Our Story
Meet Prairie Cricket Farms:
The Cricket Protein Pioneers
As the original cricket protein specialists, we know just how important sustainable nutrition is. We're tremendously proud of our farm-fresh cricket protein products, and our passionate community of customers is our ultimate proof.
The Family Behind the Farm
“We created a cricket farm.
Yes, a cricket farm.”
OUR PEOPLE
Ryan Steppler
Co-Founder
Lesley Steppler
Co-Founder
John Steadman
THE STORY OF PRAIRIE CRICKET FARMS
Hey! I'm Ryan Steppler and I created a cricket farm. Yes, a cricket farm.
What it takes to start and grow a cricket farm, and why we did it.
STARTED FROM 200 CRICKETS, NOW WE'RE HERE
From Basement To Barn
The first question everyone asks is “Where did you get such an idea?”
When Ryan heard that people around the world eat crickets as a protein source, his ambitious nature led him to start a cricket farm — right in his basement.
The farm quickly outgrew that space. He built a room in the family farm shop, but production was still limited to a small waitlist of family and friends. So we took a leap and built “the barn” — a 40×40 shed now running at near-full capacity. Those first 200 crickets from January 2016 have turned into millions.
A Note from Ryan
“I was raised on family farms and recognize the importance of growing and raising food, so this seemed like a natural fit to diversify our current farming practices.”
“I am on an exciting adventure and love telling you why you should eat crickets.”
Turns Out,
We Were On To Something
The “ick factor” disappears once you learn that crickets are truly a superfood AND taste great!
Nutrient Dense
Crickets are packed with protein and are great for gut health. They can easily be added to many of the recipes you're already making without altering the taste.
Eco-Friendly
Not only are these crickets super healthy for us, but they're great for the environment as well. It's a natural fit to diversify sustainable farming practices.
Kid Approved
Our “littlest farmers” love snacking on roasted crickets and use cricket powder in their morning cereal. We feel confident they’re getting the nutrients they need.