Char's Bars Soaps
460 12th Street, Red Wing MN
cdsmith@charsbars.com
651 380 7243
Hi! I'm Char Smith, a local
soapmaker. I started selling
my handcrafted soaps and
lotions through the RWFM
in 2009. I like the firiendly, vibrant atmosphere of the market and appreciate the loyal customers who frequent the market and purchase our local products. Char's Bars Soaps are handcrafted, environmentally friendly, true soaps made from organic ingredients, predominately olive and cocomut oils. See article in Spring Newsletter for more information.
460 12th Street, Red Wing MN
cdsmith@charsbars.com
651 380 7243
Hi! I'm Char Smith, a local
soapmaker. I started selling
my handcrafted soaps and
lotions through the RWFM
in 2009. I like the firiendly, vibrant atmosphere of the market and appreciate the loyal customers who frequent the market and purchase our local products. Char's Bars Soaps are handcrafted, environmentally friendly, true soaps made from organic ingredients, predominately olive and cocomut oils. See article in Spring Newsletter for more information.
Hincks Produce
Delmar and Barb Hinck
33787 Co. 45 Boulevard
Lake City, Minnesota 55041
651-923-4863
Delmar and Barb are nearly permanent fixtures at the Red Wing Farmers Market. They have been selling their high quality produce here for over 20 years. They learned the ins and outs of the market from vendors that were old timers 20 years ago, people like Lyle and Helen Tomford. If you have been in Red Wing for a long time you’ll also remember the names Baringer and Schlichting as produce vendors from that time as well.
Being a constant presence at the farmers market over the years translates to a lot of long days and hard work towards growing the best produce. It also means good customers are welcomed back each season and treated fairly; treated like the friends they’ve become over the years. Delmar and Barb start out the season with the early vegetables-greens, lettuce, radishes and spinach and then move into summer with beets, onions, potatoes, sweet corn, summer squash and finish up with cabbage and winter squash. They’ll be at the market with just-picked produce from early summer until the season closes with a hard frost. Once the soil warms and vegetables can be planted, it’s a summer of long days hand weeding and staying on top of watering if there are prolonged dry spells.
Once the vegetables are ripe, preparing for a day at market can take 10 to 12 hours of picking, sorting and cleaning the produce to have it ready for customers early in the morning. As far as advice to new vendors, it’s simple-list your prices and follow the market rules. Bring your best produce to market and treat your customers like friends and you are likely to do well for as long as you care to come to the market, maybe even for 20 years.
Nesbitt’s Nursery
www.nesbittsnursery.com
715.792.2676
Nesbitt’s Nursery is family owned and operated and offers superior service in providing landscape trees, container grown trees, plants, flowers, seeds, vegetables, and apples. In addition Nesbitt’s offers fresh pressed cider, pastries, fair-trade/organic coffee, and homemade ice cream. Nesbitt’s is now the home of Happ-E-Hill Pumpkin Farm, so we offer seasonal rural experiences mid September through November.
Although we are in our 5th year of planting a garden, 2009 brings yet another new venture for Nesbitt’s; we will be starting our CSA program (Community Sustainable Agriculture). We are feeling great about this being our first year doing CSA, a year when so many are looking to buy fresh produce right from their neighboring farms! Nesbitt’s liked the idea of running a “green” business and sharing our slice of the country with others. We decided to do all of this with an educational element; educating children and adults about the different things we do at Nesbitt’s.
Nesbitt’s is uniquely located; we are only 15 miles away from several communities, so we set out to work within our communities, buy local products, and maintain a sustainable existence, and with all the local talent, this is very achievable! It is wonderful working with our neighbors, and we feel really fortunate to do what we do because of it. Nesbitt’s is all about reducing and eliminating the use of pesticides on our produce, so we use IPM’s, (integrated pest management) and in 2006 we got our Food Alliance Certification. Nesbitt’s is very pleased with how progressive the Red Wing Farmers Market has become and we are especially glad to be a part of this community!
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Hartland Prairie Farm
Steve Kaufer
Bay City, Wisconsin
715-594-3113
In 2001 I quit my job to stay with my kids and farm at home. I grow native prairie flowers and grasses for seed and cut flowers, and annual flowers. I am the only grower utilizing native prairie flowers in the floral industry. I like the independence and gratification of delivering a superior product. I manage my fields by using fire every spring. My advice to other vendors: Leave sub-par goods at home; keep quality the priority.
Bystrom Produce
Dean and Nancy Bystrom
Ellsworth, Wisconsin
715-273-5532
July in Minnesota - Toughing it out!
