Sprouse Family
After over 40 years of sustainably growing produce for their personal use, Dale and Sandy Sprouse decided to expand to a larger property to grow pumpkins for the community. In 2013, they found a property in Blaine and began working to rebuild the fertility and organic matter of the sandy soil. They quickly learned that their community not only wanted local pumpkins but also a variety of sustainably produced vegetables, and their farm, Papa’s Organic, was born.
The Sprouses expanded their operation, including installing high fencing to prevent wildlife damage to their crop and building the soil with cover crops, compost, rotations, vermicomposting and soil amendments. They now produce plenty of asparagus, garlic scapes, garlic, tomatoes, peppers, onions, kohlrabi, corn, lettuce, cucumbers, zucchini, melon, winter squash and pumpkins for both their family and community.
Their operation was built with the support and help of their children and grandchildren, including their son Matt and daughter-in-law Sena; grandchild Hensley and their daughter Amy; son-in-law Bryan and grandchildren Lauren and Jackson.
Community involvement is important for the Sprouse family. They host tours for groups like the Master Gardeners and Girl Scouts, as well as elementary-aged and homeschooled children. They are active members of the Sustainable Farming Association and Minnesota Grown.
The Sprouse family has also participated in research with the University of Minnesota on soil health, disease and composting.