commonground Archives | Minnesota Farm Living

The Kitchen Window, Mines, Logs, Ships and Vietnam

June 30, 2015 by Wanda Patsche Leave a Comment

So you are probably looking at the title of this blog post and are wondering what do all these words, The Kitchen Window, Mines, Logs, Ships and Vietnam have in common? Not much other than “all things Minnesota Farm Living from the past week.”

Okay, so let’s dissect my past week.

Starting on Monday afternoon, I attended a CommonGround Minnesota workshop. CommonGround is a group of volunteer farm women whose main goal is to have conversations and answer questions other consumers may have about their food. Our workshop speakers included Sue Zelickson (foodie from WCCO radio), Steve Wehrenberg, Missy Morgan, Katie Pratt and Roxi Beck of Center of Food Integrity. A very nice array of topics were presented.

We ended our workshop with an influencer event at the Kitchen Window, which is a kitchen retail store that also offers cooking classes. So who were the influencers? Women from many “food” walks of life–from women responsible for school lunch programs to local TV news personalities (I met and talked with Kim Johnson of WCCO. She convinced me I need to try pork belly.)

Together, we prepared our own food via various food preparation stations atop the Kitchen Window outdoor kitchen roof deck area. Not only was the food phenomenal, but great conversations ensued. Here was our menu:

Smoke & Shake Parmesan Chicken Wings
Petite filet mignon slider bar
Roasted garlic, blue cheese, mushroom and onion flatbread
Gambas al ajilo (garlic shrimp) with romesco
Ginger biscuit and fresh fruit

We ended the evening with an informal Q & A where CommonGround volunteers were asked questions about how we raise and grow food on our farms. Everyone was truly engaged and in my opinion, we had the best, deep-rooted conversations of the evening. And the frosting on the cake (pardon the pun) for me was reconnecting and meeting new members of CommonGround Minnesota. Just an all around great workshop and delightful event.

I left Wednesday morning for Duluth to attend the next session of MARL. In my humble opinion, the Duluth area is Minnesota’s biggest secret. It’s absolutely beautiful! I LOVE Duluth! And it was really nice to see everyone again from MARL. A few highlights:

On Wednesday afternoon we visited a vegetable farm at the Hoffbauer Farm. “Farmer Doug” grows many types of vegetables and flowers along with evergreen trees. He and his wife, Lois, are dedicated to providing customers the highest quality and best tasting fresh fruits and vegetables possible. And based on the way his gardens look, he does exactly that!

Starting at 6:30 a.m. Thursday morning, we boarded a bus for a 10-hour tour of the mining and logging industries. I think it’s fair to say many Minnesotans do not realize the importance of either one of these industries. And my personal knowledge level of these industries needed some help.

The mines hold a special place with me. Many of my family members were from northern Minnesota and worked in the mines when mining was at it’s peak. Our bus took us to Hibbing Taconite. One interesting note was how both the mining and farming industries are similar. They, too, become frustrated with additional regulations and permitting requirements. It took a year for them to receive a permit to move a conveyor. Do you think we have just one too many regulations/permitting requirements? It was impressive to hear how taconite is reclaimed through new technologies. I look forward to hearing about newer technologies that are only valid on the drawing boards or stored in someone’s intellectual mind.

Random fact: Did you know that 90% of iron and steel is recycled?

Our next stop took us to the logging forests. We were reminded that more trees are planted than are harvested. It takes 45-50 years for a newly transplanted tree to reach full maturity for logging purposes. That’s a long time. The logging area we visited was primarily Aspen trees used for paper fibers.

After we finished our bus tour, we were all looking forward to the highlight of the day–the revelation of our international trip! We were given a number of clues prior to the announcement and I think many of us already knew where we were headed. So where ARE we headed next February?

VIETNAM!!! I do have to admit that I remember the Vietnam war. I was young but I remember the feeling of families hoping their sons would not be drafted. I remember the evening news continually peppered with war scenes. Every. single. night. I remember watching the end of the war scenes and the returning POWs. Putting that aside, I am excited about going! And from what I have heard from others who have visited Vietnam, it is beautiful.

Our last day concluded with a tour of the Duluth Port Authority. The seaway of Duluth employees 3000 people locally. They ship out 38,000,000 in total tonnage per year. Yes, the shipping business has changed over the years, but like all other northern Minnesota industries, they are adapting and using technology to grow their industries in different ways. We ended our MARL experience with a harbor cruise on the Vista Star.

My family decided to stay a couple extra days in Duluth after MARL ended, which meant I missed my family reunion on Saturday. It’s been many years since I have missed a family reunion. And even as I write this, I still feel bad about it. Family means everything to me. For many of us, we may only see each other once a year but we have that “family connectedness” that no one else has. And we keep losing family members every year. My dad, who was one of 14 siblings, is now down to one sibling. No, it’s not the same family reunion from years ago. But we adjust, we make it what it is and we enjoy each other’s company.

And we are grateful.

