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Hi…

..and welcome from The Local Growers.

Here you will find the stories about those individuals who grow food and make products locally.

These are some of the people I’ve met while looking for good foods - locally grown foods.

I know their journey. It’s one I experienced growing up on our family farm in West Central Minnesota. That farm was diversified. In other words, we raised several things - crops, hogs, dairy and chickens.

Our meals featured the garden produce my mom harvested, canned and froze and the meat, eggs and dairy products we raised.

It was wholesome food!

While I don’t live on that farm anymore, I am always on the search for locally grown foods. I invite you to join me in this great journey.

Let’s go!

Great produce, light and airy breads and warm hospitality can be found at Farm Fresh Produce's stand

Great produce, light and airy breads and warm hospitality can be found at Farm Fresh Produce's stand

Glenn Rosentreter and Craig Netland offer fresh vegetables, a variety of breads and wood work at their Farm Fresh Produce stand at the Fergus Falls Farmers Market.

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The two raise vegetables on Glenn’s family farm which has been in his family for more than a century.

Asparagus, herbs, rhubarb and young garlic were among the produce sold early in the season. The garlic had not yet grown into the traditional bulb most often associated with the vegetable, but it offered a great light garlic flavor when sliced and put in stir frys and other dishes.

And the tender asparagus was a treat on the grill.

Craig Netland wanted to be part of the Fergus Falls Farmers Market, but, at the time, it was early in the year and he didn’t have enough produce.

“So I started making breads for the heck of it,” he said. “And it got carried away.”

Netland learned his bread making skills from his parents who were in the food service industry. And he certainly has a way with flour, yeast and seasonings!

His breads are light and airy.

Besides white breads, he also makes many with seasonings including a seasoned onion, a garlic and herb and a seasoned garlic.

And then there are his treats! Caramel rolls, Special K bars, Rice Krispie bars and cinnamon and sugar breads.

Yum!

They’ve been part of the Fergus Falls Farmers Market for five years.

The two could be ambassadors for farmers markets! Their warm hospitality makes you feel like family and they are ready to answer questions about their production practices, meal preparation and baking methods.

Stop by and see them at the Fergus Falls Farmers Market Wednesdays from 2-5:30 on Wednesdays and from 9-1 on Saturdays. The Fergus Falls Farmers Market is located on the Otter Tail County Museum’s grounds.

4-H project is a quail of a story at farmers market

4-H project is a quail of a story at farmers market

Hakurei Turnips are great either raw or cooked

Hakurei Turnips are great either raw or cooked