March 2022

Have you spotted your first robin? Planted any seeds? Opened a window? It’s officially spring, a.k.a. “mud season,” as far as farmers are concerned! Roads and farm fields are mushy and muddy from melting snow and incoming rain, boots are muddy, kids are jumping in puddles and puppies are tracking paw prints all over the house. But spring also brings rebirth, renewal and awakening from the long winter, and with that, hope.

We’re hopeful that we can keep the momentum going to bridge the gap for the Lor family’s farmland access dream. Keep reading for an update on that.

January/February 2022

With the freezing temps, it’s a great time to snuggle under a nice warm blanket with a good book. Here are a few suggestions from our staff: Home Made by Liz Hauck; Meet Me at the Cupcake Cafe by Jenny Colgan; and Jayden's Impossible Garden by Melina Mangal.

Plus, cold isn’t all bad, it kills the invasive insects for us and our farmers! Read on to hear what other good things are going on while we're all hunkered down...

And a big warm thank you to Lakewinds Food Co-op customers for donating $16,228.90 during December's Round Up!

December 2021

As we close out the year, we're thinking of farmers who lost high tunnels, barns, and other infrastructure in the extreme, historic winds Dec. 15-16, and knowing that each of them has a new, unexpected challenge to solve—affecting their sense of wellbeing as well as their ability to do what they do; it impacts us all.

It's important to seize opportunities to support farmers, and that means staying in touch with them, whether through conversations at farmers' markets, their own social media and newsletters, or via organizations like ours who are working every day to help farmers.

Our work ranges from working lands to rural places and local foods, and we appreciate you for staying engaged with our activities and for being thoughtful about the food and beverages you choose to purchase, eat, and drink. Below are some brief updates. We wish you plenty of holiday rest, relaxation, and togetherness!

November 2021

We're in gratitude mode, and count our dedicated readers among our blessings—thank you for staying engaged. We deeply appreciate those of you who also donated to our work in last month's GiveMN day of giving.

This month we're sharing some updates on our efforts in farmland access, farm to school and early care, local foods, and conservation. And we have a small request for our readers who make it to the end of the newsletter (spoiler—it's a short survey)!

Here's hoping you're feeling secure and prepared for winter, and as always, we welcome your thoughts.

October 2021

With the leaves changing colors, the brisk wind moving in, we are looking at filling our pantry and preparing for the long, cold winter ahead. As you make those plans with us, consider filling your pantry with local goods. Your dollar supports so much more when you can keep it local.

Please enjoy these updates, and as always, we welcome your thoughts.

September 2021

September offers plenty of gorgeous days, perfect for soaking up the sun and cool breeze. But with changing of seasons we often rush around, finishing tasks. Here's hoping you can take some time to enjoy fall colors, crisp air, and end-of-season bounty of apples, pumpkins and all the pretty winter squash popping up at farmers markets.

In this month's Rooster we share gratitude for the valuable connections that have been made and shed light on upcoming events as well. Key among those planning ideas is a farmland access opportunity, just below, that we're very excited and hopeful about. Please enjoy these updates, and as always, we welcome your thoughts.

August 2021

We appreciate you as your support for and interest in strong rural communities and healthy local food systems is fundamental to their vitality.

This month we're especially looking forward to the return of the Minnesota State Fair, August 26-September 6. Keep reading to learn about our plans for local food and agriculture info at our Eco Experience Building events, and so much more going on!

June/July 2021

We’re back! After a June drought, this is a combined newsletter for June and July. [Less email is good, right!?]

Are you enjoying in-person events with a new-found appreciation, like we are? We're especially looking forward to the Co-op Farm Tour, coming up on July 10. Keep reading for a farmland access success story near Rochester, MN and a special field day linked to our Conservation Connections project, plus an update on our Farm to Early Care deliveries, and more.

May 2021

We hope you've been enjoying the season for its outdoor markets and increasing numbers of in-person events—and for the most part, avoiding the fickle weather!

We're sharing news of the Co-op Farm Tour, as well as some virtual events and a new book from Beth Dooley, ways to engage with farm to school efforts in Minnesota, and an application opportunity for Land Stewardship Project's Farm Beginnings program.

Have a wonderful Memorial Day!

April 2021

April in the upper Midwest brings serious changes and hope for new growth. This April has been no exception, both in the weather and in our world. In snow and buds, rhubarb and flowers, and the conviction in the murder of George Floyd, we see a glimmer of justice and a little hope, though there's still such a long way to go.

April also means friends and colleagues who are farmers are beyond busy in greenhouses and fields. In this issue, meet Jen Zimmerman of Maltwerks and our new staff member Melvin Giles, learn about opportunities to join Wisconsin Women in Conservation and the Land Stewardship Project with offerings for farmers and growers. Also, a last chance* to purchase local food from our FEAST! Online Marketplace!