FARRMS' Busy Month of Food, Farms, and Community Connections

Like many of you, September was a busy month for FARRMS programming. 

Taste & Talk Local Foods Showcase

On September 3rd, FARRMS teamed up with the Souris Basin Planning Council and the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives to host a Taste & Talk Local Foods Showcase in Minot.  This unique farm to fork evening was all about bringing people together. There was a great mix of local growers, meat producers, grocers, food service professionals, and community partners in the room, all focused on strengthening our region's food supply chain.

The night was packed! Highlights included:

• An overview of the North Central Grocery & Food Hub Initiative (supported by the Bush Foundation).

• Discussions focused on how we can build resilient, local food systems right here in our community.

• Guests got to meet and hear directly from the local producers who provided some of the ingredients for our six-course meal.

  
  

It was a fantastic opportunity to taste great food, talk business, and explore partnerships that support local agriculture and sustainable food networks. Organizations that attended include Great Plains Food Bank, ND Department of Agriculture, NDSU Extension-Ward County, and ND Farmers Union.

Interested in learning more or helping establish the Food Hub? For more information, click here. 

Unlocking Organic Success

In partnership with Acres USA and the Northern Plains Sustainable Agriculture Society, Unlocking Organic Success brought together farmers, educators, and agricultural professionals to explore organic and soil health practices for a wide range of farming operations. The event featured guided tours led by Burleigh County Soil Conservation District and Menoken Farm staff, showcasing high tunnels, vegetable gardens, composting systems, a tree arboretum, and innovative row crop techniques such as livestock integration, cover crops, and perennials. Menoken Farm staff also demonstrated soil fermenting methods, offering attendees hands-on learning opportunities.

During the complimentary catered lunch, participants engaged with a panel of certified organic farmers representing row crops, direct-market vegetables, and pastured beef. The panel shared insights on organic certification, soil health, marketing strategies, and useful resources. Representatives from the ND Department of Agriculture, ND SARE, NRCS, and the ND Farmers Market and Growers Association were also present to connect attendees with tools and support for organic production and local food marketing.

"The field tours were amazing, some of the better I've been on. Stuck to the highlights, showed innovative practices, and answered good questions.” -Organic Field Day Attendee

From Field to Feast

Despite a few sporadic rain showers, our From Field to Feast Fargo area farm tour on September 18th was a wonderful success! A great group of attendees braved the weather to visit four fantastic local farms dedicated to sustainable agriculture.

Our first stop was Family Roots Farm. Owner Jen told us all about the farm's history and her plans for the future. She also talked about her involvement with the Red River Harvest Cooperative. Attendees enjoyed meeting the farm's lively crew of chickens, goats, and sheep.

Next, we visited Exit 44 Flowers, where Alyssa showed us her flower beds and showcased her new farm store. She was kind enough to share some of the biggest lessons she’s learned this year while growing flowers.

The tour continued at Ten Seven Acres. Dirk and Jessie shared the story behind their farm’s name and how their alpaca operation has grown over time. The crowd favorite was getting a chance to pet, feed, and even walk an alpaca!

Our last stop was the Crooked Lane Farm Folk School. Hosts Mary Jo and Brent gave us a glimpse into the concept and mission of a folk school. We wrapped up the day with a delicious supper and attendees participated in the Mountain Plains Crunch Off, in partnership with the ND Department of Agriculture.

The farm tour also served as a meaningful point of connection for organizations supporting small business and agriculture. Representatives from ND Department of Agriculture, Emerging Prairie, NSF AgTech Engine, Women’s Business Center and Jamestown Regional Entrepreneur Center were able to experience firsthand the challenges and triumphs of small scale farming, preparing them to better serve local agriculture. 

If you want to see more events, workshops, and resources that support the growth of sustainable farmers across the state, please consider making a donation today. Your support goes directly toward initiatives that help farmers thrive, ensuring a healthier and more resilient future for all of us.