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pick of the month banner with apples





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little boy picking apples at an orchard [ [link removed]? ]

Courtesy of Moulton Orchard

Apple Adventures Await

Fall is just around the corner, orchards are beginning to open their doors, and early-season apple varieties are showing up at farmers' markets!  As Minnesotans know, from First Kiss and SweeTango, to Honeycrisp and Haralson, local apples taste best when grown in Minnesota because they are literally designed for our state's climate!??

*Looking to make memories? Visit your local orchard for fresh, delicious fruit!* There are over 150 apple orchard listings in the Minnesota Grown directory. Remember, ripening varies across the state, so be sure to check with your local orchard for optimal picking conditions.

*Find Apples Near You* [ [link removed]? ]


Pro tip! Use our Pick Your Perfect Apple Chart [ [link removed] ] to find your dream apple!

Collection of infographics about early-season apple varieties. [ [link removed] ]




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couple in a flower field [ [link removed] ]

Courtesy of Owl Forest Farm

Flowers in Focus: Owl Forest Farm

Stay connected with us on Facebook [ [link removed] ] and Instagram [ [link removed] ] for a closer look at Minnesota’s vibrant local agricultural scene! Follow along for behind-the-scenes farmer features, on-farm events, practical tips for making the most of each season’s freshest produce, and inspiration for enjoying what’s in season right now. 

Earlier this month, we featured Owl Forest Farm [ [link removed] ] in Iron:

"??Looking for Sunflowers? Peonies? Lilies? Whether you’re a bloom enthusiast, bride-to-be, or simply craving a stroll through rows of blossoms, Owl Forest Farm in Iron is the place to visit.??"

"Kate and Ron Paul own and operate Owl Forest Farm in the heart of the Mesabi Iron Range. With the help of sons Noah and Leevi and Kate’s mother, Donna, the Paul’s care for 5 acres of annual and perennial flowers."

*Read More* [ [link removed] ]






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A grocery store display filled with Minnesota Grown products like apples, corn, and melons. [ [link removed] ]

Courtesy of Festival Foods, Andover

Look for the Logo: It Means Local

Whether you have been reading this newsletter for years or are a new subscriber, we thought we'd take a moment to reintroduce you to the Minnesota Grown program. *When you see the Minnesota Grown logo, you’re looking at something "truly local".* That apple? Picked at a nearby orchard. That pork? Raised by a Minnesota farmer. That jar of salsa? Made with Minnesota tomatoes or peppers. The logo is protected in state law [ [link removed] ] and it means the product was grown right here, with at least 80% of its ingredients from Minnesota farms.

*Right now is the perfect time to look for the logo at grocery stores* as many retailers are proudly highlighting local foods during our annual Retailer of the Year Contest. [ [link removed] ] And if you're hunting for fresh finds beyond the grocery store, check out our popular farmers' market directory [ [link removed]? ] where you can search by location, product, or even day of the week to plan your next local food adventure!






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agriculture wing [ [link removed] ]
Fair Time Fun & Other Events

*Find us at the Minnesota State Fair [ [link removed] ] August 21-Labor Day ??*

Amidst the delicious foods and wild rides, the heart of the fair is in farming, and at the Minnesota Grown booth you can talk to Minnesota Grown farmers??‍??, explore a display of local products??, and vote for how you'll support local farmers after the fair ??!

Also in the Minnesota Department of Agriculture exhibit [ [link removed] ] in the Agriculture/Horticulture Building, you can catch *"Read and Grow" story time* with MN Agriculture in the Classroom every day at 10 and 11 a.m., learn about invasive pests and pick up a *Junior Entomologist Kit*, and learn about resources for farmers from the Emerging Farmers Office. 

*More Upcoming Events*


* Lake Superior Harvest Festival [ [link removed] ]: September 6, in Duluth
* Smooth Summer Nights [ [link removed] ]: September 9, in Rochester
* Farm Aid [ [link removed] ]: September 20, in Minneapolis
* Harvest Fest at the Flower Farm [ [link removed] ]: September 21, in Belgrade
* Iron Range Growers Pumpkin Palooza [ [link removed] ]: September 27, in Cook
* New Ulm Farmers Market Farm-to-Fun Day [ [link removed] ]: September 27, in New Ulm

*Event Calendar* [ [link removed] ]












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