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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Pumpkin Pick of the Month Banner
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pumpkin patch
Courtesy of Center Creek Orchard
We're Patching In
*Find your match in the patch!* Head to a pumpkin patch for fresh air, fall fun, and festive vibes. The Minnesota Grown directory has over *250* listings for pumpkin producers as well as crop mazes, hay rides, and loads of autumn fun!
Planning on staying inside? You can still get in on the fun! Pumpkin-scaping is taking over stoops and yards this fall. Our favorite technique? Remove the stems from pumpkins and gourds and stack them alongside mums for a cozy, curated vignette!
*Find Pumpkins* [ [link removed]? ]
*On Farm Activities* [ [link removed]? ]
*Wagon/Hay Rides* [ [link removed]? ]
Examples of bulk meat purchases including pork, chicken, and lamb cuts. [ [link removed] ]
Courtesy of Rust Hill Ranch, Red Oak Acres, Prime Avenue Farm
Fill Up Your Freezer
Imagine meal planning this winter knowing that you are ready to go with a freezer full of delicious options. Maybe it's easy brats or burgers, a hearty beef stew, rich lamb chops, or a chicken ready for roasting!
While some livestock producers sell individual cuts, *many also sell whole animals or portions like halves and quarters.* Check out our blog post for the basics on what to expect when stocking up. Then find a local poultry or livestock farmer [ [link removed]? ] near you to get started!
*Bulk Meat Buying 101* [ [link removed] ]
maple vinagraite spoon
May Your Table Be Maple-y
?? Can't get enough maple syrup on your morning pancakes? Try using Minnesota Grown maple syrup as a pure natural sweetener in coffee, cocktails, or baked goods for an easy way to enjoy local goodness.Â
Maple syrup can be used for lunch and dinner, too! Go sweet & savory with our maple-mustard marinade [ [link removed] ] (great on locally raised chicken!) or maple vinaigrette [ [link removed] ] (hello, harvest salad!). Maple glazed squash, anyone?
Pick up a pint and find your maple syrup producer on the Minnesota Grown directory!
*Find Maple Syrup* [ [link removed] ]
The family at Phillips Farmstead as well as hogs, turkeys, and sheep on pasture.
Courtesy of Phillips Farmstead
Gobble Gobble: Talking Turkey
Recently on our social media, we shared the inspiring story of Phillips Farmstead [ [link removed] ], a small, regenerative farm in Remer, MN, run by two former artists who traded city life for soil, livestock, and purpose. From pasture-raised Thanksgiving turkeys ?? to their adorable Pen Pal Pets program (yes, animals writing letters!), this farm shows us what it means to do things differently, and deliciously.
Curious what it means to "wear all the hats" as a farmer, or why booking a butcher can be harder than you'd think? Head over to our Facebook or Instagram pages to read the full story and fall in love with this hardworking family farm.Â
*Meet Phillips Farmstead*
P.S. If you haven't yet, it's time to order your Minnesota Grown turkey! [ [link removed]? ]
student with chicken
Celebrating Farm to Kids Month!
?? October is National Farm to School Month [ [link removed] ], but here in Minnesota, we celebrate it as Farm to Kids Month [ [link removed] ] - recognizing all the ways local food finds its way to kids of every age. From childcare centers and in-home family daycares to K-12 schools and youth programs, Farm to Kids highlights the farmers, educators, nutrition professionals, and community members who make these connections possible.Â
*Check out the Minnesota Farm to School Success Stories Story Map [ [link removed] ]* to learn how Minnesota farmers and schools have connected through the Minnesota Department of Agricultures AGRI Farm to School and Early Care Grant Program, [ [link removed] ] which is open for applications now!
If you know a K-12 school, childcare center, or family daycare provider that serves scratch made meals, let them know about the current grant funding [ [link removed] ] available to support their purchases of Minnesota-grown and raised foods. First Bite [ [link removed] ] and Full Tray [ [link removed] ] grants are designed for K-12 schools and early care centers, and the new Local Tots Cost-Share [ [link removed] ] is a great opportunity for licensed in-home daycare providers. Click here to learn more [ [link removed] ] and apply before the Oct 23 deadline!
woman smiling. reads: Sat, Nov 1, 2025.Mayo Civic Center.Rochester, MN.Discount Tickets available now.The region's best local foods and craft alcohol.
FEAST! Local Foods Marketplace: Nov 1
Support local farmers and food-makers at this year's FEAST! Local Foods Festival [ [link removed] ] in Rochester on Saturday, November 1. Time to Sip, Sample, and Shop!
Sample artisan-crafted products, stock up on your favorites, and find fantastic gifts for the foodies in your life. Don't miss the cooking demonstrations, kids' activities, music, and prizes that make this event the place to be.
The FEAST! Local Foods Network [ [link removed] ] is a partnership of many organizations, businesses, and individuals committed to growing a sustainable, local, and regional food system which encourages innovation.
*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]
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