Community Corner

Down on the Farm: Summer News and Notes from Gale Woods

The heat hasn't interrupted long days of work (and fun) at Gale Woods Farm in Minnetrista.

Summer on the Farm
It’s HOT!

But Gale Woods Farm in Minnetrista is fortunate to have enough shady pastures that all of the critters can stay out of the sun. The farmers, however, are not so lucky sometimes.

By late afternoon on one of the hottest days last week the livestock were all sitting in the shade, the youth famers and most of the staff had gone home and all of the farm's programs for the day had ended.

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But take a walk across the farm and gardener Melissa was tackling the weeds in a raspberry bed with a remarkable amount of vigor. That’s farming—you work outside, no matter the weather.

Keep your fingers crossed for some rain and cooler temperatures!

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Grass-fed Beef arrives July 6
Our popular grass-fed beef is hitting the freezers at the end of this week. A variety of cuts will be made available for sale. Gale Woods Farm also has a nice selection of individual cuts of pork and lamb. Cash, credit card and checks are accepted. The visitor center and store is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday and from noon until 5 p.m. on Sunday.

All products are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Farm-fresh Produce
Production gardens are in full swing, and farmers are harvesting this summer’s bounty on a near-daily basis. The community is invited to buy seasonal produce locally during Farm Market days (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3-6:30 p.m.) and Farm Store hours (9 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday through Saturday and Noon–5 p.m. on Sunday). Please feel free to call ahead for the week’s selection as it does vary.

Register now – Preserving the Harvest
Saturday, Aug. 11 from 9:30 a.m-12:30 p.m.
Join chef Mary Jane Miller in the harvest kitchen and learn modern methods to make the most of the summer’s bounty. You’ll learn how to preserve foods with meals in mind. Chef Mary Jane will lead you through recipes covering canning, freezing, dehydrating, and pickling. Registrations required; deadline is August 8. $30/person. Ages 16+.

Save the Date – Celebrate the Harvest
Saturday, Oct. 6 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 7 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
FREE EVENT! Join Gale Woods Farm for the annual Fall Festival. Shop for fiber artwork and farm products. Watch the amazing skill of border collies and their trainers at the Star of the North Stock Dog Trials, enjoy fall colors on a wagon ride, and take a llama for a walk. Learn how to cook and preserve the harvest at chef demonstrations.

Tour the gardens and orchard, make a wool craft to take home, and enjoy farm games for the kids. Sheep shearing on Saturday. For more information call 763.694.2001.


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