A Season of Growth and Connection

FARRMS’ staff had a busy summer! We have been exploring local farms, connecting with producers, and inviting the public to learn more about local agriculture. From farm tours and farmers markets to delicious food, August was a month filled with activity. As our summer comes to a close, we are reflecting on all that we accomplished.

Soil Health & Organic Growing Field Day

At the beginning of August we had the opportunity to partner with Acres USA to host an educational day touring two farms near Bismarck. At Menoken Farm, a conservation demonstration farm, guests were able to witness the benefits of cover crops, companion planting, and crop rotation for vegetable production in a high tunnel. After a lunch break with sandwiches from local restaurant Anima Cucina, we had a presentation from Nic Podoll, Midwest Organic Consultant for Rodale Institute, and a Q&A farmer panel with Glen Philbrick and Paul Lepp. Guests were able to learn about resources to help with organic certification and hear more from the farmers about farming Certified Organic in North Dakota.

At Forager Farm we got to experience the inner workings of an organic vegetable farm firsthand and learn the importance of diversifying sales outlets in smaller operations. We ended the tour with a conversation about the importance of growing the local food system in the area. Attendees said, "I enjoyed learning about how Menoken farm uses it’s worm beds to enhance plant health and vigor." and "This was a very well planned event with diverse speakers and information. Hard to pick a highlight."

Local Food & Fun at Between Two Cities in Hillsboro

The following week we headed east to Hillsboro, North Dakota. We partnered with Between Two Cities Market, the area’s local farmers market, to host a celebration event with the goal to increase awareness of the market and foot traffic for the vendors. By creating a passport booklet with the participating vendors, the public was encouraged to visit each booth and have their passport signed while they were there. Once the passport was completed, market attendees could enter to win a grand prize, a highlight of the event. The grand prize was created by the vendors each donating a product to create a “Farm Box.” One lucky winner won this diverse prize that consisted of a jar of honey, a pound of ground beef, a whole chicken, fresh peppers and tomatoes, a bottle of wine, and several other local goods. Market attendees also got to enjoy live music and a free meal from local food truck, Hippie Gone Hotdog. One of the vendors said, "This event was very well attended allowing us vendors to be exposed to a greater audience in our community and helped share what products we can produce for our local region."

From Field to Feast: A Fargo Area Farm Tour

We capped off our summer events with a multi stop bus tour south of Fargo, showing 29 members of the public what the life of a local farmer looks like. On our way to the first stop, guests enjoyed sandwiches from Moonrise Cafe located in Downtown Fargo (co-owner, Alexa, was a FARRMS Sustainable Ag Intern in 2019!). The tours showcased three farms; Family Roots Farm, Exit 44 Flowers and More, and Ten Seven Acres. Each of these farmers offered their unique perspective of sustainable agriculture through raising vegetables, small livestock, vibrant flowers, and fuzzy alpacas. After the tours, guests were transported to a Centennial Farm, Crooked Lane Farm, that hosts community events where they could enjoy an exquisite grazing table by Milk Made, sip a glass of wine, shop the farmer’s products, and explore the beautiful grounds. 

What one guest had to say, “The farms and the farmers: WOW! WOW! WOW! What an impressive group of women! They all did an outstanding job speaking about their farms and answering questions! They were funny, engaging and you could feel their passion for what they do. I am amazed by what each has accomplished and what they continue to do to maintain and grow their businesses. Truly I could go on and on in praise of each farm and its owners. I am so thankful that they allowed us to tour!” 

Let's not forget about the food! When planning our events, we prioritize working with local restaurants that share our mission. Whether it is a restaurant that sources from local farmers, a chef who is involved in a community garden and volunteers at a local community café, or a pastry shop that started as a cottage food business, delicious food will always be on the menu. Another guest wrote, “THE FOOD WAS GREAT! GOOD FOOD = GREAT EVENT”

Thank you to this year’s sponsors & partners for making these events possible! 

North Dakota Natural Resources Trust, OCIA International, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Clif Family Foundations, North Dakota Association of Regional Councils, ACRES USA, Between Two Cities Market, & all of the farmers, caterers, and participants. 

Want to see more events from us? 

Make a donation today to support us in continuing to host events such as these for the public and farmers! We are grateful for your contribution in our mission to develop a system of educational, social, and economic connections to empower farmers to build sustainable, profitable enterprises. Together we are strengthening local food systems. Learn how at www.farrms.org/donate