We began selling produce on a limited basis in 2007, but really pursued it in earnest in 2008. We needed a change of pace and we both enjoy being outside. We both enjoy planting seeds and watching the plants grow and produce food that we’re so impatient to eat fresh. Fresh food is the best!
We recently purchased an old farmstead so we could become more self-sufficient. This is a perfect fit for us. We raise enough to can or freeze for our family and also to sell. In 2008, we put up over 2,100 jars of canned goods. We start all of our bedding plants from seed, using composted soil. While we are not certified organic, we use no fertilizers, weed killers, or other chemicals. We grow mostly “traditional” vegetables -beans, tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, cucumbers, etc. We use many heirloom seeds. We hand-plant and hand-pick all of our produce by ourselves. Our gardens are hand-weeded and, if necessary, hand watered. We also sell homemade jams, jellies, pickles, relish and salsa. We have recently experimented with selling handmade doilies and birdhouses.
Our advice to other vendors: Be fair, be honest, help your neighbors, and try to have fun.
Steve Kaufer
Bay City, Wisconsin
715-594-3113
In 2001 I quit my job to stay with my kids and farm at home. I grow native prairie flowers and grasses for seed and cut flowers, and annual flowers. I am the only grower utilizing native prairie flowers in the floral industry. I like the independence and gratification of delivering a superior product. I manage my fields by using fire every spring. My advice to other vendors: Leave sub-par goods at home; keep quality the priority.
Bystrom Produce
Dean and Nancy Bystrom
Ellsworth, Wisconsin
715-273-5532
July in Minnesota - Toughing it out!
We began selling produce on a limited basis in 2007, but really pursued it in earnest in 2008. We needed a change of pace and we both enjoy being outside. We both enjoy planting seeds and watching the plants grow and produce food that we’re so impatient to eat fresh. Fresh food is the best!
We recently purchased an old farmstead so we could become more self-sufficient. This is a perfect fit for us. We raise enough to can or freeze for our family and also to sell. In 2008, we put up over 2,100 jars of canned goods. We start all of our bedding plants from seed, using composted soil. While we are not certified organic, we use no fertilizers, weed killers, or other chemicals. We grow mostly “traditional” vegetables -beans, tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, cucumbers, etc. We use many heirloom seeds. We hand-plant and hand-pick all of our produce by ourselves. Our gardens are hand-weeded and, if necessary, hand watered. We also sell homemade jams, jellies, pickles, relish and salsa. We have recently experimented with selling handmade doilies and birdhouses.
Our advice to other vendors: Be fair, be honest, help your neighbors, and try to have fun.
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Dana's Breads
Dana Blattner
Red Wing, Minnesota
danablattner@redwingshoe.com
I started baking about 15 years ago, mainly during holidays or for special occasions and giving it way to family and friends. I have always enjoyed baking and trying new recipes. For the past five years I have also been assisting my father in his garden just outside of Hastings and have helped him on Saturdays to sell at his town’s farmers market. Three years ago I decided to venture out on my own in my home town and sell my homebaked goods. At my table you will find rhubarb, zucchini, pumpkin and various banana breads. I have had a good time getting to know the local vendors and customers, and to be involved in the Red Wing Farmers Market Association. I look forward to another fun and exciting season and hope you visit us soon.
Dana Blattner
Red Wing, Minnesota
danablattner@redwingshoe.com
I started baking about 15 years ago, mainly during holidays or for special occasions and giving it way to family and friends. I have always enjoyed baking and trying new recipes. For the past five years I have also been assisting my father in his garden just outside of Hastings and have helped him on Saturdays to sell at his town’s farmers market. Three years ago I decided to venture out on my own in my home town and sell my homebaked goods. At my table you will find rhubarb, zucchini, pumpkin and various banana breads. I have had a good time getting to know the local vendors and customers, and to be involved in the Red Wing Farmers Market Association. I look forward to another fun and exciting season and hope you visit us soon.
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Thurston Hill Produce
Joe Smith
Ellsworth, Wisconsin
715-497-6808
I’ve been a life-long resident of Pierce County, Wisconsin. I was raised on a dairy farm along with my 12 siblings. By tilling the land, I can keep a small portion from the developer’s hands. I’ve been selling produce from our farm for 15 years. My garden is like a playground for me. I love it. Growing vegetables is kind of a family tradition. My grandfather, Fredrick Krantz, while a professor at the University of Minnesota, developed the Krantz potato in the early 1960s. I received my bachelor’s degree from the U of M in Agricultural Business.
