‘More than Meaningful & Inspiring Workshops and Resources’
If you’re like me, it can be really difficult to find time to get off the farm and get to some of these field days and workshops that are always being hosted all over the place. This is why we have created different options for you to continue to learn and grow. The first option and probably the most flexible is our new podcast series called “Dirt Rich.” On this podcast we have discussions with SFA staff as well as guests on a variety of topics related to regenerative farming and food systems!
Attending the SFA annual conferences over the years, I met seed savers such as Greg Reynolds of Riverbend Farm, Andy Hayner of Lost Farm, Kathy Connell of Redfern Gardens and many more who have shared seed they have been saving, selecting and adapting to our short season. These individuals and so many more have become essential in the formation of the vegetable seed company I manage, North Circle Seeds. The word “Circle” in our name refers to not only the regenerative life cycle of plants. It also represents the circle of our sustainable farming community and how we sit in a circle when we gather, listening to all ideas from a diverse crowd of individuals and communities.
SFA does so much more for sustainable and organic farmers than provide meaningful and inspiring workshops and educational resources. This is an organization that at its heart cultivates a farmer-to-farmer network. Even though I wasn’t originally planning to stay, eight years later I still find myself here in Minnesota. I have met some of my best friends through this network, and owe my farming knowledge to the many hours of mentorship from these amazing, humble farming heroes who have found an organization to help cultivate the training of the next generation of farmers.
One of the biggest needs in the US right now is to pass on farmer skill to the next generation. Our farmers are getting older without an inspired youth to “buy the farm” or even know how to manage it. SFA is mentoring younger farmers in the most meaningful and inspiring way and setting us up for both holistic and economic success. Two years ago I purchased a 46-acre farm, and this year am offering over 50 varieties of Open Pollinated certified organic seed adapted to our climate’s challenges. This is in no small way due to the thoughtfulness of this wonderful organization. Please consider donating to the Sustainable Farming Association for Give to the Max and make a real difference in supporting our local food economy!
