Your Farmer's

Some of the hardest working people you’ll ever meet. See for yourself.

Matthew Brugger

Founder. Farmer. Beef Expert.

About Matt

Matthew is currently an undergraduate student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln majoring in Applied science with minors in Animal Science, Agricultural Economics and Entrepreneurship. He grew up on a family farm in Albion, Nebraska, and attended Boone Central Schools until graduation. Matthew has had a passion for animals and livestock since he was young. Finding ways to be feed, handle, and manage and market beef is current area of focus for Matt. Matthew plays on the drumline for the Cornhusker Marching Band. In his free time, Matthew enjoys playing his guitar, spending time with his dog – Hazel – and seeking adventure with his friends and family. 

What does Matt do?

Matt is our designer. He is constantly challenging the team to take big ideas and find practical applications for execution. He enjoys creating road maps for success and sharing that plan with the rest of the team. As the Head of Upstream Angus, Matthew manages all the logistics and sales of Upstream’s beef products. He not only loves farm work but also loves connecting directly with out valued customers to answer questions and address any concerns.

Why Upstream?

“I co-founded Upstream because of my passion for building better rural communities in Nebraska. Seeing few opportunities for young people to become involved in agriculture sparked a passion in me to create a business that would inspire young agriculturalists and entrepreneurs to create their own enterprise in a rural community. Upstream and I strive to create not only a sustainable and efficient farm but also a gathering place for consumers and producers. An environment where rural and urban collide; A common ground, in the middle of a divided country.”

Joseph Brugger

Founder. Farmer. Forage & Feed Expert.

About Joseph

Joseph is currently an undergraduate student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, pursing a major in Applied Science with minors in Agronomy, Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, and Entrepreneurship. Joseph is also on the drumline for the Cornhusker Marching Band. He was raised on a small farm in Albion, Nebraska, and attended Boone Central Schools until graduation. Joseph has had professional experience working with producers as a field agronomist, helping them raise crops more efficiently and sustainability for the last five years. In his free time, Joseph enjoys playing drums in a local country band, trying different kinds of food, and traveling to the world with his family.

What does Joseph do?

Joseph is our visionary. He is constantly challenging our team to better understand why do what we do in every decision we make. As Head Agronomist, Joseph manages the agronomy department to ensure we are raising the highest quality feed and forages for our beef. Joseph will also add the role of Head of Hops Production upon the completion of Upstream’s new hops facility and acreage.

Why Upstream?

“I co-founded Upstream because not only is there room for improvement within the agricultural industry but also there is an important story to be told. I – and Upstream – believes this important story should be told by small farmers like Matt and me. This story can help people better understand the process of how their food is grown and shed light on the lifestyle that is behind it, and Upstream can do just this.

Hazel

Head of Cuteness

About Hazel

Hazel was born on a small farm just outside of St. Louis, Missouri, and was later brought home to Albion by her owner, Matt. Hazel graduated from Upstream Puppy School where she learned valuable skills such as “sit,” “shake,” and hardest of all, “stay.” She has overcome many obstacles in her two years of life, such as surviving a bad run in with the local skunk, raising eight energetic puppies, and biggest of all, losing the vet-prescribed weight that was holding her back from being the best doggo she could be. At two years old, Hazel is now learning how to effectively herd and sort cattle in efficient and helpful manner. In her spare time, she loves eating, napping, guarding the front yard from barn swallows, and most of all, cuddles with her owner. 

What does Hazel do?

Hazel is a lover. She wants to make sure every one on the team understands how much she cares for them and that nothing bad will happen to them as long as she is around. While naps in the sun can be far more appealing, Hazel is quickly on her way to being a great farm dog through both her cuteness and her ambition.

Why Upstream?

…translated by owner: “I choose Upstream because of my passion to herd things! While I believe humans are awesome at many activities, cow chasing is a job suited much better for the dog type of human. I also love the added perk of spending more time with my favorite human, Matt!”

Stay Connected

We are on the brink of innovation, and we’d love to have you along for the ride. Connect with us.

Upstream Farms and Innovations

In a world of factory farms and industrialized food production, Upstream is pushing against the current by demonstrating how we believe farming should be done.

Privacy Policy  | © 2018 Upstream Farms and Innovations 

Farm to Table

We believe farm to table should actually be from our farm to your table. We are farming with a purpose, and we’d love to show you how.

Join our weekly email list for exclusive updates on new specials, deals, and bundles that we are offering from our farm.