I sell a variety of vegetables and flowers at three markets; Red Wing, Lake City, and Hudson. All the markets are totally different. I especially like the people at the markets. I find Red Wing a competitive market, and competition is good. The more vendors there are, the more people will come.
Joe Smith
Ellsworth, Wisconsin
715-497-6808
I’ve been a life-long resident of Pierce County, Wisconsin. I was raised on a dairy farm along with my 12 siblings. By tilling the land, I can keep a small portion from the developer’s hands. I’ve been selling produce from our farm for 15 years. My garden is like a playground for me. I love it. Growing vegetables is kind of a family tradition. My grandfather, Fredrick Krantz, while a professor at the University of Minnesota, developed the Krantz potato in the early 1960s. I received my bachelor’s degree from the U of M in Agricultural Business.
I sell a variety of vegetables and flowers at three markets; Red Wing, Lake City, and Hudson. All the markets are totally different. I especially like the people at the markets. I find Red Wing a competitive market, and competition is good. The more vendors there are, the more people will come.
Alma’s Bakery & Candies
Alma Yoder
W3621 State Highway 85
Durand, WI 54736
It’s been three years that I have been at the Farmers Market in Red Wing. I wanted to have a bakery at my home, so I decided to also go to a Farmers Market. I just love to go every Saturday to sell my baked goods. I have lots of people buying my goods from me. I want to bake delicious goods so they want to come back! Everything is fresh. I have to be with vendors and like them, and thanks to them for helping when I get there. What keeps me going is the people. I say thanks to everyone who stops to buy my baked goods. Hope you enjoy it all. I also make the cashew crunch candy and sell a lot of it. Thanks to all of you.
Alma Yoder
W3621 State Highway 85
Durand, WI 54736
It’s been three years that I have been at the Farmers Market in Red Wing. I wanted to have a bakery at my home, so I decided to also go to a Farmers Market. I just love to go every Saturday to sell my baked goods. I have lots of people buying my goods from me. I want to bake delicious goods so they want to come back! Everything is fresh. I have to be with vendors and like them, and thanks to them for helping when I get there. What keeps me going is the people. I say thanks to everyone who stops to buy my baked goods. Hope you enjoy it all. I also make the cashew crunch candy and sell a lot of it. Thanks to all of you.
Overlander Organics
David and Carol Overlander
23049 165th Ave.
Welch, MN 55089
We’ve been selling goods at the Red Wing Farmers Market for two years now. We started growing produce for lots of reasons; we love being outside, working with nature, but mostly we wanted the freshest, healthiest food possible.
At the Market we sell plants in the beginning of the season. The two of us start all of our own plants from seed and plant them by hand. We grow all kinds of things to sell at the Market, mostly vegetables, some fruit. We specialize in growing heirloom varieties-they’re more unique then what you typically find, and the flavor is so much better! In addition, sell jams, salsa, sauerkraut, etc. We also raise our own chickens for meat and eggs.
We’re all about sustainability; compost piles, saving seed, natural growing practices. We never use chemical fertilizers or pesticides/herbicides. We purchase organic seed and harvest it again at the end of the season.
Lots of things to keep us busy around the farm, but we really love doing it. We wish everyone could have a garden! We also love to visit so come by our stand and see us!
David and Carol Overlander
23049 165th Ave.
Welch, MN 55089
We’ve been selling goods at the Red Wing Farmers Market for two years now. We started growing produce for lots of reasons; we love being outside, working with nature, but mostly we wanted the freshest, healthiest food possible.
At the Market we sell plants in the beginning of the season. The two of us start all of our own plants from seed and plant them by hand. We grow all kinds of things to sell at the Market, mostly vegetables, some fruit. We specialize in growing heirloom varieties-they’re more unique then what you typically find, and the flavor is so much better! In addition, sell jams, salsa, sauerkraut, etc. We also raise our own chickens for meat and eggs.
We’re all about sustainability; compost piles, saving seed, natural growing practices. We never use chemical fertilizers or pesticides/herbicides. We purchase organic seed and harvest it again at the end of the season.
Lots of things to keep us busy around the farm, but we really love doing it. We wish everyone could have a garden! We also love to visit so come by our stand and see us!
Vang Gardens of Eagen
Bao and Shua Vang
914 Lawson Ave. # 1
St. Paul, MN 55106
We have been with the Red Wing Farmers Market for two years. I like being a farmer, and I like serving people and enjoy selling in Red Wing. We sold at the Farmers Market in Minneapolis and St. Paul for six years. Our farm is in Dakota County so we wanted to sell our produce in a smaller town. The best part of selling in a small town is getting to know the people. Because we both have jobs during the day, it is difficult to attend membership meetings. We would like to do that because we have ideas and suggestions that would be helpful to the Market.
