Planting the Seeds of the Future: Welcoming 6 New Sustainable Farmers

Our 2025 Farm Beginnings course wrapped up at the end of March, and we're thrilled to welcome six new farmers into our sustainable agriculture community! Over the past six years, FARRMS has helped over 50 farmers develop successful and sustainable farms that have helped to strengthen the local food system in North Dakota.  

What is the Farm Beginnings Program? 

Farm Beginnings is a 12-week course that offers hands-on, community-driven education in sustainable agriculture, guided by local farmers who embrace farming as a holistic way of life. Participants receive personalized support in developing a comprehensive whole farm plan and gain access to key resources for long-term farm success. 

The curriculum is refreshed annually to stay relevant and responsive to farmer needs. This year, whole farm planning was expanded to include healthcare and childcare considerations. A special risk management session was also held for mentors, alongside resource guides tailored to each course topic.

New guest speakers this year included Alan Gohary from the Small Business Development Center, Jenna Neiters from the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, Casey Olson from NRCS and Desiree Carlson from Esther’s Acres. 

More information on Farm Beginnings can be found at https://www.farrms.org/succeed. 

Meet this Year's Participants! 

New Season Farm is an urban flower and herb farm rooted in resourcefulness, integrity, justice, and family values. They are committed to cultivating high-quality plants and a sustainable community through honest and caring practices. New Season Farm is owned by Shelby Holte and is located in Grand Forks. Check out New Season Farm on Facebook and Instagram to see what they’re up to. 

Arbor Acres Farm is dedicated to permaculture, regenerative farming, orchard development, and homesteading practices. It integrates advanced projects, including a deep-winter greenhouse with aquaponics, microgreens, and micro-livestock. Through sustainable and innovative practices, the farmstead aims to be economically viable, environmentally responsible, and a model for community education. Arbor Acres is owned by Josh Lunski and is located near Grand Forks.

HK Ranch is a multi-generational ranch providing grass-fed beef and other pasture-raised meats to families in Minot and the surrounding communities. They aim to provide healthier, cleaner food products straight to the consumer. All livestock are raised on open pasture, without vaccines or antibiotics. HK Ranch is owned by Joshua and Emily Clauson. Reflecting on her experience in Farm Beginnings, Emily shares, “This program has created great connections and a network that I can reach out to with questions or ideas.” Stay up to date with HK Ranch on Facebook and Instagram. 

Broken Barn Farm is a diversified, sustainable farm with poultry and pollinator-friendly crops. The farm uses regenerative practices to improve soil health and biodiversity to provide fresh, high-quality products for local markets. Broken Barn Farm is owned by Lisa Keaveny and located near Wahpeton. 

Northern Prairie Farms is a growing vegetable farm focusing on organic practices, soil health, sustainability and community involvement. They sell free range eggs, microgreens and sprouts year-round. The farm is dedicated to sharing the message of Christ’s salvation while also educating consumers about the food they eat. Northern Prairie Farms is owned and operated by Ann Gates and located near Carpio. Join the Northern Prairie Farms community on Facebook.  

Define the Fight Farms sells farm fresh eggs, microgreens and educational programs both on and off the farm. They are committed to providing healthy food and holistic programs to enhance, empower and restore the lives of those seeking a life of contentment and abundance. Define the Fight Farms is operated by Mariah Prussia and Pat Miletich near Hunter. Give them a follow on Facebook and Instagram.

Where Are They Now?

Four of our recent Farm Beginnings graduates have been busy putting their knowledge into action, growing a wide variety of farm businesses across the state. From produce and flowers to pastured meats and goat milk skin care. Here's a look at how each of them is turning their farm dreams into reality:

Since taking Farm Beginnings in 2023, Jake Callander has been growing Nature’s Roots Farm. Located near Hillsboro, ND the farm grows over 250 varieties of vegetables, fruits, and flowers which they sell at farmers markets and through community supported agriculture (CSA) shares.  Through their CSA shares they offer a produce subscription and new for 2025 is a flower subscription. He also offers a compost subscription. Jake says, “Farm Beginnings provided me with the business knowledge needed to turn my passion into a sustainable, profitable business.” To see what’s growing at Nature’s Roots Farm and explore their CSA offerings, visit https://www.naturesrootsfarms.com and follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

HomeSpun Chick creates and sells all-natural skin care products made from goat milk that are handcrafted in the on-farm studio near Esmond, ND. The goats are bred, fed, and milked on the farm. Todd and Karey Wolfe are dedicated to making the best decisions for the care of their land and animals, and they are passionate about instilling those same values and commitment in their children and grandchildren. The farm also raises various crops, cattle, and chickens. The skin care products can be found at several small businesses throughout North Dakota and various vendor shows. Karey is a 2023 graduate of Farm Beginnings. To explore Karey Wolfe’s all-natural goat milk skin care products and learn more about life on the farm, visit https://homespunchick.net and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

Prairie Gates Farm, near Sheyenne, ND, is a diversified farm owned by Joanna Larson that offers pastured beef, pastured pork, wholesale flowers, and organic vegetables. In the summer of 2024, she opened a self-serve farmstand in Sheyenne to make her products more accessible to the local community. Looking ahead to 2025, Joanna is excited to refine and expand her operations. Agroecological practices are at the core of her farming philosophy. She prioritizes soil health and biodiversity with organic management, native wildflowers, crop rotation, and livestock integration. Her mission is to “use agriculture on my farm in a way that is better, not bigger.” Joanna completed Farm Beginnings in 2024. You can learn more about Prairie Gates Farm by visiting https://www.prairiegates.com and following along on Facebook and Instagram.

Julia and Kelly Seiller of Beard Farms, 2024 Farm Beginnings graduates, are entering their second year of selling at farmers markets. 2024 was their first year on a new property near Williston, ND, where they are growing a wide variety of vegetables and fruits. With a high tunnel coming in 2025 to extend their growing season, they’re also planning to add egg-laying chickens, honey production, and composting in the near future. As participants in the 2025 Summer Mentorship program, they hope to gain some tips and tricks to increase farm profitability including succession planting and identifying high return on investment crops. 

These four farmers are great examples of how passion, knowledge, and hard work can grow into thriving businesses. Their dedication to sustainable practices, local food systems, and community connection reflects the heart of what Farm Beginnings is all about. We’re proud to be a part of their journey and can’t wait to see what they accomplish next.

 Interested in Participating in 2026?

Farm Beginnings runs from January to March, offering interactive weekly online sessions and mentorship meetings. The course covers a range of essential topics, including business and financial planning, financial resources, effective marketing strategies, food safety practices and more. If you are interested in participating in Farm Beginnings for 2026, please sign up at https://www.farrms.org/succeed or for questions reach out to our Farmer Educator, Jake, at jcallander@farrms.org.