Highlights from this Season of On-Farm Food Events

The 2024 growing season marked the second year of the Come & Get It grant program with Renewing the Countryside (RTC). In partnership with the Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) and the Sustainable Farming Association (SFA), RTC helped host nine on-farm food events across Minnesota.

In Year 1, farmers received tools, resources, information, and coaching from RTC, MFU, and SFA to learn the ins and outs of on-farm food service and determine if it was a good fit for their farm. By Year 2, these farmers were equipped to plan and host their own on-farm food events, supported by grant funding from RTC.

Each event was truly unique, capturing the essence of the farm and the community that supported it. Kelsey Wulf, the organizer of the Deep Roots Festival, focused on connecting consumers with farms to show the care and attention put into food production, inspiring support for farmers and reducing food waste. Tracy Jonkman, at Meet Your Makers, partnered with Sharing Our Roots to explore land access opportunities for immigrant and emerging farmers. Mary Fischer of Sowing Seeds for the Future wanted children to experience farm life, while Kelley Rajala of Aitkin Summer Sip & Savor sought to expand local food sales in sparse rural areas and diversify income through on-farm events.

Despite their diverse formats, every event was united by a powerful celebration of community, fostering connections around local food access, and unwavering support for farmers. 

The Come and Get It Team was lucky enough to be able to attend every event across Minnesota to engage with vibrant communities and see what each farm had to offer. Here are some highlights from the 2024 growing season!

Sowing Seeds: Celebrating Local Foods & Lost Skills

Guests enjoyed a pop-up farmers market with fresh goods from local growers, engaging skills demos, fun kids' activities, and a fantastic local food truck. A memorable day for all ages!

Growing Your Community

This event united rural and urban communities for a day of fun and connection. It featured family-friendly activities and workshops, making it the perfect day for all ages to celebrate local food, art, and community.

Aitkin Summer Sip & Savor

This event brought appetizers and drinks from local chefs and bartenders that have continuously supported the local food system around them. Attendees enjoyed local flavor along with a live music on farm celebration! 

Clover Valley Farm Fest

A huge festival along the Clover Valley farm trail with local food producers, artisans, food trucks, and live music performances. Attendees truly filled the farm with energy and support for local agriculture.

Butcher's Dinner & Barn Dance

Guests enjoyed a guided tour of the cows, sheep, pigs, and chickens of Medicine Creek Farm, followed by a pop-up farmers market. The evening closed with a farm-to-table meal and a lively barn dance to celebrate good food and community.

Our Local Plate- Farm Fest & Market

Guests started their morning with breakfast and a cooking demo by chef and author Beth Dooley, and were led in a foraging workshop by local chef Candace Stock. The event included a sunflower research plot tour and shopping with local food vendors.

Deep Roots Festival

This event featured a local foods tour, composting workshops, live music, and local food trucks. The festival brought people together to learn, share, and celebrate the importance of sustainable food practices.

Meet Your Makers

This event honored how immigrant, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and emerging farmers can build stronger connections with the land and community. The event featured cultural dancers, amazing food, garden tours, and a farmer’s market! 

Harvest Star

A two-day celebration that included a theater performance over dinner, a vibrant market, and live music. Attendees enjoyed local food vendors, a puppet parade, and a true showcase of local talent and creativity, marking the perfect end to the Come and Get It Team’s 2024 events.

It was incredible to witness farmers drawing on their diverse backgrounds and perspectives to create truly meaningful events that not only honored the community supporting them but also enhanced food access for everyone.

Thank you to everyone who joined us this year, and stay tuned for more events in the future as we continue to grow, connect, and celebrate the incredible work happening on Minnesota’s farms!