New and beginning farmers hope to build functioning local food system

After recently returning to the family farm, Joanna Larson of Sheyenne aims to supply fresh-cut flowers and produce to regional florists and the local farmers market and help regenerate the local food system. While most of the flowers and produce remains indoors out of frost fears, some hardier plants are getting a head start outside.

After recently returning to the family farm, Joanna Larson of Sheyenne aims to supply fresh-cut flowers and produce to regional florists and the local farmers market and help regenerate the local food system. While most of the flowers and produce remains indoors out of frost fears, some hardier plants are getting a head start outside.

Joanna Larson of Sheyenne, who relocated back to the family farm at the start of this year, eventually wants to expand pasture range at the farm and increase the grass fed herd. This can tap into the market of people seeking cleaner meat as well as help increase the soil quality on the land rotated out of grain production.

Joanna Larson of Sheyenne, who relocated back to the family farm at the start of this year, eventually wants to expand pasture range at the farm and increase the grass fed herd. This can tap into the market of people seeking cleaner meat as well as help increase the soil quality on the land rotated out of grain production.

Market access, red tape challenges persist

By Michael Standaert, North Dakota News Cooperative For 27-year-old Joanna Larson, the desire to return home to take part in the operation of her family farm in Sheyenne has as much to do with building community as it does with farming. A strong independent streak also doesn’t hurt.

She’d like to see things done differently and wants to put her stamp on the…