly understand the Barn 1912 Tallow Company story, you first have to know the story of Broedlow Farms. That’s where it all begins.

Brady and Lynsey revived Broedlow Farms in 2017. As sixth‑generation farmers, dating back to 1876, they felt a deep responsibility to carry forward the legacy of the family farm in Helenville, Wisconsin. But honoring that legacy meant re‑imagining what the next era of the farm could look like.

For more than a century, the farm was home to a beloved herd of Guernsey dairy cows. When the dairy operation wound down in the late 1990s, much of the farm was retired and quiet. Bringing it back to life required determination, hard work, and a fresh vision. The new chapter of Broedlow Farms would still include cattle—just a different breed and purpose. Instead of dairy cows, the Broedlows chose to raise Hereford beef cattle known for their calm temperament, beef quality, and hardiness.

What began with just two cows slowly grew into a thriving herd. With that growth came an even stronger commitment to stewardship. Brady and Lynsey focused on creating an environment where their cattle could thrive, raising nearly all of the feed and bedding on the farm to ensure quality, integrity, and sustainability. They believe deeply in honoring each animal, and that includes making meaningful use of as much of the animal as possible.

That belief is what led them to tallow.

Tallow is created by rendering the nutrient‑dense leaf fat found near the kidneys. This traditional ingredient has been used for generations and is prized for its versatility—especially in skincare, soapmaking, and leather care. When Lynsey began researching and experimenting with tallow for her own skin challenges, she was amazed by the results. The simplicity, purity, and effectiveness of tallow‑based skincare sparked the beginning of Barn 1912 Tallow Company.

Barn 1912 products are made using dry‑rendered tallow produced in small batches right on the same Wisconsin farm where the animals are raised with care. Every additional ingredient is intentionally chosen—simple, high‑quality, and free from artificial additives or preservatives commonly found in commercial products. The result is a line of nourishing, heritage‑crafted tallow balms and goods that reflect the values of the farm they come from.

As the Broedlows continue writing this story, they remain committed to learning, growing, and expanding their offerings while staying rooted in stewardship, tradition, and quality.

To learn more about their beef products, visit www.broedlowfarms.com.

A large red barn with a grey metal roof, featuring the year 1912 on its side, situated on a grassy hill with a dirt pathway leading up to it.
A black and white photo of a man standing beside an early 20th-century automobile in a snowy setting, with a dog nearby and a wooden barn in the background.