 Welcome to Livin' La Vida Local! My name is Casey DeRosier, and I am the resident blogger working with the Minnesota Grown Program. I am a recent college grad from the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities with a degree in Agriculture and Food Business Management. I am thoroughly enjoying my work with Minnesota Grown and our local farmers!
Truth be told, I have no background in agriculture whatsoever, which makes this blog very unique. My goal is to reach out to others like me who didn't grow up on a farm but who want to know, see and taste more. I am going to be visiting farms all over the state of Minnesota to let you in on some fun and interesting adventures! Of course, I look forward to visiting local berry farms and apple orchards, but I also look forward to exploring Minnesota places and products that will be new to me and probably to many of you. If you have any suggestions on places I should visit, feel free to drop me an email at casey.derosier@state.mn.us. Thanks!
Local Gift Ideas—December 7, 2011
 I am busy putting together an all Minnesota Grown gift basket to give away on Facebook. With all of the local shopping I have been doing, I thought I would write a blog with holiday gift basket ideas. Here is my top 10 list of Minnesota gifts:
Here is a photo of the start of my gift basket! I still have more shopping to do…..(not such a bad thing, right?!). Minnesota Grown will be giving the final product away on Facebook next week. Please make sure you are watching our Facebook page so you know when and how to register to win!
Pine Tree Apple Orchard Corn Maze – October 6, 2011
I am sure many of you have always wondered how places like Pine Tree Apple Orchard create their corn maze. Check out my video clip to see how it is done by John Jacobson and Bill Jacobson. I had a blast—I even had the opportunity to drive the tractor through the corn field. I was also flattered to know that I was the very first non-family member to see this unique process!!!
Q&A—Things you might be wondering about as you watch the video.
- Who designs the maze? Bill—It’s all planned out in his head.
- Is the corn maze random? Yes! No designs here. The corn maze is mainly meant for the youngsters anyway!
- How many acres is the corn maze? 10-15 acres
- What type of corn do they plant? Feed corn from Missouri.
July 22, 2011 - Splendor Ridge Elk Farm
My first elk farm visit at Splendor Ridge Elk Farm was the best! Check out the blog to learn more.
June 23, 2011 - Update!
Okay, I have been off the blogging radar a bit too long! I have been out and about visiting farms, but just haven't found the time to get a fun video blog posted here. Please forgive me!
I haven't gone out to pick strawberries for myself yet, but from what I hear from our growers the season is looking fantastic. Yes, it's a bit late for strawberries but they are finally here and the crop is wonderful! Make sure you plan a berry trip with your family soon.
I am currently working on a blog from Sweet M's Farm in Park Rapids. They run a CSA that delivers in the Twin Cities area, St. Cloud, Park Rapids and Fargo-Moorhead! It was a fun visit and I can't wait to get it posted for all of you to see.
Until then, enjoy your summer!
--Casey
April 26, 2011 - Maple Syrup
I tapped my first maple tree at L&R Poultry and Produce in Kenyon. I had an awesome time--check it out!
March 11, 2011 - Minnesota Winter Farmers' Markets
I made a trip to the Downtown St. Paul Winter Farmers' Market to check out what Minnesota farmers have to offer in the winter. It was a ton of fun and made for a great weekend trip!Enjoy the blog!
February 1, 2011 - Minnesota Grown Wool
My most recent blog visit took me to River Oaks Studio in Mora to learn about sheep, wool, felting and spinning. I really didn't know much about any of these things, which made my visit even more exciting. Becky Utecht spent the entire day with me showing me the ropes. I may not be the best at spinning, but I sure can make a nice scarf! Enjoy the blog!
For all of you knitting fanatics out there, make sure to visit MinnesotaGrown.com to find a location near you to purchase Minnesota yarn or wool!
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