CENTRAL CHAPTER

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Central Chapter

Mini-grant applications for Central Chapter members

We are here to plant the seed in your minds to champion your sustainable and regenerative efforts. No one knows better than farmers who roll up their sleeves and help other farmers that change is motivating, but financially challenging.


Others have observed that as well. Inspired by actual SFA events, a philanthropic organization was moved by SFA’s mission to transform agriculture one farm at a time. They decided to invest in farmers helping farmers within our chapters, and in turn, impact farming practices. Bottom line: thanks to their gift, we have dollars to share with you.


Let’s prime the pump. Would you benefit from help getting seeds for cover crops or hazelnut bushes for your permaculture project? Are you stalemated because you need a chicken plucker or a portable scale for your livestock? We’ve got mini-grant opportunities for active Central Chapter members to help you within our Seeds of Sustainability-Roots for Resiliency and Tool Share Cost Share projects.


Dollars will be given AND need to be used this year.


Applications are now open.


Move fast. We anticipate that grant dollars will be awarded quickly.


Get excited. And let’s get going.

Upcoming Events

Poultry Processing Demo & Instruction

POSTPONED TO SEPTEMBER 14    8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Little Elk Organic Farm    207 W 6th St. Randall, MN 56475


Interested in how to efficiently process poultry? Michael Dalquist of Little Elk Organic Farm invites you to come see how processing with a mobile poultry processing unit can help make processing birds easier and more effective.


Michael will be processing a large number birds from his farm. Join in and learn as we go. All levels of poultry processing experience welcome -- beginner to experienced.


We invite attendees who have birds that need processing to bring them to the event. First Come First Serve as long as space for birds is available. If you intend to bring birds to process, please email Kathleen at central@sfa-mn.org in advance with the type and number of birds.


Event Schedule:

8:00 a.m. - tour/showcase of mobile poultry processing unit

10:00 a.m. - demonstration of bird breakdown

11:30 a.m. - break for potluck brunch -- potluck donations welcome

12:00 p.m. - continuation of poultry processing


Pre-registration is required. It is free to attend.

Questions? Contact Kathleen at central@sfa-mn.org


Inherent Risks of Agritourism    |  Inherent Risks of Livestock Activity


SAVE THE DATE SALSA FEST 2026

Salsa Fest 2026

Saturday, September 19   |   10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Burlington Northern Park 100 Aldrich Ave SW, Wadena, MN 56482


Salsa Fest 2026 returns the third Saturday of September.


This fun-filled family event is loaded with thing to do on a beautiful fall Saturday.


  • Farm/Artisan Market
  • Face Painting
  • Salsa Contest
  • Food trucks
  • Education sessions
  • Salsa music and dancing
  • Kids art activities


It’s our favorite fall festival. We will see you there!


FREE ADMISSION


Learn more about the festival, vendor opportunities, and the salsa contest by clicking below!


Become a Member

Renew or start your membership below.

Be sure to select "Central Chapter" as your chapter on the membership form.

Check out the SFA Marketplace!

SFA members are posting opportunities and items for sale

Chapter Leadership

Chapter Board of Directors

  • Chairperson: Michael Dalquist
  • State Board Delegate: Judy Worm
  • Treasurer: Joy Hoppe
  • Secretary: Margaret Bresnahan
  • Vickie Kettlewell
  • Amy Jo Beebe
  • John Steckelberg
  • Loretta Steckelberg
  • Tyler Carlson
  • Anthony Adams
  • Ben Koser
  • Coordinator: Kathleen Morris

Biochar Committee

  • Tyler Carlson, SFA Central Chapter
  • Joe Luetmer, SFA Central Chapter
  • Kyle McClure, SFA Central Chapter
  • Vickie Kettlewell, SFA Central Chapter
  • Robert Pennington, Epiphyte Environmental Services
  • Nick Vetsch, MN Composting Council
  • Samantha Hunt, University of Minnesota Intern

Hosted by SFA's Central Chapter, 2022 Salsa Fest was held in Wadena -- visit the official Salsa Fest webpage HERE.

Central member Dayle Reinke shares how her experiences at the SFA Annual Conference over the years encouraged her to grow her family farm and live their dream in this new video.