In any given day, farmers can go from selecting the genetic traits they want to see in next year’s corn crop to performing a repair on a tractor to assisting in a birth to reprogramming an irrigation sensor—all before noon. Farmers must have a deep understanding of biology, chemistry, mechanics, nutrition, genetics, ecology, accounting, technology, and more. All this to say, farming is incredibly complicated. It’s nuanced, deeply scientific, and takes a special kind of person who knows a lot about a lot to be successful. Despite the complexity, people remain farming because they love it.
In this collection, Sara, A.J., Brittany, Jocelyn, and Sarah each share a recipe that is complicated in one way or another. They also share a piece of their farming story- trials and tribulations, complications they face every day, and the hard things often overlooked as a part of this industry and way of life.
Thank you for your interest in food & farming- it’s something we feel passionate about. Have questions? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at hello@commongroundminnesota.com and we’ll get right back to you.
Canned Strawberry Jam
A.J. Popp
A.J. is a self-taught canner and a beef farmer in central Minnesota. There’s a common saying: “When we know better, we do better.” That idea applies to both farming and canning. Some practices that were once considered normal are now outdated because they were unsafe, ineffective, or simply replaced with better methods.
Maple Vanilla Yogurt
Brittany Johnson
Brittany really showcased a tough reality of farming in the creation of this recipe: sometimes, despite your best efforts, things just don’t work out. Learn from her story– shared in the recipe link below!
Potatoes DelMonico
Jocelyn Schlichting
This is one of those recipes that reminds you good things often take a little extra effort. There are easier ways to make potatoes, certainly. And yet, once you pull a bubbling, golden pan of Potatoes DelMonico from the oven, it’s easy to understand why people keep making it. Some things are simply worth the work. The same is true on Jocelyn’s family farm.
Rhubarb Meringue Tart
Sarah Kern
At first glance, this recipe seems straightforward. There are only a few major components: the tart crust, the rhubarb filling, and the meringue topping. But anyone who has ever worked with pastry or meringue knows that “simple” does not always mean “easy.” Recipes like this rely heavily on technique, timing, and practice. Small details can completely change the final result. Sarah knows that farming works much the same way.
German Spritz Cookies
Sara Hewitt
When a new generation takes over a farm, they often find themselves balancing tradition with innovation: honoring the past while preparing for the future. Sara’s farm is a great example of this. She is proud to continue the legacy of her family and carry on the farm’s name, even as she shapes its future.
