A Farm That Happened by Accident

Futura XXI was established by Thomas Białek's father, Mariusz, who initially purchased 1,000 hectares in Warmia, northern Poland, for development. Farming was an unintended outcome.

When the development project didn’t pan out, Mariusz began conventional grain farming. A few years later, declining grain prices prompted the firm to diversify and introduce a small Hereford cattle herd. Over time, the herd grew, becoming Futura XXI’s primary source of revenue. 

Thomas assumed leadership in his-late 20s when his father suddenly passed away. Already committed to sustainable food production, he saw the opportunity to fully transition the operation to regenerative. "We started farming regeneratively out of financial necessity," Thomas reflects. "We learned to truly embrace and believe in it." 

From Ploughed Fields to Permanent Grassland

In 2021, Futura XXI operated conventionally: grain fields were tilled, fertilized, and sprayed, and the Hereford herd was housed in barns and fed purchased grain. In the last 5 years, the farm has undergone a complete transformation.

The grain fields were converted to permanent grasslands and rotational forage plots. The herd now remains outdoors year-round. In winter, Thomas moves the cattle to fields with the poorest soil, using their movement and manure to aid restoration, a practice he calls 'bell grazing.'

Cover cropping was introduced, followed by achieving certified organic status. The soils, initially degraded by years of conventional farming, are gradually improving. 

"We are at the very beginning of our journey. Thomas says. “It's all trial and error." Still the change is evident.  The farm now shows increased meadow diversity, greater overall biodiversity, and improved water retention compared to neighboring conventional land.

Real Food, Direct. No Middlemen.

Futura XXI's business model is based on direct control over product distribution. The farm owns 100 hectares and leases 900 more, managing all 1,000 hectares regeneratively with a team of nine. All 710 Hereford cattle are certified organic, fully traceable, pasture-raised, and grass-fed.

Beefshop.pl sells directly to consumers online, while restaurants comprise the B2B channel. "We have B2B and B2C direct sales.” Thomas explains. “We cut out all the middlemen so that we sell our customers real food." Thomas explains.

The financial transition is ongoing. Input costs have decreased due to the elimination of synthetic fertilizers, purchased feed, and ploughing contracts, though conversion expenses remain significant. 

Proving Stereotypes of Scale Wrong

Thomas is aware that regenerative practices are not typically expected at this scale. “When people hear that we have a 1,000 hectare farm, they immediately assumed we are doing industrial farming and producing commodity beef.” Thomas shares. "We’re proof that scale does not equal industrial production," he says. "

The farm manager's YouTube channel documents their ongoing journey, including experiments, setbacks, and achievements. Their website and Facebook page provide customers with information about their products. Thomas has been featured in Polish agricultural and food media and is seeking university partners to enhance soil and biodiversity monitoring, which he notes are still lacking. 

He believes that sharing both successes and failures before the story is complete is the most valuable contribution a large farm can make to the broader farming community. “Our goal is always to produce the healthiest food possible in accordance with nature.” 

A Lighthouse in the Making

Futura XXI aims to expand over the next ten to twenty years while maintaining its core values: increasing the herd, managing more land regeneratively, and serving as a model for large conventional farms in Poland and Central Europe.

Sheep are expected to join the farm this year. Beekeeping is planned next, supported by increasingly diverse meadows. The farm will strengthen relationships with direct customers and expand its food education initiatives.

Thomas joined Top 50 Farmers to engage in collaborative learning, particularly during this period of transition. "We know how important it is to exchange knowledge and build towards better farming practices together," he says. “There is so much to learn.” 

He does not present Futura XXI as a finished example. He invites other farmers to follow the farm's development, believing the ongoing journey is the most authentic evidence that regenerative farming can succeed at scale.

Written by Top 50 Farmers and Helianthi Psaropoulou Heilmann