June marked the start of our annual Know Our Grower series! The vitality and sustainability of our local food system depends on the presence of a diverse network of growers and the support of a dedicated consumer base. Seward Co-op’s annual Know Our Grower program is an opportunity to connect shoppers with the talented group of local farmers producing our food and sample recipes that allow their flavors to shine.
We continue the tradition this year with specials and sample events at both of our store locations. Visit the Seward Co-op website often this summer to read interviews with featured Know Our Grower producers and get more information.
Heartbeet Farm
Heartbeet Farm is a family farm owned and operated by Joe and Rebecca Schwen. Located in Zumbro Falls, Minn, the fields that now comprise Heartbeet Farm are the same fields that Joe was raised on and where he learned to farm. Recently, Joe and Rebecca have begun to cooperatively market their produce as Heartbeet Farms along with two nearby small family farms: Easy Yoke and Hare & Tortoise. Working together allows these farms to operate at a scale that enables them to directly interact with the plants, soil, animals, and farm ecosystem while still being productive, efficient, and sustainable. They employ a combination of draft horses, small tractors, woodstove heated greenhouses, and other technologies to grow a wide variety of vegetables. Look for beets, shiso, Hakurei turnips, and many other items from Heartbeet Farms throughout the growing season. All three farms are dedicated to farming in a healthful, holistic, and sustainable way and are certified organic.
Stop in and chat with Heartbeet Farm and sample local produce!
Franklin store: Saturday, July 9th 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Friendship store: Saturday, July 9 3–6 p.m.