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GMO Awareness Day

February 4, 2015 by Wanda Patsche 8 Comments

Recently, I saw a press release from Minneapolis Public Schools, sharing that five metro school districts (Hopkins, Minneapolis, Orono, Shakopee, and Westonka) held a “GMO Awareness Day” and are aiming to reduce GMOs in school food.

GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) have prompted much debate in several arenas, from agriculture to politics, at various levels. I applaud these school districts for broaching a topic with so many different facets; however, I am disappointed that these school districts seem to intentionally advocate anti-GMO propaganda.

According to the press release, Laura Metzger, Director of Food and Nutrition Services at Westonka Public Schools, said, “We want to start conversations about the foods we serve and how our decision-making works. Our students will grow up to make their own decisions about the foods they eat, so this is an opportunity for education.” I whole-heartedly agree that starting conversations about food and informing students about the decision-making process are educational opportunities. That’s why, as a farmer, I joined CommonGround (www.FindOurCommonGround.com) a group of volunteer farm women who want to engage in conversations about food and agriculture with consumers.

To me, productive conversations happen when we learn about and gain an understanding of another person’s perspective. That’s why I am disappointed that these school districts chose to supply students and their families with only one side of information about food choices. The press release listed the website for the Organic Consumer Association (OCA) and went on to state, “Though there’s been little research on the human health impacts of GMO consumption, animal feeding studies have linked GMOs to cancer, allergies, infertility, and more.” Bertrand Weber, Director of Culinary and Nutrition Services at the Minneapolis Public Schools, stated, “Reducing GMOs is another way we can support kids’ long-term health.”

Had the press release listed a biotechnology website (such as www.biofortified.org) as well as the OCA website, and been more accurate about the research that has been done on health impacts (for both humans and animals) the GMO Awareness Day could have been seen as a genuine effort to educate.

Unfortunately, it appears the GMO Awareness Day aimed to perpetuate misinformation and fears regarding GMOs, rather than giving students the opportunity to learn about all sides of the GMO topic and form their own opinions.

I am a farmer in southwest Minnesota, and you may be wondering why I care about the activities at metro schools. I care because one day, these students will be leaders at companies like Cargill, General Mills, Land O’Lakes, Best Buy, 3M, Target, SuperValu, and Medtronic. One day, these students will be doctors, lawyers, teachers, and policy-makers. One day, these students will be working at the state or federal government level. I care about what these students learn because they will be making decisions that will affect others. That’s why the information presented to these students is important to me; it is vital that the information be factual and without bias so that students can do their own research and form their own opinions

As a farmer, I have no problem with organic or biotechnological production methods. I do have a problem with false information and fear-mongering. As a consumer, I have no problem with choosing organic or GMO foods for my family. I do have a problem with deceptive marketing and labels. As a parent, I have no problem with schools having educational days about broad topics. I do have a problem with schools presenting fears and misinformation as facts.

I would be interested to learn what the students and parents felt about this type of educational activity, and I encourage all institutions of learning to consider all sides of a highly-debated topic. I also encourage schools to invite farmers into your classrooms so we can learn from each other. I sincerely hope that future activities will be more inclusive and provide resources for all sides of the selected topic.

Respectfully,

Kristie Swenson

Kristie Swenson and her husband raise corn and soybeans in southwestern Minnesota. They have two children.

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MN Agriculture: CommonGround, Where Meaningful Food Conversations Take Place

November 30, 2014 by Wanda Patsche 2 Comments

Day 29 of my 30 Days of Ag “All Things Minnesota Agriculture” is a fairly new organization (nationally – 2010) – CommonGround. CommonGround is a group of volunteers, mostly women and moms from the farm, where our purpose is to have conversations and answer questions other women have about their food. Questions such as how there food is grown or raised. And who better to ask than a farm mom. It’s through this organization where conversations take place.

This organization is truly one of my favorite organizations that I volunteer for. It is funded by farmers through the corn and soybean checkoff. Checkoff monies are deducted from every farmer’s check when they sell corn or soybeans. The checkoff monies are highly regulated by the USDA and can only be used for certain purposes. And thank goodness CommonGround is one of those approved activities.

There is both a state and national organization. In Minnesota we have about 18 volunteers.

What kind of activities is CommonGround involved with?

CommonGround Minnesota is involved in events, conferences or activities where there is a high probability of other women in attendance. They have been to Women Expos, Mom’s Conventions, Dietetics and Diabetes Conferences. They also have put on an influencer event where volunteers can connect to people who have an influence on food decisions. Read more about Minnesota’s last influencer event.

Social Media Sites:

National CommonGround Website: CommonGround

Facebook: CommonGround Minnesota and CommonGround (National)

Twitter: @CommonGroundNow

How do moms have their questions answered?

CommonGround volunteers are available. Questions can be asked in person during an event where volunteers are present or a question can be submitted on the CommonGround website. The organization supports ALL types of farming practices, as well as all types of crops and livestock.

Why do I love CommonGround?

