Have you ever wanted to purchase local meat but didn't know what to expect or where to go?  You can check our Minnesota Grown Directory for farmers who allow you to purchase a whole, half or quarter of an animal for custom processing.  Don't have room in the freezer to purchase local meat in bulk?  Some farmers in the Directory sell individual cuts of meat , which allows you to pick and choose the cuts and quantity of meat that you want to purchase.   

 

If you plan on calling a local meat producer to purchase in bulk, you may be put on a wait list until the animal is ready to be processed.  Once the animal is ready, the farmer will put you in touch with the processor so you can choose the types of cuts you would like, thickness of steaks, sizes of roasts and package size of hamburger.  The convenient portion sizes you choose are readily available for your family's meal planning needs.  Once the meat has been packaged, the processor will call you so you can come pick-up your order.   

 

Rory Butkiewicz of Butkiewicz Family Farm  says that "Ordering your beef by the quarter allows you to always have fresh beef on hand with smaller storage capacity needs.  A typical quarter takes about 3 cubic feet of freezer space.  A quarter is considered a half of a half with a mix of cuts from both the front and hind being distributed evenly."   

 
Many Minnesotans don't know that we grow wonderful roses here all year long!  With Valentine's Day coming up, we thought it would be fun to contact a local Minnesota Grown florist and ask about their local products.  Marc Halverson of Brainerd Floral is a strong believer in Minnesota Grown, especially now with our economy.  Here's what Marc had to say about his business and the importance of purchasing local flowers and plants.

Q:  Why buy local flowers?

A:  Fresh flowers!  We pride ourselves with having a good business and personal relationship with Len Busch Roses.  We have deliveries of Minnesota Grown products from Len Busch Roses twice a week, so we know our flowers are ultra fresh.

Q:  What are the benefits of buying local flowers?

A:  Freshness and delivery are the most important points.  We aren't able to rush to the wholesaler for a few items, so we need to rely on companies nearby that can supply our needs.  I also like to press the fact that we are supporting local businesses and Minnesota jobs.  We like to say that Minnesota Grown is 3,000 miles fresher than Bogota, Columbia.

Q:  How long has Brainerd Floral been in business and how long have you sourced locally?

A: Brainerd Floral opened its doors in 1962, my wife and I purchased the business in 1974.  We have been sourcing locally since 1975. 

Q:  How would an average consumer distinguish local flowers in your floral shop?

A:  Our price tags have the Minnesota Grown logo on them, and we include the Minnesota Grown logo on our care sheets. 

 

Tip for January from GardenMinnesota.com:  It's not too late to pot up some flowering bulbs for winter color in your house.  You'll be able to find some amaryllis bulbs and paperwhite narcissus in your local garden center.  Both are super easy to grow and if you have small kids they will really enjoy watching them grow everyday!    

 

For more Tips & Clips, sign up for the GardenMinnesota.com monthly e-newsletter. 

 

The sponsors of the Minnesota Grown Directory make what we do possible.  Minnesota Farmers Union is our biggest sponsor.  They work to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life for family farmers and ranchers and rural communities.  They are a nonprofit membership-based organization.  Did you know you don't have to be a farmer to be a member of Minnesota Farmers Union?  Check it out!