**Updated 3/03/2026 with current links**

CSA’s (Community Supported Agriculture) have been around for in some form or another since the mid 1980’s- which first struck me as a much shorter history than I’d imagined. But, then I realized that the CSA idea came about jointly from both Farmers and consumers looking for new ways to grow good food- and eat good food.

This was one way to make a concrete change in how those consumers ate, and who grew their food. The basic idea of a CSA is that farmers get the purchase price up front to help cover costs of the upcoming farming season. With farmers knowing that they have that money, they are able to move forward with confidence, and maybe without a bank breathing down their necks…

The rewards for a member of a CSA are manyfold; fresh in-season produce boxed up and ready to go weekly at a pick up location of your choice, often with a newsletter or recipe ideas included. As I see it, the biggest reward is building a relationship with a farmer.

My husband and I purchased our first CSA back in 2010 while I was still working full time. It is kind of funny that I can’t remember the name of the farm, but I do remember I picked up my weekly boxes from one of the quaint little shops (The Nest) in downtown White Bear Lake. I never met the farmer, and there was never an invite from the farmer to do so.

Things have changed, on both the farmer and the consumer sides. Farmers are being more proactive in forging relationships, and consumers are looking for more than good food grown cheap- more and more, the people buying CSAs are doing it for a chance to connect to a farm, a farmer, a piece of land…and to benefit from the GOOD food these farmers provide.

Now that the CSA idea has had time to take root- it has also branched out in a few different directions. For this article, I’ve chosen a few local farms that represent the wide variety of options available to those of us lucky enough to live around the Twin Cities. Each of the following farms has a unique twist to them, showing again there’s so many ways to grow good food!

I would absolutely recommend any of the farms covered- but I’d also urge you to do your own research too, there are more and more (yay!) CSAs popping up every year. Currently, according the powerful MNGrown CSA search engine there are 86 CSAs in Minnesota. Use these ‘case studies’ as a launch pad to get yourself thinking what you want out of a CSA…

All Good Organics

This is the family farm that decided to build their own little Farm Store instead of packing up and taking their food to Farmers Markets (except the ones I run!)

Their Farm Store is open year-round 8am-8pm and is run mostly on the honesty policy. They do things their own way, and wow- is it working! This is truly your local, organic family run farm. You could go and pick out your veggies each week from what’s out in the farm stand, but you’re guaranteed the first flush if you sign up for the CSA.

They grow over 70 varieties of veggies. They also have eggs, meat chickens and whole and half hogs available for purchase. They’re open to possible farm tours and have a hay wagon at the ready.

For those of you that made it out to the last White Bear Lake Winter Farmer’s Market, this was the farmer table with all the fresh produce- and awesome sour kraut, salsa and frozen veggies. Butch mentioned how excited they are for this up-coming growing season, “We already have spinach, Romaine, Radish, Kale growing in green house now.”

All Good Organics

6657 Centerville Rd,
Lino Lakes, MN

16 Weeks
On Farm Pick Up

All Good Organics CSA ONLINE SIGN UP

TC Farm 

TC Farm is a group of sustainable family farms dedicated to raising
the very best food.

High Standards:

• Regenerative Practices – Building soil and protecting the planet
• Pasture-Raised – Animals on grass daily, not “access to” pasture
• No GMO’s – Ever. In feed, in fields, or on your plate
• No Drugs – No hormones or growth stimulants ever
• Certified Organic Produce – No synthetic pesticides or fertilizers
• Community First – Supporting local farms and families

TC Farm CSA

• Full Season – 20 boxes – Starts June 22nd (weekly-only)
• Half Season – 10 boxes – Starts June 22nd (weekly or bi-weekly)
• Quarter Season – 5 boxes – Starts mid-July (weekly or bi-weekly)

CSA Sign Up 

 THE GOOD ACRE

I hung out at The Good Acre a while back to understand more about what all this Food Hub does on the East side of the Twin Cities. Full article HERE. One of the most impressive pieces to their food cycle help, is the way they bring together so many farmers to offer the public a unique “Farm Share”. The new term represents their CSA well because of the large number (20+ this season) of different farmers working together to grow for you.

