OH THE POSSIBILITIES!

Greetings all,

Ben & I are so excited to share with you that we are actively looking for a farmhouse!!

Wait, what?

When we started our first generational farm, buying a farmhouse seemed impossible; we didn't have built up equity or any buying power. The loan officers basically laughed at us; young couple, new farmers, newly married and starting a family. (Insert their eye rolls). We did buy a little house in town and have been renting fields since our inception. 3 separate fields actually, one in Big Lake, one in Elk River and one in Zimmerman.

We will be listing our house for sale this week and have seen one very promising listing that we have made an offer on!!!! Ben even took a shovel into the fields to check the soil...which is really hard to do in January haha! So there is currently a cup full of dirt at our house and guys, let me tell you... I've never seen organic matter like this.

What does that mean for this season??

Since we still don't have 100% assurance that we are moving, we kept the greenhouse and all of our rental agreements, just in case. No matter what we already have everything lined up for this season. If we move now, or even if we wait until next year-everything is in place for us to offer you a wonderful CSA season! If everything goes as planned, we will be starting plants in the greenhouse in Big Lake, and then planting everything in the fields at the new house.

What does this mean for you?? One of my personal dreams is offering cooking classes, potlucks, and on farm events. Anyone have some goats we can borrow for some goat yoga?? Sorta kidding.. Well, up until now it has been impossible to host these events legally because we don't own the property we have been farming and hence can't get the potluck permits or agritourism insurance in our name which is necessary. Regardless if it's the property we have looked at, or another farm property, we will absolutely be making that a priority.

It's what we want- and what you want too hopefully! How cool would it be for us to can salsa together??! On farm dinners with our produce and a local chef? Family days for the kids to come harvest and see what it's all about? The possibilities are endless and I can't wait to get that ball rolling!!!

OK, I'll calm down now promise.

When we started our farm almost 10 years ago now, a huge milestone for us would be to live on property that we could farm. If you ask our friends and family, we have been talking about this for yeeears and the kids have always looked forward to making this big step too. I have been hesitant to share anything because of the uncertainties but things are moving forward this year and looking like all of the stars are going to align!!

I am absolutely ecstatic to give you updates as soon as we have them. We absolutely adore what we do, the freedom and education it provides to us and our neighbors, the wonderful produce that we have the potential to share, and the support from you. It's impossible to encompass what this means to Ben and I, our kids and the rest of our lives. Thank you for supporting us over the years, through the good and the bad. For keeping in touch with local agriculture, being a part of the local food network, and supporting the drive and expansion of farms like us. We want to make you proud of your food, of your farmers and your commitment to eating locally & fresh.

There are both hardships and joys of growing food. I can personally attest that this isn't for everyone... but for Ben and I the joys outweigh the hardships tenfold. Thank you for your support and commitment to our CSA! Looking forward to a fabulous season together <3

With love,

The Browns

I'm having a great time imagining the possibilities here... the sky is the limit for all of us!