For Arlan Koppendrayer, a fourth generation farmer whose family has been working the fields of Long Siding since the early 1900s, farming just runs in his blood. “When people come out here, they’re really experiencing something historic,” says Koppendrayer, who is also a fulltime teacher. “They’re connecting with a family and an area that has been producing food for a long, long time.”
But while Arlan’s father and two brothers have followed in his great-grandfather’s footsteps by way of conventional farming, Arlan decided to make the transition into organic vegetable gardening and started the Long Siding CSA in 2009.
Though organic farming, with its rigorous regulations and routine inspections, is difficult work, Koppendrayer says the fruits of his labor are well worth it. Owning and operating a CSA has allowed him to better support local economies, educate the public on healthier eating practices, forge a closer relationship with both his family and other members of the community, and—perhaps most importantly—better understand his own roots. “When I go out in that field, it’s just who I am,” Koppendrayer says. “Farming is no surprise to me.” 6080 Stoneybrook Dr., Minnetonka; 952.412.6731
Favorite CSA product: “Minnesota Midget Melon” –Arlan Koppendrayer
An educational outfit if there ever was one, Gale Woods Farm is owned and operated by the Three Rivers Park District, and prides itself on making their CSA a learning experience for the entire community.
Though Gale Woods Farm offers tours to a nearly constant stream of school-age groups, they also offer artisan displays suitable for the entire family. The CSA staff, overseen by a handful of seasoned gardeners, primarily comprises a group of local teenagers who are frequently not only working their first job, but also getting their first taste of local agriculture.
Unlike many other local organizations, CSA members don’t simply drop in and grab a pre-packed bucket. Instead, long tables of vegetables create more of a market-style type feel, allowing members to select exactly what type of produce best fits their needs, and ask questions about unfamiliar items.
In addition to a plethora of produce, farm-fresh eggs and unspun artisan wool are also available for purchase, and meat shares are sold based on seasonal availability. 7210 Cty. Rd. 110 W., Minnetrista; 763.694.2001
Favorite CSA product: “Asparagus and rhubarb” –Melissa Hochstetler
Like most of us, the Geigers have spent most of their adult lives working the proverbial nine-to-five. But in 2007, after happening across the Minnesota Organic Farming Conference, Dan and his wife Julie—a University of Minnesota Extension master gardener—decided they were ready for a change of pace.
Five years later, that “change” has taken the form of Prairie Sun Farms, a successful, certified-organic CSA, situated on a small parcel of repurposed farmland just northwest of Watertown. Though they are currently only able to support 40 CSA members with about 25 produce boxes per week, Prairie Sun Farms still offers a wide selection of produce that rivals even some of the larger farms in the area.
Currently, the Geigers’ 8-acre garden plot boasts a 100’x30’ greenhouse and in-ground heating—perks that Julie hopes will extend Minnesota’s notoriously short growing season, and allow for late fall and early spring bumper crops. 10330 Hwy. 25, P.O. Box 982, Watertown; 952.955.3570
Favorite CSA product: “Sungold Tomatoes and Carmen Peppers” –Dan Geiger
Located on a hilltop parcel overlooking glistening Geis Lake, Marshwatch Farms is nothing if not picturesque—somewhere you’d want to stay and sit awhile—and according to owners Joe and Terrie Adams, that’s the whole idea.
Most of the produce at Marshwatch is grown less than 150 yards away from the large, walk-in cooler where shares are kept, and members are encouraged to drop-by virtually anytime. Outside, shaded picnic tables offer members a relaxing spot to stop and sample their fresh produce, though walking trails, dotted with bluebird houses, wild prairie grass and flowering trees, make a leisurely stroll through the gardens hard to resist.
Regardless of what’s on your agenda, though, Terrie encourages all members to ask questions, make requests and—perhaps most importantly—“really get to know your own personal farmer.” 1396 Country Trl. W., Shakopee; 612.710.6923 (Terrie) or 612.710.2062 (Joe)
Favorite CSA product: “Oh, all of it, but especially the greens.” –Terrie Adams
For Greg Reynolds, “CSA is all about local food: knowing where it comes from and how it’s grown.” Combine this with his organic, sustainable growing techniques and fair-trade employment practices, and it’s not hard to see why Riverbend Farm has become such a highly regarded part of the local community.
Though Riverbend Farm initially found its beginnings as a small, four-client CSA, they’ve expanded significantly over the last 15 years, and now serve more than 80 local families. The contents of weekly shares vary with the season, but assuredly include time-tested favorites like arugula as well as new innovations, á la last year’s okra.
But if you’re one of the many who has no idea what okra is, much less how it should be prepared, not to worry. Nearly half of Riverbend’s yield is allotted to local restaurants—like the freshly casual Common Roots Café and the Lucius and Birchwood Café, just to name a few—outstanding news for those that appreciate local flavor but prefer to let others do the cooking. 5405 Calder Ave. SE., Delano; 763.972.3295
Favorite CSA product: “Everything; it changes with the season.” –Greg Reynolds
