Lone Rock Farms
Lone Rock Farms was officially started in 2018 by Leland Rockstead, but it had a lifetime of roots in farming. In 2011, the farm started planting peppers and other vegetables, and it quickly had a large surplus of produce every year. As a result, Leland decided to make it official and Lone Rock Farms was formed in 2018.
The current farm operation specializes in plant sales of flowers, perennials and vegetables in the spring and specialty crops including peppers, tomatoes, carrots, potatoes and almost everything that can be grown in Minnesota’s short season. Everything is grown following organic guidelines and practices, including the flowers grown for spring plant sales.
In 2022, Lone Rock Farms acquired the old family farm, adding an additional 70 acres to further grow the operation. The farm also keeps beehives to aid in crop pollination and Leland sells honey under the Lee's Bees name. The farm consists of two hoop houses: one is used for spring plant starts and growing hot peppers in the summer, the other is a sales area for plant sales. The family is adding an additional high tunnel for vegetable growing. The current operation is a total of 3.5 planted acres with 13 acres added this year for fall crops.
Leland is the owner of Lone Rock Farms; his daughter, Everly, enjoys the farm, playing in the dirt, quality testing the produce, and smelling flowers. Without the help of many close friends, the farm wouldn't be what it is today. Amber Bury has been an instrumental part of the farm, from seed starts, plant propagation, transplants, sales and everything in between. Jozzlyn Kilde, Madi Bye, Aria Robertson, Bella Hickerson, Joyce Rairdon, and Bill Soltes also share a strong role in Lone Rock Farm's success.
Leland is a member of the Beltrami County Ag Association and an Extension Master Gardener volunteer. He has a bachelor’s degree from Bemidji State University, an MBA from the Minnesota School of Business, and is currently enrolled in the farm business management program at Central Lakes College.
Amber Bury is the horticulture superintendent at the Beltrami County Fair and an active member of the Beltrami County Ag Association. She also is a volunteer in the Master Gardener program.
The farm is certified under the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Program and donates fall crops of pumpkins, squash, and gourds to local schools for family events.