Among the heart of our work is a central idea: when farmers are supported, our food systems grow stronger. This belief helps to guide the work we do—from strengthening value chains and organizing farm product distribution to supporting farmer training. Regeneration doesn’t happen in isolation. It flourishes when care is given to the whole: the soil, the plants, the animals, the farmers, and every other hand that plays a role in the food system.
As spring unfolds and fields come to life, we invite you to reflect: When do you feel rooted in your world? Where do you see your role in a regenerative food system? And when do you feel most connected to this work?
CHICKEN PROCESSING IS NOW UNDERWAY
At Stacyville Poultry Processing, the team has officially kicked off the processing season. This month, employees completed mandatory pre-season training that included a comprehensive HACCP course, focused on good manufacturing practices, sanitation protocols, and the critical role every task plays in ensuring food quality and safety.
Key topics also included product sampling, USDA and MOSA inspection standards, and strategies to minimize cross-contamination.
As part of their onboarding, the Stacyville team visited Salvatierra Farms to meet Poultry-Centered Regenerative Agroforestry (PCRA) farmers, observe firsthand how Tree-Range® Chickens are raised, and share a farm-fresh meal catered by the Organic Compound. These yearly processing team visits to the farm serve to build more than knowledge—but to also strengthen the personal relationships that sustain our living business ecosystem.
EXPANDING LOCAL FOOD ACCESS WITH TREE-RANGE® CHICKEN
Tree-Range® Farms was involved with the 2024 Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) initiative—an effort made possible by a grant and agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service and Minnesota. The program directed funding to purchase local food, especially from local farmers, and distribute it to underserved communities at no cost. As a result, Tree-Range® Chicken reached schools, nonprofits, and food shelves across Minnesota, making regeneratively raised protein more accessible than ever.
On May 18, Minnesota passed the Agriculture budget bill, which will continue investment in a state wide LFPA program. While the 2024 LFPA effort was federally funded, the transition to state support marks a significant chapter in Minnesota’s commitment to building resilient local food systems, and the bill is already moving to Governor Walz to sign into law.
FEEDER-BUILDING IN ACTION
At the beginning of the month a small group of farmers, prospective farmers, PCRA farmers and future PCRA producers joined the Organic Compound for a hands-on chicken feeder-building workshop.
Thanks to everyone who showed up ready to build, learn, and collaborate—and to Organic Compound for hosting this regenerative farming skills day!
In the PCRA paddock system these portable feeders are essential tools that guide flock to movement, promote foraging, and help regenerate farm land. Among many things by placing feed strategically across the paddock, farmers encourage soil-building behavior in the birds.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: FARM AID IS COMING TO MN!
Farm Aid is coming to Minneapolis this year—and we’re thrilled! This will be a great moment to shine a light on the hardworking farmers and vibrant food communities that make this region so special!
📅 Save the date and grab tickets now!