While not all organic, “Growers verify that they are using growing practices we deem safe for the land, air, and water around their farms. They are able to do that with the help of their full-time Grower Support Specialist, David VanEeckhout. David has over 20 years of organic farming experience, and he works very close with TGA’s growers during the season to help them with crop planning, pest and disease management, as well as soil fertility and growing in hoop houses,” Nikki  Warner, TGA’s Marketing Manager explained. The farmers own their own land, but use the power of group sourcing with TGA as a way to market their produce more effectively. The results are delicious.

The other reason this CSA made the list is their truly phenomenal list of possible add-ons. Because part of TGA’s Food Hub is their community kitchen where many local  food producers got their start, they have access to an amazing array of hand crafted products made from locally sourced foods. Such as: breads, honey eggs,  jams, kimchi, kombucha, salsa. I know, I’m drooling too.

The Good Acre CSA
1790 Larpenteur Avenue West, Falcon Heights, MN

18 weeks
26 + Drop sites

The Good Acre CSA 

EAT LOCAL!

Of course, farmers markets are my happy place, so if a CSA seems like to big of a commitment, check out your local farmers markets for others ways to support local food and the people that grow it!

Many of these farms have early bird pricing that is almost up, so check them out while the getting is good. If you’ve been on the fence about jumping in and buying a CSA, hop down off that fence and into that greener pasture- you AND your farmer will be happy you did!

Can’t wait to Dig In,

Michelle

The post CSA’s So Many Ways appeared first on Forks in the Dirt.

Harvest Festivals can be the culmination of a good growing season- or a feel like a bland mix of pumpkin spice and everything nice. Lucky for us, our vibrant local food scene is bursting with phenomenal farms of all flavors. They each celebrate their love of local food and drink in unique ways. Family friendly and full of fall fun, find the hip harvest party of your dreams below…

Urban Roots 20th Anniversary Party

20 years of awesomesauce. Urban Roots is one of those groups that’s just got it going on. Through their Market Garden Program they work with inner city youth interns that purchase, grow, maintain, harvest and sell- sometimes even  serve- the produce they raise on their urban farm plot. Cook St Paul is one of the local restaurants that carry their produce. The Chef + Owner of that fine establishment, Eddie Wu, is the emcee for the night’s festivities. *See Cook St. Paul’s listing below too* Live auction items for foodies and farmers alike to drool over. Featuring BANG Brewing and Chowgirls Killer Catering. If you want to have fun and support changing our food systems at the same time, this is your ticket. Those tickets are available Through Wednesday (that’s tomorrow!!) evening.  Get ‘em while they’re hot!

Thursday, Oct 12, 6pm- 9pm
Tickets $75 and up Available through Wed
Harriet Island Pavilion, 200 Doctor Justus Ohage Boulevard Saint Paul, MN 55107

Harvest Days at Oliver Kelley Farm

We love the way they make historical farming come alive here! Help bring in the harvest at the Kelley Farm by helping out with field work, playing 19th-century games, making corn husk dolls and more. They had their grand re-opening this spring and if you haven’t seen all the ways they make the old new again this is so worth your time!

Thursday, Oct. 19, through Sunday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
$6-$12, free for Minnesota Historical Society members and children 4 and under
Oliver Kelley Farm, 15788 Kelley Farm Road, Elk River; 763-441-6896; mnhs.org.

Apple Fest at Carpenter Nature Center 

Photo courtesy of Laurie Schneider

The Carpenter Nature Center is one of those unique places that grounds you to the past while looking towards the future. Celebrate the harvest at Carpenter Nature Center with hayrides, live animal programs in between the live music sets, apple brats, caramel apples, pumpkin decorating, bake sale, cider-making demonstrations and more. Jams, jellies, squash, honey, maple syrup, salad dressings and more volunteer crafted goodness for sale at the Apple Shack.

The orchard was started by the original land owners, and with good management including integrated pest management system using minimal spraying and planting new trees every year (like 300 this Spring!) they maintain about 2,000 apple trees! These are the varieties ready this weekend; Honey Crisp, Haralson, Regent, Macintosh, Cortland, Connell Red.
PYO – Pick Your Own is only available during the Apple Fest!

