An hour east of Minneapolis in the scenic town of Star Prairie, Wisconsin, sits a gem of history and haven for delicious cold-water trout. Located on the bank of the Apple River, Star Prairie Trout Farm is a 150-year-old fish farming operation, raising rainbow trout in natural spring water. Visiting in winter, it is impressive… Read More →
Most of us live within a few miles of several microbreweries and can list dozens of our favorite craft beers. But can you name your favorite micro-creamery? Located in Clear Lake, Wisconsin, Cosmic Wheel Creamery is keeping the tradition of farmstead small-batch cheese making alive — a craft that shares not only the science of fermentation with… Read More →
Learn about Mill City Farmers Market’s long-time meat vendor Sunshine Harvest Farm is a 4th-generation family farm in Webster, Minnesota–about 40 miles south of Minneapolis. Owner Mike Braucher, his son Brandon, his brother Patrick and neighbor Sharron bring a variety of cuts of beef, bison, lamb, pork, chicken and eggs to our market year-round. The… Read More →
This week on the blog, we’d like to highlight one of our few year-round, full-time farms: Women’s Environmental Institute (WEI). Located 60 miles north of Minneapolis in North Branch, WEI is not only a farm, but also a non-profit working for environmental, racial and food justice through organic farming and policy strategies. Here’s six more things you… Read More →
Mike Noreen, a 13-season veteran of the Mill City Farmers Market and owner of Burning River Farm, is no stranger to the question “Are these carrots organic?” In 2006, Mike chose to certify his farm, now located 80 miles northeast of Minneapolis in Frederic, Wisconsin, as Naturally Grown rather than USDA Organic. Many customers believe… Read More →
The Mill City Farmers Market is in full swing–both the Saturday Market and our new Tuesday Night Market are open and full of luscious local food. Earlier this month I sat down with Brenda Langton, founder of the Mill City Farmers Market, to get her inside scoop on the market’s 120+ farmers, food makers and… Read More →
April 27th, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Get ready for the outdoor season at Mill City Farmers Market-opening Saturday, May 5th! Minneapolis, Minn.–On Saturday, May 5th Mill City Farmers Market (MCFM) opens for its 13th season. Grab your favorite tote bag and your grocery list and get ready to shop the market’s curated assortment of over… Read More →
Originally published in The Journal on April 11, 2018. Cold nights and warm sunny days are when all of us begin to wake up from winter — including maple trees. The trees need freezing night temperatures and daytime thaws for pressure to develop in the tree that makes sap “run” or drip out when tapped.… Read More →
Originally published in The Journal on March 8, 2018. Let’s talk shrubs. Now, I know there are two feet of snow covering your junipers and boxwoods right now–I’m talking about drinking vinegars. Shrubs are a mixture of vinegar, sugar, fruits and herbs created to be mixed with soda water for a dynamic sweet-and-sour beverage or… Read More →
A fall trip to learn about a true cottage business November 16, 2017 Nestled behind fields and away from highway 71 in Hutchinson, MN, you’ll find Ruth Kinkade’s alpaca farm, The Abbey Alpaca. Ruth and her farm manager Todd Fries currently manage a herd of 13 Huacaya alpaca, 4 “brothers” and 9 “sisters,” which they… Read More →
