Second annual Agritourism Exchange brings farmers and industry partners together at Redhead Creamery
When Jerry and Linda Jennissen’s daughter Alise, then 17, returned to Jer-Lindy Farms in Brooten after a 4-H trip to Wisconsin, she proposed to re-focus the family dairy on farmstead artisan cheese. The parents supported the idea, and today, Alise and husband Lucas Sjostrom – both University of Minnesota alumni — operate the farm with the Jennissens.
They have made a new name for themselves: Redhead Creamery.
That was the venue for the second annual Agritourism Exchange on Nov. 13, co-hosted by University of Minnesota Extension and Minnesota Farmers Union. About 65 people came from across Minnesota to exchange ideas about diversifying farm income and connecting directly with consumers through agritourism.
“We also welcomed Minnesota’s Commissioner of Agriculture, Thom Petersen; State Senator for the St. Cloud Region, Aric Putnam; and other supportive government and industry partners,” said Freya Thurmer, the educator who leads agritourism work in Extension, including co-hosting the Agritourism Exchange event. “Farmers took the opportunity to share how things are playing out on farms with Minnesota’s Agritourism Liability Law and remaining areas of concern.”
Savoring success
Participants enjoyed a colorful mix of grilled plums, pickled beets, cured meats and herbs, and Redhead Creamery’s award-winning cheeses.
After opening remarks from Commissioner Petersen, Senator Putnam, and John Beaton, membership outreach coordinator for the Minnesota Farmers Union, guests heard from a panel of agritourism operators, toured the dairy, and discussed themes like entertainment and outdoor recreation at small tables.
Then the Jennissens and Sjostroms each took a turn at the mic, telling the farm’s story and explaining what role each family member plays in the business.
“It isn’t just a business,” said Alise Sjostrom. “It’s a relationship with the land, with the animals and the community.” She gave credit to her parents for allowing changes and sharing the journey with her and Lucas. Lucas Sjostrom told of his adventures in adding whey-based spirits to their product line.
Learning on and about the farm
Agritourism provides an opportunity to help the public understand where their food comes from and the efforts farmers make to care for the land.
“It’s fun to see the lights come on,” said Jerry Jennissen. “When they leave, I want them to know that it’s not just us. It’s all of these farms they drive by that have passion, history, and science behind what they do.”
Getting people outside is another joy of bringing people onto the farm.
Kristen Pless of Shoreview Natives held a children’s camp, where young people drew native plants, had lessons from licensed teachers, and played in a creek. “One girl who hadn’t spent much time outdoors wasn’t sure at first, but by the last day she would lie down on the creek bed,” said Pless.
On the trail
Clover Valley Farm Trail, a cooperative group of locally owned small farms and farm stands between Duluth and Two Harbors, encourages families and friend groups to make a tradition out of farm-hopping. Buying flowers at one and berries at the next, is not a new concept. Extension was involved in the development of Minnesota’s wine trails in the 1990s, a Napa Valley-like concept that still has room for growth here.
Just as the collaboration on farm trails helps farmers know and support one another — and just as the Sjostroms have learned from cheesemakers from around the world — the Agritourism Exchange ended with more networking and many new relationships.
Doug Joyer attended with his parents, owners of Waldoch Farm and Joyer Adventure Farm, and said the Exchange aligned with a desire to visit the area and interest in connecting with fellow agritourism operators.
“I hope people leave with new ideas and a sense of community,” said Thurmer. “Red Head Creamery was an ideal place for farmers to come and talk about what they are doing, or dream of doing, on their farms.”
Extension partnered with the Minnesota Farmers Union on the Agritourism Exchange. Resource tables included the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, including Minnesota Grown and the Emerging Farmers program; Farm Bureau; the Minnesota Department of Health; Explore Minnesota; and Stearns County.
Agritourism 101
If you’ve visited a vineyard, picked a berry, or wandered through a corn maze, you’ve been part of agritourism. Today’s farms host everything from outdoor adventures to tasting events. Here’s a quick snapshot:
Direct Sales: U-pick, farm stands, value-added products
Entertainment: Mazes, hayrides, fall festivals
Outdoor Recreation: Riding, fishing, hiking, nature trails
Hospitality: Farm stays, weddings, dinners, retreats
Education: Workshops, tours, youth programs, demonstrations
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