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 14-15
FREE
Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings

Stillwater Harvest Fest

Two Words: Pumpkin Regatta. That’s right, those crazy huge gourds are hollowed out and paddled down the old St. Croix…and it is hilarious. Along with the giant pumpkin weigh-off (serious food growing skills on display) a pie eating contest, this feels like enough of an off the wall festival to make the list. Also not to miss; a chili cook-off, microbrew tasting, food trucks, kids tractor pull, costume parade and live music. But those pumpkins! Totally family friendly event except parking, bc: Stillwater. Full schedule of events HERE 

Oct 14-15, 10 am – 6 pm
FREE
Stillwater Riverfront, 101 Water St. S. Stillwater; harvestfeststillwater.com.

Oktober Wine Festival

Chateau St Croix is hosting an afternoon of German fun paired with beautiful fall colors in the Saint Croix Valley. The reason this event made the list: Federweisser wine tastings! Federweisser is the product of fermented freshly pressed grape juice (from the 2017 harvest) known as must. It is semi-sweet and refreshing. This is a German tradition that you will love, or at least be able to say you’ve tried   The festival includes live German Music 1-4pm, German Food by Adventures Food Truck, a Hammerschlagen, Local Oktoberfest Beer and amazing scenery.

October 14^th – 15^th, Noon – 5pm
FREE
Chateau St Croix, 1998 Hwy 87 St. Croix Falls, WI 54024

Oktoberfest “Friends in Need Food Shelf” Event

The Historic Hope Glen Farm is a stunner, with 130 years of stories that adds to its charm. This is their big annual event, and the only way to get to see the farm without being at a private event. With around 1,000 people expected to visit during the 4^th annual open house style event, it’s a good thing they have the support of the police for parking, the Lions for cooking and the all the other festival trappings; a silent auction, music, food, games, a petting zoo and henna tattoos. All proceeds benefit the Friends in Need Food Shelf located in Hastings. The $10 ticket gets you lunch and a chance to enjoy this once a year community event. This land looks amazing!

Oct. 15, noon – 4pm
$10 for adults, $5 for ages 4-12,  free for children 3 and under
Historic Hope Glen Farm, 10276 E. Point Douglas Road S., Cottage Grove

Bail Out Houston: From the Eastside to Sunnyside

This makes the list because Cook St. Paul is one of those places that walks the talk; they buy local, create out of this world meals, and have a collective heart that beats for ALL…
Plus Bi Bim bop. And Peterson Craftsman Meats hot dogs with Koritos. Love how the food world is coming together to make this happen. This is a fund and item raiser to help send Eddie Wu back down to Houston and cook meals out of Fire Station 55 in order to feed the first responders, and the people in the Sunnyside neighborhood. Eddie was barely back in the city from his first trip down right after Hurricane Harvey when he decided he needed to go back. He can’t stop, won’t stop until the people are fed! They are working with Mayor Sandra Massie Hines to coordinate how to best support Sunnyside, a neighborhood similar to The Eastside of St Paul. Food + Music, I can support that bailout.

Sunday Oct 15^th, 4-10pm
$20 cover
MN Music Café: 501 Payne Ave, St Paul, MN 55130

Harvest Potluck

This event elevates the term ‘melting pot’ to another level! Big River Farms http://www.mnfoodassociation.org/  is a teaching farm that works with immigrant farmers, so asking everyone to bring a dish to share to a potluck…well, you’ll have to taste it to believe it! Along with the amazing array of global dishes, (of course cooked with locally grown food) there will be beer, wine and cider, wagon rides, live music, a raffle and crop art. Very family friendly. A great time to try out that new recipe you’ve wanted to make… This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy this peaceful farm, eat great food and meet some amazing new farmers. Link to Details. http://mnfoodassociation.org/events

Sunday, Oct 15 4-7pm Free – Bring a dish to share
Big River Farms – MN Food Association
14220-B Ostlund Trl. N, Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047

Farm Day at Natura Farms

First Time Farm Day! As some of you might remember, Natura was one of the farms in the direct path of that nasty hail storm this June. They weren’t able to open up for their typical PYO strawberries or raspberries, but did have their farm stand open and now, after a season of healing, have invited us all to come down to the farm. There will be  a Pizza Truck, Raffles, Vendors with handmade Quilts, Art, Honey, Veggies and more!  As a Farm Day treat, they’ll have horse drawn wagon rides available for the first time EVER! There may even be (weather permitting) the possibility of some Fall raspberry picking. Please check out the Facebook Event Page to stay up to date.

