Thompson Produce
Thompson Produce is a small family farm located in Anoka County in Nowthen. Ryan and Becky Thompson and their eight young kids, Lydia, Audrey, Eli, Susanna, Owen, Naomi, Theodore and Abigail grow bedding plants, hanging baskets, vegetable starts and fresh vegetables. They sell directly at their farm in Nowthen, at farmers markets, and through a CSA. The family grows a wide variety of seasonal vegetables on about 20 acres, providing their customers with fresh, healthy and locally grown produce and eggs, coming this fall.
The Thompsons’ CSA program offers a customizable box to their customers’ preferences. The family uses an online member platform called Harvie that allows their members to rank each type of produce to their own liking. Based on that, customers are made a custom share for what’s available each week. Members are also able to swap items or add extras.
The family started their own farm store in 2019 and the Thompsons have been offering their homemade bar soaps, jams, pickled items and freshly baked items (Saturdays) when time has allowed. They also make Christmas cookies and rolls for sale in the month of December.
With the goal of being more self-sustainable, in 2019 the Thompsons had solar panels installed and now produce enough solar power to run their farm. They are always researching and willing to try new ideas to improve the quality of their products and farm. In 2020, they started using raised compost beds in their high tunnels and field, and now they have 1.5 acres in this practice.
Ryan and Becky are members of the St. Paul Growers Association and participate in farmers markets from April through Thanksgiving, and they belong to Minnesota Grown. The Thompsons also hold an annual Mother’s Day fundraiser for their church where they donate a portion of the sales.