Merry Christmas from Acres of Asher
My dad often talked about neighbor farmers working together to harvest a field or work on a building. Specifically, I remember my dad telling a story about how a neighbor of his risked his life to help save one of my dad's horses. He actually wrote it down in a small book of memories. Enjoy this story from a winter approximately 90 years ago of farmers risking much to help each other!
— Joel Haugen, Visionary at Acres of Asher
"In the winter of 1936, when we had a tough winter, dad walked to town to get some groceries. When he came home, it was storming so much worse that he walked the railroad tracks to keep from getting lost.
On the way, he missed the place to turn off. He had walked about 1/3 of a mile too far. Knowing where he was, he turned around and walked home. Later that winter the neighbors got together and took one team of horses that belonged to Watlow and went to town to bring in the cream and buy groceries. When dad came home, he told mother how many times the horses got stuck in the snow, so they had to shovel them out. This same winter we all went to the school Christmas program. After that we had 3 weeks of vacation. But we had so much snow by then that we didn't get back to school until, I believe, the first week of March. We had 2 miles to school. This was also the winter that dad took the belt off his sheep skin coat, tied it to the handle of a 5-gallon cream can, put it on his back and walked over a half mile, to a neighbor who was going to town with his horses. The snow was so deep that it would have been hard to just walk in without carrying 5 gallons of cream. I'm not sure if it was the same year, but I believe it was the same winter of 1935-36 that Alfred Danielson stopped in to see dad. One of dad's horses was sick with the colic. The snow storm was getting worse but Alfred offered to go to town to get some medicine. He had a Model A Ford with chains on the tires. At the time, it was known to be the best car to go through snow. Before long the storm became a big blizzard. Alfred got stuck many times coming back and had to shovel his car out. When he got back to the folk's place, he was covered with snow. His face was packed with so much snow you couldn't see who he was. His eyes and eye brows were covered with ice and snow. When Alfred was back from Montana for his brother Willards funeral, I asked if he remembered that day. He laughed very hard and said "Oh yes, I almost didn't make it that time!" He was a very kind person always willing to help."
— by Harland Haugen (Joel's Father)
Build Community Through Reconciliation
Farming has always been more than farming for us—it’s about community. And reconciliation is at the heart of community: welcoming and supporting one another, restoring relationships, and bringing peace where there’s been distance. The 1828 definition says it best: to restore to friendship and favor after estrangement; to bring to peace and agreement.
That’s our calling at Acres of Asher—to live for the glory of God through restored relationships. During this Thanksgiving and Christmas season, let’s take that calling seriously. Reach out to the friend you haven’t spoken to in years. Call your mom. Forgive the neighbor who hurt you. Take the first step toward peace.
In a world filled with noise, division, and uncertainty, reconciliation is a radical act of hope. It reminds us that we’re not lost—Jesus is still with us. And even if you don’t claim faith, reconciliation is for you, too. It’s about rebuilding trust, strengthening community, and choosing love over distance.
So this season, as we gather around tables and share in abundance, let’s also share grace. Let’s rebuild relationships. Let’s restore community.
Use the hashtag #CircularLivingAOA when you share your story!
Exclusive Interview
In our latest video, Joel Haugen—Visionary of Acres of Asher—shares the story behind the farm and the path that led him from traditional farming roots to organic, regenerative, and ultimately circular agriculture. Through reflections on his father’s farming legacy, Joel explains how each season of learning shaped a deeper commitment to stewarding the land with care and intention.
He also unpacks the heart of the Hub & Spoke Community: a faith-driven movement bringing together farming, worship, festivals, and people around a shared mission. The goal is simple but ambitious—strengthening local food systems and building resilient communities through collaboration, purpose, and shared values.
This conversation goes beyond agriculture. It’s about honoring the past, reimagining what’s possible, and working together toward a sustainable, circular future rooted in community.
A Recipe Worth Passing Down: Norse Thin Pancakes
Miriam Haugen, Joel's mother, shares how this recipe became a family staple.
Before you cook, take a moment to listen to her history of the recipe:
At Acres of Asher, food is circular—grown with care, shared with intention, and passed on with meaning.
Recipes like this root us in gratitude and connect generations.
Bring it into your own kitchen: simple ingredients, faithful instructions, and a story in every bite.
Print it. Share it. Make it your own.
Give the Gift of Regeneration!
Looking for a meaningful gift this season? 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!
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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!
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Grow your roots with us—and invite someone to benefit alongside you….
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