Bao and Shua Vang
914 Lawson Ave. # 1
St. Paul, MN 55106
We have been with the Red Wing Farmers Market for two years. I like being a farmer, and I like serving people and enjoy selling in Red Wing. We sold at the Farmers Market in Minneapolis and St. Paul for six years. Our farm is in Dakota County so we wanted to sell our produce in a smaller town. The best part of selling in a small town is getting to know the people. Because we both have jobs during the day, it is difficult to attend membership meetings. We would like to do that because we have ideas and suggestions that would be helpful to the Market.
Green Gardens
Blaize Holden and Lynnea Lufi
31401 Northfield Blvd.
Northfield, MN 55057
We have been involved with the Red Wing Farmers Market for a few years, however, this is our first year vending. We sell local organic fertilizer, fresh herbs, and a variety of berries and vegetables. We manufacture the highest quality organic fertilizer produce in Cannon Falls, Minnesota, and sell it directly to growers at the Red Wing Farmers Market.
Our gardens are located at our home near Northfield. We use 100% chemical free growing practices to grow a wide variety of specialty herbs and vegetables. Fall is the best time to fertilize!
Blaize Holden and Lynnea Lufi
31401 Northfield Blvd.
Northfield, MN 55057
We have been involved with the Red Wing Farmers Market for a few years, however, this is our first year vending. We sell local organic fertilizer, fresh herbs, and a variety of berries and vegetables. We manufacture the highest quality organic fertilizer produce in Cannon Falls, Minnesota, and sell it directly to growers at the Red Wing Farmers Market.
Our gardens are located at our home near Northfield. We use 100% chemical free growing practices to grow a wide variety of specialty herbs and vegetables. Fall is the best time to fertilize!
LC Vegetable Garden
Lucie Passus
Northfield, MN
I’ve been a vendor here for two years now. It’s been wonderful seeing residents come down to support us and the Market. Working with the other vendors has been good-we’ve all gotten along with each other! I always look forward to coming to Red Wing.
Lucie Passus
Northfield, MN
I’ve been a vendor here for two years now. It’s been wonderful seeing residents come down to support us and the Market. Working with the other vendors has been good-we’ve all gotten along with each other! I always look forward to coming to Red Wing.
River Road Honey Farm
Eske and Audrey Bennetsen
W119054 497th Ave.
Prescott, WI 54021
Eske Bennetsen had a fascination with beekeeping his entire life. In 2005, that fascination turned into a hobby starting with two hives. Eske, and his wife Audrey, now have 42 hives and with those 42 hives, an abundance of honey.
Naturally, Farmers Market venues were a terrific place to sell our honey. We are very pleased with the response we’ve had at the Market. Everyone is so friendly!
River Road Honey Farm sells in three markets: Prescott, Red Wing, and Maiden Rock. We specialize in raw creamed honey which you may sample at our booth. We extract and bottle our products at our Honey House. Many of our hives are located at our honey farm south of Prescott, and some are loaned to local orchards and nurseries. We sell online and ship our honey all over the country as well as overseas. Our web address is www.bonanzle/riverroadhoneyfarm.com. Our advice to vendors: Be passionate about your product, answer questions and be friendly to your fellow vendors.
Eske and Audrey Bennetsen
W119054 497th Ave.
Prescott, WI 54021
Eske Bennetsen had a fascination with beekeeping his entire life. In 2005, that fascination turned into a hobby starting with two hives. Eske, and his wife Audrey, now have 42 hives and with those 42 hives, an abundance of honey.
Naturally, Farmers Market venues were a terrific place to sell our honey. We are very pleased with the response we’ve had at the Market. Everyone is so friendly!
River Road Honey Farm sells in three markets: Prescott, Red Wing, and Maiden Rock. We specialize in raw creamed honey which you may sample at our booth. We extract and bottle our products at our Honey House. Many of our hives are located at our honey farm south of Prescott, and some are loaned to local orchards and nurseries. We sell online and ship our honey all over the country as well as overseas. Our web address is www.bonanzle/riverroadhoneyfarm.com. Our advice to vendors: Be passionate about your product, answer questions and be friendly to your fellow vendors.
Hawk’s Brain Garlic
Susan Johnson
Hawk’s Brain Garlic
733 Sanford StreetRed Wing, MN 55066
Even though I have only been a vendor at the Farmers Market for three years, I’ve been growing garlic for over 20 years. I started out with two varieties and now grow 25 for sale. In addition, last year I inherited a research plot of 52 varieties.
