CANNON RIVER
Welcome to the Cannon River Chapter
The SFA Cannon River Chapter encompasses sustainable farmers and like-minded consumers in the general area of Dodge, Goodhue, Steele, Rice, LeSueur, Dakota, and Scott Counties.
Information: cannonriver@sfa-mn.org or 1.844.922.5573 Ext. 706.
Upcoming Events
Homegrown Harvest Dinner
September 19, 2026 | 5:00-7:00 PM
Ferndale Market - 31659 Willow Trail, Cannon Falls, MN 55009
The Cannon River Chapter's 2nd Annual Homegrown Harvest Dinner at Ferndale Market is more than a beautiful meal—it’s a chance to share a story that matters. Bringing together local farmers, chefs, and food artisans, the evening showcases the best of southeastern Minnesota while supporting those who grow it.
This thoughtfully curated, multi-course dinner highlights locally sourced ingredients and the people behind them—offering a rich visual and storytelling experience from start to finish. From golden-hour table settings to behind-the-scenes moments with farmers and chefs, the event is designed to be both meaningful and memorable.
Proceeds from the evening support the Farmer to Farmer Fund, which provides emergency financial assistance to farmers facing unexpected challenges such as extreme weather, medical emergencies, or equipment loss.
Advance ticket sales only.
Select a ticket price that works best for you. SFA members must log in first to see the discounted member price.
- SFA Members: $30
- Cultivator: $75
- Harvest Supporter: $100
- Harvest Champion: $150
When you register, you can select a vegetarian or omnivore option and indicate if you need a gluten-free and/or nut-free meal. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase at a cash bar with ID.
Farmer to Farmer Fund
Applications are now open for the Farmer to Farmer Fund!
We have personally seen the toll the increase in extreme weather-related crop loss and other unpredictable causes of hardship takes on the already precarious role local agriculture plays in our communities. Through the generosity of the Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota (facilitated by a grant from the Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies) and the annual Homegrown Harvest Dinner fundraiser, the Farmer to Farmer Fund was established as a way for the Cannon River chapter to quickly respond to crises within our local farming community.
We are pleased to offer grants of up to $1,000 to farmers on a rolling basis and provide a lifeline to folks when they need it most. Full details and eligibility requirements for the Fund can be found here. If you have questions or need assistance with your application, please contact us at cannonriver@sfa-mn.org or call/text Gwen Anderson, our chapter’s board chair, at 507-321-3664.
Want to help build resiliency within our food and fiber community? Donations to the fund are always accepted.
Become a Member
Renew or start your membership below.
Remember to select the 'Cannon River' chapter on the membership form.
Chapter's Statement on Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
The Cannon River chapter of the Sustainable Farming Association believes that the foundation of a thriving foodshed comes from approaching agriculture with a holistic, systemic view where all community members have autonomy to participate. It is clear that the systemic injustice within our food, land and agricultural systems disproportionately affect the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities. This is an injustice we need to address as both individuals and as an organization where clear, measurable objectives lead to lasting change within our 7 counties.
The Cannon River SFA board has put together a statement along with a set of goals and objectives to bring our statement to life. Read the full statement here.
Cannon River Mentorship Program
Our community is filled with knowledge that comes from years of experience, daily trial and error, and deep relationships among our peers. In the spirit of sharing knowledge between farmers and helping beginning and emerging farmers create strong farm businesses, the Cannon River chapter of SFA is proud to launch our first business-to-business mentorship program!
This 12 month program will connect individuals seeking advice, guidance, input, and community support from another individual within the seven counties served by Cannon River SFA (Dodge, Goodhue, Steele, Rice, LeSueur, Dakota, and Scott).

Who is this mentorship program for? Everyone! Maybe you're just getting started or you've had a thriving business for decades. One thing we all have in common is that we have questions, new ideas we want to pursue or maybe even a new product or certification we'd like to try out. We welcome any and all folks who are looking to deepen their roots, problem solve with another skilled member of our community, and grow their business in the process.
Chapter Leadership
- Chair & Secretary: Gwen Anderson
- Treasurer: Deeann Lufkin
- SFA State Delegate: Ashley Schultze
- Director: Angela Smith
- Director: Alissa Jacobsen
- Director: Brandon Rutter-Daywater
- Maddy Bartsch, Community Connector
Cannon Valley Grown
Cannon Valley Grown brings together farmers, makers, and producers to create a marketing initiative committed to values-driven business and thriving local economies.
Our aim is to put the rich soils and deep farming roots of Minnesota's Cannon River Valley on the map as we tell the stories of our delicious food and drinks, exceptional products, and the dedicated people who make them happen.
Visit the Cannon Valley Grown website today!
