Annie, Mollie and Grace, daughters of Paul and Susie Sproule, are making a name for themselves in the pasta business. As owners of the 3 Farm Daughters pasta company, these dynamic young women developed a unique business model and have continued to grow. They credit much of their success to having supportive parents on their farm operation in North Dakota, where much of the quality grain that goes into their pasta is grown. The Sproule farm was featured in the Spring 2023 issue of Farm Forum.
Last fall, the company reached a new plateau by launching products with its first mass-market partner: Target. As a result, 3 Farm Daughters pasta is available in California and Florida stores and online nationwide.
Mollie explains that it was a learning experience to figure out the avenue of distribution because it was a new model for them, but Target’s take-off program was a big help. It supports brands that have already been selected by Target for placement in-store or online.
“The program helps small brands launch, learn what to expect in working with a big retailer and get through the early unknowns,” she says.
Unique Products
Unlike other companies, 3 Farm Daughters’ pasta contains only two ingredients: wheat and semolina. And because of the type of wheat they use, their products have four times the fiber of regular pasta.
“We recently launched our fettuccine, vermicelli, and bucatini,” Mollie says. The company is continuing to build out its long-shape platform and already has several short shapes.
As the company continues to evolve, “We’re keeping our noses to the grindstone,” Mollie says.
Solid Business Plan
When 3 Farm Daughters began, the sisters didn’t know exactly where the business would take them or what kind of market acceptance they’d have, Mollie explains.
“Last year was a big year for us, and the narrative around health and wellness has really transitioned, particularly focusing on protein,” she says. “This year, we’re seeing a shift toward fiber, and people are seeking more high-fiber products. That’s put some additional wind in our sails.”
As business continues to grow, Mollie says she and her sisters try to lay out a strategic plan while remaining open and flexible to new opportunities.
“Target is a good example,” she notes. “We didn’t necessarily think Target would be on our 2025 Bingo card, but the opportunity presented itself and we worked swiftly to run with it.”
Fitting It All Together
All three women have families and are juggling many balls. Still, they focus on keeping their roles well-defined and filling any gaps as a team.
Mollie says that since their parents were farmers and entrepreneurs, they took the time to immerse their daughters in their everyday lives. They taught them what was involved in owning a business and encouraged them to take risks, because the reward could be high.
These fearless women are trying to stay true to their goals, focus on priorities and continue to push the business forward.
