About Baker’s Field Flour & Bread
Baker’s Field began with the desire to create a local grain economy by connecting with farmers to create demand for quality grains. Local grain is not only more flavorful, but resilient and regenerative for the soil in a changing climate. Once Baker’s Field receives the local grain, the bakers use stone mills to grind it themselves. By connecting the bakers’ demand for quality flours with the farmers’ desire to grow unique breeds of grains, Baker’s Field Flour & Bread links the key people necessary to make delicious bread: farmers, millers and bakers.
Baker’s Field and COVID-19
Co-op staff connected with Baker’s Field to find out how they have been impacted by the pandemic. Production manager, Patrick, shared in a video message that Baker’s Field has experienced many changes and growth. Earlier this year, drastic shifts in supply chains resulted in shortages of many pantry staples including flour. Thanks to Baker’s Field’s direct relationship with grain farmers and their in-house stone milling, Baker’s Field has been able quickly problem solve and adapt to fill supply gaps for local food co-ops—including Seward Co-op—and growing online customer base. The growth from their online shop has provided more opportunity to connect with new customers and offer a new platform to share tips on how to best use their fresh flour.
Their flexibility and resilience was also exemplified in August when the roof of their kitchen was damaged due to a fire from oven flue. Thankfully, all Baker’s Field and Food Building staff were safe. Even during this time Baker’s Field was able to shift to produce and deliver bread and flour for co-op shoppers within days.
The sales growth has kept Baker’s Field busy and thriving. To support the increase in demand for their flour, Baker’s Field has been able to secure more grain storage, flour sourcing and milling equipment. “It has been a game changer for us. It allows us to buy larger quantities [of grain] and support our farmers even more.” shared Patrick about this expansion. Purchases of Baker’s Field’s breads and flours are not only an everyday investment in in themselves but an investment in the farmers from whom they source their grains. The impacts of these everyday investments help to keep growers and producers like Baker’s Field thriving now during this difficult time and in the future.