Oct 21,  12pm-5pm
Free
Natura Farms 19060 Manning Trail North

Wheee! What a ride this weekend could be! My bushels and packed. My baskets are bursting and I couldn’t be happier to get in all that this Fall has to offer.

Go get your Forks into some new farms this weekend, and let me know where you went and what you ate!!

Dig In!

Michelle

The post Forks’ Weekend Spread – Harvest Time! appeared first on Forks in the Dirt.

July 15: Eat Local Co-op Farm Tour 

The barn doors are wide open. Twin Cities co-ops have gathered 27 of their hard-working farmers together to open their farms, fields, milking rooms etc. to you for the day. Use this Farm Tour guide to map out your self guided tour and see which farms have special activities, music, even samples that match your interest. This is a great FREE way to let your kid milk their first cow, see actual farm work being done, pull their first carrot and talk to farmers about how they farm. Be ready to stock up on farm fresh produce-right from the farm! Last year my boys and I experienced a great sense of community at Big River Farms,  along with a great wagon ride, samples and music. We bought a few things that had been picked right from the fields we toured. This year they’ve added a little something extra with pollinators! I remember it as one of best days with my boys last summer.

Wagon riders at last year’s Big River Farms’ tour day.

Tips: Wear farm appropriate clothing (farm boots, sun hat), bring along some bug spray, a cooler for things you buy and a lunch if you want. Learn from my mistake last summer! Print out a google map, because these are RURAL farms, you may lose service once you’re on the road!

Stay up to the minute and Follow on Facebook. TC.Farm (also featured below in the Tullibee Butcher Dinner) went the extra acre this year and created their own guide; which looks awesome!

Details: 10am-4pm. 31 locations across the extended metro area.

Photo credit: Alex Johnson Photography

July 15: Minnesota Waldorf School Bluegrass and Old Time Music Festival

While not directly local food/farm related, I’m pretty sure a few hootenannies and shenanigans will conspire on the festival grounds. My kids are stoked to see The Okee Dokee Brothers! And The Roe Family Singers will get your feet moving for sure. Full line up and schedules for all the performers and extras HERE; like Log Rolling, Obstacle course, Dunk Tank and Face Painting for the kids and beers on tap, artists vendors to browse between sets. And then there’s the food truck line up. Bring on the Hoe Down!

Details: Saturday July 15^th 12-8,
tickets available HERE ,  $14 children, $25 adult
MN Waldorf School 70 County Road B E, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55117

Copyrighted photo by Scott A. Schneider

July 15: Midsummer Festival at Cedar Lake Regional Farm Park

This event is in conjunction with the Credit River Antique Tractor Show. Antique tractors don’t come on tour very often, so if ‘making hay back in the day’ is your thing you better get on this! There will food concessions and music to go along with trying out some fishing, kayaking and archery. This ‘farm park’ has transformed over the last few years. More info on the park HERE. And register for free HERE

Details: Saturday, July 15th. Free. 10-5, children 13 and under must attend with an adult.
Cedar Lake Regional Farm Park, 25875 Juniper Avenue, New Prague MN 56071

July 15 & 16: Wine Meets Art at St. Croix Vineyards

Being able to enjoy locally grown/crafted award winning wine while strolling through over 20 booths full of locally made art, yes please. Add in local food trucks like Elaine Chang and Nella’s Smokehouse Barbecue and live music floating by? Summer bliss! And the vineyard itself is something to behold, nestled next to Aamodts Apple Farm it adds a family friendly flair. Local wineries are popping up all along our wonderful river valleys here in the Midwest and I am tickled Rose by each of them, but St. Croix Vineyards has been doing this a while and knows how to throw some fun events (Wine stomping anyone?), along with bringing home all kinds of medals for their wines.