As any farmer or gardener knows, weather plays an important part in how your crop grows. Timing with planting, rain, harvesting and curing will affect the quality of the garlic. For whatever reason, I love growing garlic. My plants make me happy whether I’m weeding them or hanging them to dry.This past year I ventured into garlic powder and scape powder. It has been exciting to see customers at the Farmers Market discover how great scapes are in the early garlic season.
I have a booth at the Minnesota Garlic Festival (2009 will be the 4th Annual) as well as one weekend at the Renaissance Festival.
Can’t go wrong with garlic-whether you’re are eating it or growing it!
Susan Johnson
Hawk’s Brain Garlic
733 Sanford StreetRed Wing, MN 55066
Even though I have only been a vendor at the Farmers Market for three years, I’ve been growing garlic for over 20 years. I started out with two varieties and now grow 25 for sale. In addition, last year I inherited a research plot of 52 varieties.
As any farmer or gardener knows, weather plays an important part in how your crop grows. Timing with planting, rain, harvesting and curing will affect the quality of the garlic. For whatever reason, I love growing garlic. My plants make me happy whether I’m weeding them or hanging them to dry.This past year I ventured into garlic powder and scape powder. It has been exciting to see customers at the Farmers Market discover how great scapes are in the early garlic season.
I have a booth at the Minnesota Garlic Festival (2009 will be the 4th Annual) as well as one weekend at the Renaissance Festival.
Can’t go wrong with garlic-whether you’re are eating it or growing it!
Flower Valley Orchards
John and Maureen Blue
2999732 Orchard Road
Red Wing, MN 55066
We have been selling apples at the Red Wing Farmers Market for four years. It is a family business and always great to have our children involved with our business.
John and Maureen Blue
2999732 Orchard Road
Red Wing, MN 55066
We have been selling apples at the Red Wing Farmers Market for four years. It is a family business and always great to have our children involved with our business.
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Bushel and Peck
Chuck and Judy Bremer
Richard Bremer and Cheryl Sprick
72000 300th Ave. Lake City MN
651 345 4747
Chuck and Judy Bremer
Richard Bremer and Cheryl Sprick
72000 300th Ave. Lake City MN
651 345 4747
Strawberries are one of the first signs of Spring at the RWFM. The Bremers have been growing and selling strawberries since 1991 and have been at the RWFM for the past 10 yeaars. Growing strawberries is a lot of hardwork, particularly when the apple orchards are also demanding the family's attention. Chuck says what keeps customers coming back is the quality.
Shady Lane Farm
Pete and Nancy Brooks
N7014 530th Street, Beldenville, Wisconsin
shadylanefarm@yahoo.com 715 273 037
Our family farm motto is: "Preserving Tradition's Wisdom." We believe that the modern advancements in food and body care products, although convenient and inexpensive, have done away with many of the benefits that were present in generations past. We're doing our part to preserve the health, purity and wholesomeness that home grown and hand made products had to offer ''way back when." See article in RWFM Spring Newsletter for more information.
Pete and Nancy Brooks
N7014 530th Street, Beldenville, Wisconsin
shadylanefarm@yahoo.com 715 273 037
Our family farm motto is: "Preserving Tradition's Wisdom." We believe that the modern advancements in food and body care products, although convenient and inexpensive, have done away with many of the benefits that were present in generations past. We're doing our part to preserve the health, purity and wholesomeness that home grown and hand made products had to offer ''way back when." See article in RWFM Spring Newsletter for more information.
J & J Produce
John and Lori Dondlinger
57800 County Road 2
Milleville, MN 55957
507 798 2486
John had two uncles that were in business for many years and before them - their father (John's grandpa.) They started growing melons about 75 years ago. In 1962, Don started growing sweet corn, one of the first in Minnesota. He started selling corn in front of the RW Shoe store on main street when he was 16 and later in front of the City Hall. Currently they sell sweet corn, melons, squash, pumpkins and a variety of vegetables. See RWFM Spring Newsletter for more information.
John and Lori Dondlinger
57800 County Road 2
Milleville, MN 55957
507 798 2486
John had two uncles that were in business for many years and before them - their father (John's grandpa.) They started growing melons about 75 years ago. In 1962, Don started growing sweet corn, one of the first in Minnesota. He started selling corn in front of the RW Shoe store on main street when he was 16 and later in front of the City Hall. Currently they sell sweet corn, melons, squash, pumpkins and a variety of vegetables. See RWFM Spring Newsletter for more information.
The Vendors:
Who’s Who at the Market
Who’s Who at the Market