Take advantage of many local farm food options

Our new normal during the coronavirus pandemic has made many appreciate the ease of access to basic needs here in our local communities. All of the local grocery stores have been relatively well-stocked, thanks to the hard work and sacrifice of essential workers. The news surrounding the agriculture economy during the pandemic has not been much different from that of other industries. Meat processing plants are being shut down due to virus outbreaks in the workforce, and dairy co-ops are being forced to dump milk due to market changes. Although most produce distributors seem to be keeping up with demand, I am sure they have not been immune to the pandemic either.

Here in Carlton County we are truly fortunate to have a thriving local food community. We are home to countless farms, big and small. In Wrenshall we have dairy, meat, egg and an impressive number of produce farms.

Use the pandemic as a chance to get to know your local farmers. There is a good chance one of your neighbors with a small beef herd has an arrangement with a local butcher to process and sell directly to the consumer.

The Community Supported Agriculture model is alive and well here as well. Many of the organic produce farms use this model to sell veggie shares to their neighbors. We are getting close to those first boxes of fresh lettuce, carrots, and tomatoes going out to customers, so be sure to act fast before they sell out.

Let us not forget about our local farmers markets. Many of us rely on this service to source our fresh local food. Organizers are working behind the scenes now to prepare for operations once the season begins. Protocols already followed at retailers currently open such as limiting the number of shoppers, pre-ordering, sanitization and distancing, will be implemented to ensure everyone's safety.

Local dairy, meat, and produce are often farmed using more sustainable practices than traditional, large scale, producers are forced to use. These farmers consider the impact of each decision on water quality, wildlife habitat, and soil health. There are many ways to find and contact local farmers. The Minnesota Grown Directory and the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program have online maps with farm websites and phone numbers for their member farmers. Carlton County Extension, Carlton Soil and Water Conservation District, and the Sustainable Farming Association work with these farmers daily and can get you in contact with a farmer near you.