Crow River Chapter Annual Meeting

Join us for a fabulous lunch buffet from Elbows Allowed featuring organic and local foods.

Pre-registration required.
SFA Member Free Admission.
Non-members $15.00.
REGISTER HERE.
Members must log in to see member pricing. Learn more about joining SFA here.

Agenda:
12:30-1:15 PM Lunch Buffet/Social
1:15-1:30 Business meeting
1:30-2:30 Seed Saving for Beginners and Experts
2:30-3:00 Break/social, plus MDA no cost assistance for Farm Business, Financial, Legal Help, and Mental Health
3:00-4:00 TBA

More information:

Session #1 From Soil to Seed: Seed Saving Workshop with Greg Reynolds

Unlock the secrets of the garden’s full life cycle! Join us for an immersive workshop on the art and science of seed saving, led by veteran farmer and local expert Greg Reynolds.
Whether you’re growing in a high tunnel or your backyard, or a plant enthusiast curious about preserving rare varieties, this class will help you to become more self-sufficient and offers a unique opportunity to learn from one of the region’s most seasoned growers.

Greg will bridge the gap between biological wonder and practical application, covering:

• The Fundamentals of understanding pollination, isolation distances, and fruit maturity.
• Processing Techniques – Best practices for harvesting, cleaning, and drying seeds.
• Storage Success – How to ensure your seeds remain viable for seasons to come.
• Biodiversity – Why saving seeds is vital for local food systems and resilient gardens.

Meet the instructor: Greg Reynolds
Greg brings a rare blend of engineering precision and three decades of organic farming wisdom to the table. After 30 years of managing his own vegetable operation, Riverbend Farm, he now oversees the gardens at Gale Woods Farm in Minnetrista.
Greg isn’t just a grower; he is a steward of genetic diversity. From his home in Delano, he continues to grow specialized crops to produce seeds for pioneering organizations like North Circle Seeds, the Experimental Farm Network, and Cultivating the Commons.

Session #2:
Farming can be a stressful occupation. Often, you live where you work. Your coworkers may be your spouse and/or other family members. While you get to be your own boss, you feel responsible for a lot and can control very little. Financial problems, price and marketing uncertainties, farm transfer issues, production challenges, marital difficulties, and social pressures can be real sources of stress — even crisis — for farmers and farm family members.
We’ll hear from MDA on how farmers can receive confidential no-cost assistance with: Help with Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Feeling Stuck, and Crisis Situations, Help with Daily Living, Business, Financial and Legal Help, Help with business and legal problems, Help with food, heat, electricity, health care, childcare, senior programs, etc.

Session #3 To be announced soon.

SFA staff and volunteers occasionally take photos during our events for promotional purposes and to use as documentation to share with our funders.  If you do not wish to be photographed, please let our event host know — we’ll make every effort to make sure you are not photographed.