As another growing season winds down and the air turns crisp, we find ourselves taking stock of all this year has brought: the challenges, the milestones, and the many moments that remind us why we do what we do.
Farming has a way of keeping you honest. It doesn't always go according to plan, and success rarely comes easy. But this year, we've had more than a few reasons to feel grateful: for good weather, good people, and the kind of progress that makes you feel proud at the end of the day.
Grateful for a Strong Season
This year's growing season was one of the best we've had in a long time. The soil worked with us, the rains came when we needed them most, and the fields rewarded our efforts with healthy, beautiful grain.
Over the years, we've learned that farming is as much about listening as it is about doing and listening to the land, the weather, and the rhythm of each day. This season reminded us that hard work and patience still pay off.
In July, we had the opportunity to step away from the farm for a bit and attend Ag PhD Field Day. It was a chance to learn from other farmers, explore new ideas, and connect with people who understand farm life: the long hours, the risks, and the rewards. It left us feeling inspired and reminded us that there's always more to learn, even after all these years.
Grateful for Community Connections
One of the greatest joys of this year was connecting with people face-to-face at various events and farmers' markets across Minnesota. From the EnviroShow in Owatonna to the bustling crowds of the Minneapolis Farmers Market and community markets near home, these events allowed us to slow down and chat with friends and neighbors. Every single one meant something to us.
Each market has its own personality, rhythm, and mix of people, and we're grateful to be part of them all. Whether it was a busy Saturday morning in the city or a quiet weekday in a small town, those conversations, smiles, and shared recipes reminded us just how meaningful local food can be.
It's humbling and heartwarming to see folks return week after week, telling us how they've used our stone-milled flour in their baking or that their kids now ask for "the farm pancakes." Those connections remind us why we do this work. Every market, big or small, helps build a bridge between our fields and your kitchen, and that's something we never take for granted.
Grateful for New Opportunities
This fall also brought a big milestone: participating in the FEAST! Local Foods Festival in Rochester. It was our first time participating in an event celebrating local producers across Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin — How cool!
Standing among many passionate food makers, sharing samples of our stone-milled flour, and talking about what we do felt like being part of something bigger. It gave us new energy and a deeper sense of purpose heading into 2026.
Grateful for a New Shed
If you've followed along, you know that building our new shed was a long time coming. It's more than machine storage; it's a space that helps us work smarter and take better care of what we grow and mill. Stay tuned to watch us build out our commercial kitchen this winter!
Seeing this shed finally take shape this year was a quiet victory. Every board and every bolt represents the progress we've made as a family and as a farm.
Farming doesn't hand you big wins very often, so we make sure to appreciate them when they come, even in the form of a new shed.
Grateful for Family
Our family celebrated something even bigger than a good harvest this fall — our daughter's wedding. Watching her start this new chapter was one of our lives' proudest, most meaningful moments.
It was a reminder of why we do what we do, why the long days, the sacrifices, and the endless to-do lists are all worth it. Family has always been at the center of this farm. It's in the way we work together and care for the land, and we hope to leave something lasting for the next generation.
As parents and farmers, there's no greater feeling than seeing your children grow into outstanding people.
Grateful for the Work
Most of all, we're grateful for the work: the long days, the early mornings, and the late nights. Farming demands a lot, but it gives a lot back too — lessons in humility, perseverance, and gratitude.
We're proud of what we've built here, not because it's easy, but honest. Every bag of flour, every batch of grain, every handshake at the market carries that same intention: to do right by our land, customers, and community.
As we look toward the winter months, we appreciate everyone who supports small farms like ours, the people who stop to talk at markets and events, and the steady, quiet rhythm of this life that keeps us grounded.
From our family to yours, thank you for being part of our story. Happy Thanksgiving!
— Mike & Brenda