Stoney Brook Farm, Foley, MN | August 11, 2021
IAM had a wonderful turnout on Wednesday August 11th 2021 of Legislators, Industry representatives, state agencies and farmers to tour Stoney Brook Farms.
Guests met at Jack & Jim’s in Duelm, MN for coffee and donuts and to hear from about the state of irrigated agriculture in Minnesota from IAM President Jake Wildman and Lobbyists from McGrann & Shea.
They traveled to Stoney Brook Farm to see firsthand how fresh vegetables are grown under irrigation. Farmer Brad talked about challenges during a dry year like 2021 and how critical irrigation is for them to have a marketable crop. Guests also visited the storage facilities to learn about post-harvest water use during processing.
A program back at Jack & Jim’s highlighted the economics of irrigation in the state of MN by illustrating a few counties with large amounts of irrigation. Jake Bauerly, former Benton County Commissioner and Irrigator discussed how school districts and small towns are impacted. Guests also heard from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Peterson about things being done at the state level to support farmers. Last, Nathan Tykwinski from Coborn’s shared how local fresh produce is brought into grocery stores and how critical irrigation is to their supply chain.
Thanks to everyone who joined us for the event!
About Stoney Brook Farm
Stoney Brook Farm is a fresh vegetable farm operated by Mark and Brad Chmielewski and their families. They raise sweet corn, asparagus, sugar peas, green beans, squash and pumpkins using irrigation. You might have had thier produce at local Lund’s and Byerlys and Coborns stores.
Learn more at stoneybrookfarms.com
See photos from the IAM Legislative Farm tour below.
IAM 