CENTRAL CHAPTER
Welcome to the Central Chapter
Connect with SFA Central Chapter
- Like the Central Chapter page on Facebook.
- Email central@sfa-mn.org or call (844) 922.5573 ext. 704.
- Chapter Coordinator: Kathleen Morris
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
On Farm Potluck and Board Meeting
Tuesday, August 4, 2026 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Timber Creek Ranch 660 Willow Trail, Fort Ripley MN
Join us at Timber Creek Ranch for a summer potluck on the farm. We are grateful to our hosts Ben Koser and family.
Potluck begins at 6 p.m. Our Board of Directors will break away for our August meeting at 7:30. All are welcome to participate in the meeting. Food and fellowship continues until 9 p.m. Bring a dish to pass and your favorite lawn chair or blanket.
For Apple maps users, plug in this specific address: 9445 Tenth Street, Fort Ripley MN
For more information or answers to questions, email Kathleen at central@sfa-mn.org
POTLUCK: All food brought to the event must be ready to eat with no onsite preparation. These products are homemade and not subject to state inspection.
Free admission. No registration required.
Silvopasture Field Day at Clayhill Farm
Presented by Great River Greening
Thursday, August 13, 2026 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Clayhill Farm & Forest, 12607 Red Pine Rd, Brainerd, MN
Our friends at
Great River Greening are hosting a field day at Clayhill Farm & Forest, members of the Central Chapter. Join in to see silvopasture in action! Attendees will observe goat-driven buckthorn control, savanna grazing, and other conservation practices, along with learning about technical assistance and cost-share programs offered by SWCD and NRCS staff.
Lunch will be provided for all participants.
Pre-registration is required.
Please register for this family friendly free event at:
https://www.givepulse.com/event/883001-2026.08.13-Silvopasture-Field-Day-at-Clayhill-Farm-Brainerd
Inherent Risks of Agritourism | Inherent Risks of Livestock Activity
Poultry Processing Demo & Instruction
September 9 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
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. SPECIFIC EVENT TIMES to be refined as the event date approaches and a clear number of birds to be processed it finalized.
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
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.
