Minnesota Grown's Pick of the Month newsletter offers you tips on what to look for in seasonal food and products.





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Pick of the Month Banner with graphic illustration of asparagus

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Collage with asparagus, rhubarb, green onions, and ramps. [ [link removed] ]
Spring Fling: Fresh Picks are Arriving

*Spring has sprung, and so have the tastiest early veggies!* Asparagus [ [link removed]? ] shoots up like green lightning, crisp and snappy, while rhubarb [ [link removed]? ] blushes with tart charm, ready to tango in your next pie.

Some of these seasonal stars are only around for a short visit—so don’t miss out! *Head to your local farmers' market [ [link removed]? ] or nearby farm stand [ [link removed]? ]to scoop up the freshest picks*. Your taste buds (and your dinner guests) will thank you.

*Check the What's In Season Chart* [ [link removed] ]


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An overhead view of a farmers market with colorful tents and a train in the distance. [ [link removed]? ]

Photo courtesy of Red Wing Farmers Market

Meet Me at the Market

Summer is in the air, and so is the irresistible scent of fresh produce and herbs! Farmers’ markets are bursting back to life this month, inviting you to stroll among stalls of vibrant seedlings, local treats, and smiling growers. Fill your basket with early spring greens, farm-fresh eggs, sweet maple syrup, and more.

It’s not just shopping—*it’s a celebration of community, flavor, and the season.* So grab a tote and find your nearest market—it’s officially market season!

*Find Your Local Market* [ [link removed] ]


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A luxurious white barn with balcony turned into a farmstay lodging. [ [link removed] ]

Photo courtesy of Feathered Acres Learning Farm + Inn

Make Your Summer Vacay a Farmstay

Thinking about a unique and meaningful summer getaway? Consider a farmstay [ [link removed]? ] at a Minnesota Grown farm. *From the Rustic Farmhand to the Cozy Rural Retreater, our latest blog lays out several ways to experience farm life—your way.* ??

Farmstays offer a unique chance to experience Minnesota agriculture firsthand, reconnect with the land, and gain a deeper understanding of where and how your food is grown. Whether you want to roll up your sleeves or just relax with a book surrounded by wildflowers, there’s a farmstay for you. 

*Read the Blog* [ [link removed] ]


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A grid of icons representing the different kinds of meat and protein available in the Minnesota Grown directory. [ [link removed]? ]
Power Your Plate With Local Meats

Whether you're planning summer cookouts, prepping meals for a busy week, or simply seeking out the freshest, most flavorful meat around—*Minnesota farmers are ready to fill your plate with local options you can feel good about.*

Use our easy-to-search directory [ [link removed]? ] to find nearby farms offering:

?? Chicken [ [link removed]? ], turkey [ [link removed]? ], and duck [ [link removed]? ] raised with quality in mind
?? Beef [ [link removed]? ], pork [ [link removed]? ], and lamb [ [link removed]? ]from trusted local producers
?? Unique proteins like elk [ [link removed]? ], bison, [ [link removed]? ] and rabbit [ [link removed]? ] for adventurous cooks
?? Specialty meats [ [link removed]? ] like sausages and brats ready to eat

From everyday staples to something a little different, sourcing protein from Minnesota Grown farms means you’re supporting local agriculture and feeding your family quality, responsibly raised food.* Fire up the stove or grill and taste the local difference!*

*Find Local Meats* [ [link removed]? ]






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A cream-colored goat, a farmer standing in a field of goats, a charcuterie plate featuring goat's milk cheese. [ [link removed] ]

Photos courtesy of Capra Nera

Crafting Great Goat Cheese in Minnesota

Katie Bonow is the woman behind Capra Nera Creamery [ [link removed] ], a small goat dairy near Altura in Southeastern MN. It's home to 60 adult goats and (depending on the time of year) over 100 baby goat kids!* From goat midwife to cheesemaker, she does it all *to bring us raw milk aged cheeses like Katie's flagship Contadina - a crowd pleasing parmesan/cheddar cross. 

*Look for a dairy producer [ [link removed]? ] you can support in the Minnesota Grown directory,* and follow us on Facebook [ [link removed] ] and Instagram [ [link removed] ] to meet more of the Minnesota makers bringing delicious, farm-fresh foods to your table.

*Read about Capra Nera* [ [link removed] ]


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