From Loss to New Roots
Message From the Farm
This past month brought a loss we never expected. A fire destroyed the machine shed that housed our mealworm operation—11.2 million mealworms, several active project trials, and tens of thousands of beetles. Beyond the sheer scale of the loss, it was heartbreaking to lose a meaningful source of income and a home-grown, high-protein feed that played an important role in nourishing our chickens.
It’s been a hard thing to sit with. That operation represented time, learning, and momentum. And yet, even in the middle of the devastation, something unexpected happened: clarity.
Duckweed had already been on our 2026 planning radar since August of 2025 and made our Big Rocks list for Operations in Q1 of 2026. So when the fire took away the mealworms, we found ourselves at a moment where our next step was already taking shape.
Duckweed is a flowering pond plant that’s incredibly high in protein and highly beneficial for chickens. It grows fast, thrives in simple systems, and holds exciting potential as an on-farm, regenerative feed source. What started as a future idea is now becoming a present-day experiment—one that we hope will lessen, or even eliminate, the need for external inputs for our chickens.
This trial is still very much an experiment—fun, scrappy, and full of learning—but it’s also hopeful. It represents the kind of resilience we strive for: adapting, rebuilding, and redirecting energy toward systems that strengthen the whole farm.
As devastating as the fire was, it has also pushed us to invest time and focus into things we might not have otherwise been able to prioritize with the same . For that, we’re grateful.
Here’s to learning, rebuilding, and stepping into 2026 with curiosity and hope.
— Ryan Garvin (Business Integration)
Exclusive Interview
Last fall we traveled to Duluth to spend time on the land with permaculture educator Chad Johnson — and the conversation stretched far beyond gardening techniques.
Chad describes permaculture less as a method and more as a way of seeing: reading the patterns already built into creation and designing with them instead of against them. From holding water in the landscape to creating microclimates, terraces, and living soil, the goal isn’t simply production — it’s resilience, beauty, and abundance working together.
One of his biggest takeaways: our food challenges aren’t primarily a shortage problem, but an experience problem. When people taste fresh food, grow something themselves, or even shape a small backyard space intentionally, their priorities change naturally. Start small — a garden bed, a few chickens, a place you actually want to spend time — and the system grows from there.
The full video shares practical ideas, surprising possibilities for northern climates, and a hopeful vision of regenerative living that begins right outside your door.
Hear more from Chad Johnson:
Kyle Kingsbury Podcast — Spotify
Fair Hill Farmstead Life — Spotify
Year of Plenty Podcast: Traditional Foodways — Apple Podcasts
Official site: www.kingdomcome.earth
Watch the full interview and step into the conversation.
Community Focus
After the January snowstorm, many of us felt the weight of winter—but it also opened my eyes to an opportunity. Scripture reminds us that God is “a father to the fatherless and a defender of widows” (Psalm 68:5), and that pure and undefiled religion is shown in caring for widows and orphans in their distress (James 1:27). Paul calls the church to notice and support those who truly need help (1 Timothy 5:3–10). Sometimes obedience looks very ordinary: a shovel, a driveway, a sidewalk cleared in love.
On my own street, four of seven homes are led by single mothers or widows. I realized I hadn’t been paying close enough attention—but this storm was a gentle nudge from the Lord to simply see people and step in.
We invite you to do the same.
As snow and ice linger, let’s check on our neighbors, especially widows, single moms, and families who may need an extra hand. A few minutes of help can speak volumes of Christ’s care and remind our neighborhood that they are not alone.
Check out the Two Shirt Army as a way to help those in need of assistance in the Fergus Falls community.
Ground Beef for Cold Nights
When meals shift from quick to comforting, ground beef becomes the backbone of the kitchen — warm, filling, and dependable. Ours comes from cattle raised on pasture and processed in small batches, which gives it a richer flavor and a fat profile that actually carries a dish instead of disappearing into it.
This is the kind of beef you build meals around: chili simmering in the afternoon, a skillet supper after chores, or something hearty enough to warm up a long Minnesota evening.
Get Ground Beef here.
Our winter skillet method (how we cook it at home)
- Warm a heavy pan over medium heat
- Add beef, then salt right away
- Let it sit untouched until a deep brown crust forms
- Add onion or garlic once browned — not before
- Splash of broth or cream at the end to make a quick pan sauce
Simple, hot, and comforting — the kind of meal that doesn’t need a recipe to work.
More Beef is Coming!
We’ll be butchering two beef on February 19th. If there’s a specific cut you’re looking for, let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate! Beef will be ready in mid-March.
Give the Gift of Regeneration!
Looking for a meaningful gift? Share the Acres of Asher experience with a Membership Gift Certificate — a perfect way to connect someone you love to our regenerative, community-driven farm. Members enjoy exclusive discounts, special content, behind-the-scenes updates, and early access to farm events and promotions.
It’s simple to give — they’ll redeem online and receive their member apparel, savings, and all the perks of being part of our growing community.
Together, we’re cultivating a more sustainable future.
Visit acresofasher.com to purchase a Membership Gift Certificate today!
Order From the Farm in 3 Easy Steps:
1. Shop: Browse our eggs, beef, and more at acresofasher.com
2. Add & Checkout: Click “Add to Cart”, enter your info and pay.
3. Enjoy: Get your farm-fresh order shipped or ready for pickup!
Bonus: Join our membership for exclusive discounts and farm updates.
Welcome New Members!
If you recently joined our farm community but didn’t get your Welcome Email, don’t worry! Sometimes it ends up in your Spam or Promotions
Here’s what you can do:
- Check your inbox: Look in Spam/Promotions just in case.
- Need it resent? Simply reply to this email, and we’ll re-send your welcome email right away.
- Add us to your contacts or safe sender list so you don’t miss any updates.
- Missed your one-time member code? It will be included in the welcome email.
- Invite friends: Share the love with your personal referral link included in the welcome email.
We’re excited to have you at the farm table!
Join as a Member!
Now’s the perfect time to become an Acres of Asher member! Enjoy exclusive benefits, inspiring gatherings, and a community that shares your values.
Refer a friend!
Get a 3% discount for every friend you refer who signs up too.
Grow your roots with us—and invite someone to benefit alongside you….
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