Meet an RFS Farmer

Farmer Kerry Skelton

JPR Acres in Montrose, MN where Kerry and his family raise and rotationally graze lamb, hogs and chickens for TC Farm on 76 acres. The animals are raised on pastures and wooded lots. 

In the early 2000s, Kerry went to culinary school in California. He started to learn more about rotational grazing, raising sheep and breed conservancy while in Sonoma County and this “lit his fire” for becoming a farmer. He valued how the heritage breeds he saw were not bred for the commodity farming lifestyle and he, too, wanted to farm in a way that would support the health plus the wellbeing of the animals and the environment.

In 2007 he and his wife moved back to MN where she worked full time as he got the farm up and running as a stay-at-home dad. The name of their farm comes from using the first initial letter in each of their three sons' first names. Over time, Kerry has worked to replace almost all of the buildings on the farm (the original barn is still there but has been updated!)

Farmers Allen and Kathleen Deutz

Red River Farms in Marshall, MN is where Allen and Kathleen raise beef and pigs for TC Farm. 

Allen and his father, Paul, take care of most of the cropping and livestock care on the farm, while Kathleen, keeps their four children on track with school, sports, and their daily chores on the farm. Tim Maertens, a family friend and co-owner of the beef herd, manages the summer grazing of the herd. 

Allen has been farming his whole life, growing up on the century farm where his now lives. He raised his first litter of pigs as a sophomore. "I've continued to farm since then because I feel that raising food is one of the most noble occupations one can have. Agriculture was the first industry and will be the last because everyone needs to eat. I continue to farm because I think it is important to have more traditional farms leading the way to a more sustainable farming system for future generations." 

The farm is proudly a Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality certified farm, helping clean up Minnesota's waterways. 

Kathleen and Allen are both educators as well. Allen teaches at South Dakota State University as an Agricultural Economics Instructor and Kathleen teaches at Marshall Public Schools as a Special Education Teacher.

Farmer Becca

Becca raises produce for RFS and TC Farm in Northfield, MN. A first generation farmer who started farming 12 years ago, she began Seeds Farm as a small "glorified garden" with 5 CSA members. Each year it doubled until today it is up to 18 acres!

She has a masters degree from Green Mountain College in Sustainable Food Systems. Her final project was to create a curriculum in sustainable agriculture, which she now teaches as a spring semester course at St. Olaf College. She also serves as the advisor to their student farm, STOGROW.

Many of Becca's organic produce is made into the ready to eat meals, and sides available for the holidays.  This includes her popcorn on the cob!

Farmers Amy & Paul and Their Orchard:

Amy & Paul from Kalliroe farm grow 15 varieties of organic apples & pears on their farm near Montevideo, MN. They are commited to plant diversity and have native plants & pollinators buzzing about their 74-acre farm. They started their farm as a way to steward the land and protect it for generations to come.

Amy & Paul's passion for land stewardship extends beyond their farm, too! Amy works as Co-Director for the Land Stewardship Project and Paul is an Environmental Specialist for the MPCA.

Seasons of Apples:

• Early Season Apples: William's Pride, Pristine, State Fair and Beacon
• Mid Season Apples: Honey Crisp, Liberty, Connell Red, Gideon
• Late Season Apples: Redwell, Regent, Haralson, Liberty, Keepsake, Fireside

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Farmer Nathan and His Turkeys:

Nathan raises turkeys for TC Farm in Gaylord, MN with the support of his wife Barb and children Isaac & Savannah.

Nathan is a third generation poultry farmer and has loved the freedom of running his own business along with the day to day work of raising poultry. He feels a great sense of pride over the birds he raises on his farm. Through working with TC Farm Nathan has been able to increase his turkey production.

Farmers who raise animals to a higher standard often have a hard time finding a fair price for the food they've raised. Thanks to our members commitment to paying a fair price for sustainable, local food, we're able to continue supporting Nathan and his family!

TC Farm Turkey is:

• Sustainably raised on actual green pasture
• Slower growing with better flavor
• Raised locally in Minnesota
• 100% organic feed

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Farmer Megan and Her Flowers:

Megan grew up on a farm helping her mother and grandfather grow flowers, fruits and vegetables. She says the need to grow and nurture plants is instilled deep within in her heart- She loves growing flowers and it's always been her dream to start her own flower farm!

After finishing horticulture education, Megan followed her dream and started Florwegian Flower Farm. "TC Farm/Regional Food System orders have allowed me to be full-time on the farm for the first season yet and I am beyond grateful!"

Available by reservation only, these cornucopias will add some local, hand-crafted beauty to your Thanksgiving holiday.

Reserve your Thanksgiving Cornucopia along with 10% off Pasture Raised Turkey and made from scratch sides when you reserve this week!