The Questions That Grow Community

Message from the Farm:

One of the greatest gifts of spending a day in the grocery store isn't selling eggs—it's listening.

Over the course of dozens of conversations at Otto & Asher on Saturday and the Lakewinds Food Co-op stores and River Marketon Sunday, we heard a common thread. People want to support local farms. They want healthier food. They want to know where their food comes from. They want small and mid-sized farms to succeed.

But alongside that hope was something else.

Many people shared stories of brands they once trusted that had changed. Farms that had grown beyond recognition. Labels that no longer seemed to represent what they once did. More than one person told us, "I just don't know who to trust anymore."

Those conversations reminded us that trust isn't something a logo or certification can permanently guarantee. Trust is something that is continually earned.

We also heard practical ideas. Customers told us our soy-free message should be easier to find on our cartons. They asked thoughtful questions about what our hens eat, why our eggs come

in different colors, why we chose to leave organic certification, and how we care for our birds through Minnesota's changing seasons. Those questions weren't criticisms—they were invitations to tell our story better.

As farmers, we welcome that.

Every thoughtful question strengthens the relationship between the people growing food and the people eating it. Those conversations make us better farmers, better communicators, and better stewards of the responsibility we've been given.

Thank you for stopping, asking, challenging, encouraging, and sharing your own stories. We left those conversations more hopeful than when we arrived because they reminded us that there are still many people who care about the future of local food.

- Ryan Garvin, Acres of Asher Integrator

Keep Asking. Keep Learning. Keep Growing.

If there's one encouragement we'd leave you with, it's this: don't become discouraged—become (or stay!) curious.

For many of us, it's easy to place our trust in a label, a certification, an organization, or a familiar brand and assume someone else has already asked the hard questions. Sometimes they have. Sometimes they haven't.

One of the great freedoms we enjoy is the freedom to choose what we feed ourselves and our families. That freedom also carries the responsibility to ask questions.

Visit a farm. Meet the farmer. Ask how the animals are raised. Ask what they're fed. Ask why certain practices matter. Honest farmers should welcome those conversations.

The future of local food won't be built on labels alone. It will be built by relationships between farmers and consumers who know one another well enough to ask questions, share ideas, and grow together.

So keep asking. Keep learning. Keep supporting the farms that earn your trust—not just once, but every season.

Join Us at the Deep Roots Festival

We're excited to partner with the Sustainable Farming Associationto host this year's Deep Roots Festival at Pure Joy Farmson September 12. This community celebration is all about strengthening our connection to local food, the farmers who grow it, and the future of regenerative agriculture in our region.

Whether you're already passionate about supporting local farms or just beginning to explore where your food comes from, Deep Roots Festival is a chance to spend an afternoon connecting with farmers, neighbors, and others who believe in building a healthier, more resilient local food system.

At Acres of Asher, we believe real change starts with relationships—between farmers, families, and communities. Events like this bring those relationships to life, and we'd love to see you there.

Check out the event details below, and consider inviting a friend or family member to join you!

In Case You Missed It

If you're new to Acres of Asher—or simply haven't had a chance to catch every interview—now is the perfect time to explore our growing library of conversations.

On our YouTube channel, you'll find interviews with farmers, food producers, and community leaders who are helping build stronger local food systems. We've explored topics like regenerative agriculture, maple syrup production, rotational grazing, pastured poultry, permaculture, and the challenges and opportunities facing today's family farms.

These conversations go beyond farming—they're about building healthier communities, supporting local economies, and reconnecting people with where their food comes from.

Already a Hub & Spoke Member? You'll also find every interview inside the Members Hub, along with exclusive behind-the-scenes content and extended insights you won't find anywhere else.

Not a member yet? Joining the Hub & Spoke Community gives you access to the bonus content while helping grow a stronger local food system. (And some other perks too!)

Visit our YouTube channel, explore the interviews, and be sure to SUBSCRIBE so you never miss a new conversation.

The Cut You Didn't Know You Needed: Dino Ribs

Some cuts become favorites because they’re familiar. Others become favorites because they surprise you. Dino Ribs are one of those cuts.

A flavorful, impressive cut from the rib section
Similar to a giant beef short rib
Perfect for slow cooking, smoking, or braising
Great for gatherings and special meals
Grass-fed, grass-finished beef brings a depth of flavor that shines in slow cooking

At Acres of Asher, we believe every cut of the animal has a story worth sharing. Our beef is 100% grass-fed and grass-finished, raised with practices that support healthy soil, thriving pastures, and a more connected local food system.

Ready to go beyond the familiar cuts? Give Dino Ribs a try and experience another delicious part of the whole-animal approach to regenerative farming.

Shop Dino Ribs and explore more cuts from our 100% grass-fed beef collection.

New to Dino Ribs? Try them smoked low and slow, braised in the oven, or cooked in a slow cooker until tender.

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 folder.

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….

Refer a Friend