Details: 11am-6pm, July 15^th & 16^th, Winery tours start at 12.
St Croix Vineyards 6428 Manning Avenue Stillwater, MN 55082

July 16: Tullibee Butcher’s Dinner

Feat. TC Farm’s “American Guinea Hog”

A roast to remember with Hewing’s own butcher Brian Merkel and Tullibee Chef Bradley Day along with the farmer  T.C. Farm .  This seems like a pretty unique opportunity (only once a year) to taste “the Forest Hog” which are raised solely in open pasture.  Since I am out of my depth (I’ve never heard of this kind of hog before, have you?) here’s some information direct from their

Charcuterie board at Tullibee.

website: “The team at Tullibee will be preparing chartucerie, roasts, pastries and desserts showcasing the pristine protein versatility of this amazing pig. While large format roasts cook over the open hearth, guests will have the opportunity to engage with the chefs, farmer ad butcher…”  This sounds amazing, if anyone goes, please let me know how it was!

Details: Sunday, July 16th, 6-9, $55 per ticket. Come hungry
Tullilbee is in the Hewing Hotel, 300 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401

July 16: SociableSummer – Americana Fest

Sociable Ciderwerks offers a lineup worthy of a laid back Sunday afternoon! So much goodness squeezed into one chill space. Music plays a big part of these gatherings and to prove it they’ve got Bill DeVille of 89.3 The Current hosting the event, featuring: Roe Family Singers, The Dead Pigeons, No Man’s String Band, Dead Horses

Food trucks from Red River Kitchen, Butcher Salt, The Anchor Fish & Chips, Potter’s Pasties to sweeten the deal.

Details:  Sunday July 16^th 2-9pm. $5 Wristbands: The event is free to attend. However, if you will be imbibing 21+ Wrist bands available at the door for $5.00 with a portion of proceeds benefiting SACA Food Shelf & Thrift Store. VIP packages available.
Sociable Ciderwerks, 1500 Fillmore St NE Minneapolis, MN 55413

Well, then…

If those events don’t get you out of your own garden (I’m so guilty of this sometimes) and into the world of local food this weekend- I don’t know what would. I’m just enthralled that all these events are even possible. Think about it: The farmers are dedicated, the chefs are dedicated and the event planners are dedicated. So many people working together to craft these experiences to satisfy your summer quest for a delightful eating experience. Three Cheers for local food.

I can’t wait to dig into this weekend!

Michelle

The post Forks’ Weekend Spread: July! appeared first on Forks in the Dirt.

Just driving to this unique teaching farm makes my mouth water. Admittedly, that doesn’t take much, but the foods grown here are second to none and the farmers have a lot of fun along the way. Food integrity is deeply rooted in every choice made at the Minnesota Food Association and Big River Farms; plus they give one mean tractor ride! Come along and fall in love with this vital and idyllic farm on the outskirts of Marine on the St. Croix.

They grow organic food in a way that honors the land and engages marginalized people. This is truly a one of a kind place. Being a land-based training program focusing on immigrant and minority populations you could meet farmers from many distinct cultures just walking through their fields. The diversity within the program is seen as another strength which drives their mission:

To build a more sustainable food system based on social, economic and environmental justice through education, training and partnerships. 

Women run Big River Farms. From L to R, Danielle Piraino, Laura May Hedeen, Emily Squyres, Lebo Moore, Molly Schaus.

The education piece of their mission is achieved through their Farmer Training Programs . The training is a 3-4 year program starting with the basics in organic production and post-harvest handling moving up to whole farm management where farmers hone their marketing and business development. Classes are held in the evenings and on weekends to accommodate working adults. “There are currently 17 farm teams in the program, 11 of which are land-based at Big River Farms – the others have other land or are taking classes only, without using the land. There are 7 cultures represented in this group,” according to Laura Hedin, MFA program manager.

Interested in taking the next step in growing your inner farmer? Contact Laura at laura@mnfoodassociation.org.

