The Boreal Farm
Rich History
Of Farming
The farm was a dairy and sheep farm from early 1900s to 1980s, then went fallow. We purchased the farmstead in 2014 and began the commitment of restoration with removing the old farm rubbish, collapsed buildings, and buried fence lines. At the same time, work was done to improve the soil, implement water sequestering methods, plant berries and heirloom fruit trees, and create vegetable and flower market gardens. In 2017, the farm became certified organic and opened the farmstand with a red gingham covered table, a bounty of fresh vegetables, and a coffee can cashbox.
THE FOOD-LAND CONNECTION
We are all connected to the Land
We eat, therefore we take in to our bodies the health and soil of the land. Out there in the world, your food comes from a farm. Can you visit the land your food grows on? Put your hands in the soil? Do you know the farmer's name? Do you KNOW where your food comes from?
Because of this connection, farming is as much about community as it is about cultivation.
Farmstand
In response to this belief, we began with a farmstand filled with fresh vegetables, flowers, herbs and berries.
Vegetable and Flower CSAs
Then added certified organic vegetable and flower CSAs and farm raised broilers.
Help Growing Your Own
Sharing our knowledge of northern growing through our sister farm Taiga Farm and Seed with proven seed collections for your garden.
Growing Practices
From the beginning, The Boreal Farm has been USDA Certified Organic to give action to our transparency and to grow the most nutritious, clean produce. We are also:
- Real Organic Project Certified
- Minnesota Agriculture Water Quality Certified + 4 Conservation endorsements
- Bee Friendly Farm Certified
We apply polyculture farming practices, which has deep roots in indigenous communities and ancient civilizations. At its heart, this practice thoughtfully enhances biodiversity, intentionally improves soil health and fertility, and naturally increases pest control and disease resistance in order to cultivate a sustainable and resilient farming system that minimizes environmental impact and encourages efficient use of land and resources. It deeply emphasizes the principles of observation, integration, and working with nature in the overall landscape the farm resides.
Modern examples of polyculture farming models are: Three Sisters, Sistema Agroflorestal (SAF), Permaculture, Silvopasture, and Agroforestry.
"Eating is not merely a material pleasure. Eating well gives a spectacular joy to life and contributes immensely to goodwill and happy companionship."
Elsa Schiaparelli