Alpha and Omega Farm Owners, Kim and Brad Hayes
“My passion is people and bringing them together,” says Kim Hayes, MLCV’s VP of Talent. As you arrive at Alpha and Omega Farm in small-town Princeton, Minnesota, that’s precisely what you will see, hear, and feel. Kim and her husband, Brad, distinguish the farm as their home (along with a crew of friendly farm animals) and as a community-building, wood-fired pizza homestead.
Farm, Sweet Farm
Kim and Brad moved to Princeton with a dream in mind; today, that dream is alive. Amid the 2020 pandemic, before Kim’s start with MLCV, the opportunity to take advantage of a true hobby struck — it was then when, through a leap of faith, that Alpha and Omega Farm was developed. Beyond perfect timing, her desire for cooking and people, mixed with his enthusiasm for hard work and the outdoors, led to the opening and eventual success of Alpha and Omega Farm.
Fall Festival
The farm is open to the public Thursday evenings in the summer for Pizza Nights. Here, guests can enjoy a homemade wood-fired pizza, live music, farm animals, and a stroll around the serene land. When the leaves begin to turn, Saturdays in October are made for Fall Festival, where the addition of hayrides and pumpkins turns up.
Goat Yoga
Special events like Goat Yoga — yes, that’s yoga with goats, and art workshops like the upcoming sold-out Fall Wreath Workshop, are also a part of the fun on the farm. Additionally, the property has gazebos and a professionally designed cottage named, The Summer Huis, all available for rental for events such as bridal showers, family reunions, and more.
The Birdcage
Locavore, Epicure, and More
Wood-fired Pizza
No matter the occasion, visitors savor an array of locally sourced ingredients on top of the wood-fired pizzas, each curated by Kim. Her “Fainting Goat” is a seasonal favorite, frequently changing based on what’s popular, where creativity takes her, and mostly, what’s ripe in the garden. Kim’s love for real and tasteful food fuels her appreciation for cooking and is what makes Alpha and Omega’s pizza stand out.
Aside from crafting the ‘za, Kim’s focus on the farm is excelling in the four pillars she has dedicated to upholding with her associates and guests. The first is to bring the community together. The second is to locate and utilize local food products. The third is to provide young people with job opportunities. And lastly, the fourth is to provide authentic hospitality.
In many ways, Kim’s role behind the farm does not differ greatly from behind the desk. It’s all about people — and finding a way to bolster joy amongst them. She has even found a way to combine the two, promoting team-building experiences and strategic planning events right there at The Summer Huis.
The Summer Huis
Significant Impact, Small World
Since Alpha and Omega’s opening to the public in October of 2020, its laid-back, neighborly vibe has made a lasting impression on its guests, myself included. As a resident of Princeton, weekly visits have been part of my family’s quintessential summer since moving here. Perfectly charred pizza from the flame of the hand-built outdoor pit paired with the warmth of live music, and friendly people (oh and the goats, of course), is a moment not to miss. Until recently, I was unaware that MLCV’s own Kim Hayes owned and operated the farm, turning Kim’s passion into reality — bringing people together and truly proving it can be a small world.
This article was written by Hannah Torkelson, MLCV’s Brand Communication Specialist. Hannah is a storyteller and is responsible for capturing great moments within MLCV’s portfolio.