With a deep and solid list of teaching staff like Molly Schaus, Farm Director and May Lee, former student (see my blog post about her farm HERE) the 90 acres of certified organic land is well planted, well rested in between use and always well loved.

Farm Plot Allocation Map. Planning time up front ensures land health in the long run.

The training program has led to several success stories over the years. Farmers like Rodrigo and Juan Carlos of Cala Farms who have found a great market in wholesaling. Or Moses and Rhona of Dawn to Dusk Farm who focus on Farmer’s Market sales. These and other MFA graduate farmers’ stories can be found on their Meet the Farmers page.

CSA Box of Vegetable Heaven.

Eat Out Of The Box
With all the care and devotion new farmers give to their crops you know the veggies placed into a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) produce box are going to be top notch! Add in certified organic food and competitive rates with other CSA farms and buying a CSA from Big River Farms is a natural choice. Their CSA program also supports many different farmers simultaneously. They can supply up to 200 shares for the season’s 16 weeks. That will help you eat your veggies and support immigrant farmer education at the same time. They have 12 drop locations around the Twin Cities. You are in luck, because there are still CSA shares available through May 31. Get your Big River CSA here.

Growing into the Name(s)
Like so many great organizations this one was started by a group of concerned citizens who got up and did something about what they believed in. Back in the 1980’s freeway construction and development claimed the St. Paul Farmer’s Market’s 80-year site. The group believed moving the market back to an historical location in 1853 of 7^th and Wabasha would keep both the public and the farmers well served.

May Lee (Mhonpaj’s Garden) in her greenhouse on Big River Farms

Once they accomplished their first goal the group realized there were more ways they could help local, small scale farmers and the people that loved their food. Lead by Ken Taylor, this original core group also helped start the Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture, (MISA) still a thriving part of the U of MN Agricultural Department.

Established in 1983 the MFA has gone through an evolution to match the changing food needs and population of its community. The farmer training program began in 1998. By 2007 they were distributing food at markets under the farm name Big River Farms and 2008 saw them gain Organic Certification.

The land that the farm now encompasses was leased from the Wilder Foundation. The foundation had used it as an example of what a farm looked like and had built many of the buildings and dug the well and started irrigation to some of the fields, a pretty sweet deal for the farm to find!

The MFA is primarily funded by federal grants, along with a few valued family foundation grants and sales of produce via the CSA shares and farmer’s market sales. Competition for the limited funds has grown exponentially over the years which has lead to MFA to join forces with another long-time food advocate, The Food Group.

The Food Group offers free and wholesale foods to food shelves state wide, which fulfills part of its mission. They have long believed that emergency food access is necessary but not the only way to aid hunger; and have created gleaning groups, the ‘Fare for All’ and ‘Harvest for the Hungry’ programs.

Look for innovative programs as these two organizations put their heads together. On the horizon is managing 3 ½ acres within Harvest Park in Maplewood, starting with a cover crop this year and other crops TBD! What a beautiful use of land.

Stillwater Bee Club keepers after installing a hive on Big River Farms

When I was there two bee keepers from the Stillwater Bee Club happened to be installing a new hive  inside a newly set electric fence (to keep the black bears away from the honey). It was a living example of how fundamentally interested the staff is in building community around food. Also, the smoker for the bees smelled so good!

Down on the Farm

There are some great chances to meet some of the 17 farm teams and get one of those tractor rides in this summer! Tour the Big River Farm along with other local farms during the Coop Farm Tour  on Saturday July 15, 10am-4pm.  Big River Farms tours will be family-friendly and feature live music, wagon rides, farm-fresh snacks, games and prizes. Or join Big River Farms for the end of season Harvest Party on October 15^th.

I do love my farmers!

Whether you join the CSA program, tour the farm, take some farm classes, buy their food at one of the many Farmer’s Markets they sell at, or buy a really cool T-shirt like I did-  I dare you to dig in and be a part of the mission of Growing Farmers Growing Food.  Like they say, Global Farmers, Local Food. For this wanna-be farm girl, knowing the people behind Minnesota Food Association and Big River Farms are working on food advocacy, nestled into the rolling farm land, does my heart (and my family’s health) a world of good. Let it do you some good too.

Dig In
Michelle

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