Yes, I am a CommonGround volunteer.

I love CommonGround for many reasons. First, I love the organization’s purpose. Never in our history has there been more of a disconnect between agriculture and consumers. Many consumers want to know more about their food. And rightly so. CommonGround is just one tool consumers have to give them access to those answers. And I love talking to consumers about what I do and why I do it!

I love the people involved in CommonGround, all the way from national to state. We have a wonderful coordinator in Minnesota, Meghan Doyle. She puts in all the behind-the-scenes work for our events. As volunteers, we have input into the events we participate in, but for the most part, we just show up to the events because Meghan does a fantastic job coordinating our events. And I love the other volunteers also. Everyone has the same goal – talk to consumers about the truth behind their food. And when you belong to an organization where everyone has the same passion, enthusiasm and goal, it truly makes volunteering fun and fulfilling.

And I love that the Corn and Soybean growers have given their trust to this organization. And if there is one message I could give those in the “decision making” capacity in these organizations, it is “We are making a difference, one conversation at a time. And sometimes it’s more than one conversation at a time. We continue to find new ways to make these connections. And all of us bring something different to the table, which makes us more visible, our voices stronger and more effective. We are better today than yesterday and we will be better tomorrow than today.”

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Women Finding “CommonGround” Through Food and Talk

May 20, 2014 by Wanda Patsche 6 Comments

Women Finding "Common Ground" Through Food and Talk — Cooks of Crocus Hill

What happens when 24 urban women join 5 farm women and cook a meal together? Let’s just say you would have seen a roomful of conversations, joy, and camaraderie. Food is an emotional topic for many of us and this night of talking about food and preparing it was no exception. We talked, laughed and truly enjoyed each other’s company and at the end of the night, learned a little more about each other. Yes, we found common ground through food and talk.

CommonGround is a volunteer organization of farm women who connect with other women answering questions they may have about their food. CommonGround invited a cross-section of women from the Minneapolis/St. Paul area to participate in a cooking class held at Cooks at Crocus Hill. These women represented academia, mommy bloggers, nutrition and dietetics and media.

Cooks of Crocus Hill is a kitchen cookware and gadget store in St. Paul, In addition to their retail store, they also provide cooking classes. Their cooking philosophy surround two words – joy and connection. And that describes our evening as we cooked and enjoyed a meal together. The evening started with wine and appetizers, followed by a short introduction of the CommonGround volunteers. We immediately broke into five random groups, where each group was assigned to cook a certain portion of the meal. Just imagine a large kitchen with nearly 30 women cooking and preparing a meal together! You may think chaos, but it was the exact opposite. The cooks of Crocus Hill had everything in place and were very helpful in keeping us on task. Here is the menu that we prepared (along with recipes and pictures!):

Warm French Herbed Potatoes

Roasted Root Vegetables with Gremolata

Boston Bibb Salad with Walnuts

Pork Medallions with Mustard-Braised Leeks

Fresh Berry Mini-Shortcakes

As we were preparing the meal, the chefs gave us cooking tips and information. I must admit I grilled Chef Mike on how he cooks pork. Let’s just say he knows his “pork.” When we finished, it was time to eat. And I must say, the food was fabulous!

There is no question there is a food movement happening in our society. People are wanting to cook more healthy foods in their own homes and even though I am a “church cookbook” type of cook, I would definitely make these dishes again. My favorites were the pork medallions (they were so moist and tender they practically melted in your mouth – cooked the way pork was meant to be cooked) and the berry shortcakes (can you say heavenly?)

After we finished eating, the CommonGround volunteers sat together in front of our guests for a Q & A forum. With food being such an emotional topic, no question was off the table. The majority of the questions centered around animal antibiotic use and GMOs (genetically modified organisms). There were great questions and we as CommonGround learned a lot also by listening to concerns and questions our guests had about the health and safety of food. Something we all share.

On a personal note – I don’t think you can downplay the openness and connectedness that I saw with this roomful of women. Another observation was the genuine passion for agriculture showed by the CommonGround volunteers. It really took me aback as I listened to the other volunteers speak . I am proud to be a part of this group.

At the end of the night, I was pleased how well the evening went. I had never been to a cooking class before and somewhat sheepishly, I must admit that I am not very adventurous in my cooking endeavors. But that may change! The only problem of the evening? It ended too soon! Great comments of the night were received and many of them told us they hoped to be invited again. And I do too.

Do you have food questions? Be sure to checkout CommonGround or Minnesota’s CommonGround for answers to your questions!

Here are a few more links to other questions you may have about your food.

Why It Is Okay to Feed Your Family GMOs

Top 5 GMOs Myths From a Mom’s Perspective

Why I’m Pro-GMO

Antibiotics are Rampant in our Food Supply

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The Kitchen Window, Mines, Logs, Ships and Vietnam

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GMO Awareness Day

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MN Agriculture: CommonGround, Where Meaningful Food Conversations Take Place

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Women Finding “CommonGround” Through Food and Talk

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