AITKIN - A group of farmers from Aitkin County, interested in sustainable agriculture, met at the Heimark residence for a potluck dinner and meeting.
Among the usual potluck dishes, like Sloppy Joes, there were other delicacies such as rabbit meatballs, homemade black currant wine, pickled green beans, and homemade sushi, the growers gathered on Jan. 25.
Guest speakers included Stacey Durgin from Aitkin County Health and Human Services, who discussed the results of the 2014 Local Food Survey, and Scott Kittleson from the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), who shared with the participants new conservation programs for 2015. Farmers discussed forming their own farmer's market nonprofit organization, creating a Sustainable Farming Association Chapter in the Aitkin area, and providing seating and refreshments for farmer's market patrons.
In breakout sessions, some farmers discussed raising broiler chickens, egg layers and hogs while others discussed different growing techniques for various produce and how to market them. Participants vocalized the more vendors, the merrier at the Aitkin market. Interested in joining the Farmer's Market this year? Contact Sylvia Allen at 218-678-2441, sylvia@thebutlerbuilding.org or contact Erik Heimark at heima022@umn.edu , 218-232-1303
The Aitkin Farmers' Market, located in the historic Butler Building parking lot at 301 Minnesota Ave. N, will open May 23 and be open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. until the weather interferes with its success. In addition to an array of fresh Minnesota grown and raised food, there will be special activities and entertainment every weekend. And, on the second Saturday of every month, participants may register to win a gift basket of homegrown produce.
