By Michelle M. Sharp, Founder and Content Creator of Meet the Minnesota Makers
| WHO: | Ferndale Market | ||
| WHAT: | Free range turkey and a local food hub | ||
| SIGNATURE PRODUCTS: | Shippable whole fresh frozen or smoked turkeys in addition to a variety of gift boxes packed with locally-processed meat, cheeses, and gourmet snacks | ||
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WHERE: IN-PERSON: WEBSITE: |
Cannon Falls Store front in Cannon Falls available seven days a week |
Sandy soil.
This natural attribute of the Cannon Valley makes ideal terrain for raising turkeys on pasture.
For three generations the Peterson Family has raised turkeys in Cannon Falls. The family works with local independent processors to bring delicious and humane turkey to market. Since 2008, when John Peterson moved back to the farm and recognized the unique nature of their practices, Ferndale has been an independent brand selling their products directly to consumers in partnership with regional retail partners, local restaurants, and co-ops.
LOCAL FOOD HUB
For those who live within driving distance of Ferndale Market’s Cannon Valley on-farm store, a visit is a wonderland of locally-produced food from chocolate to marshmallows, soup mixes to 
jams, frozen strudel to maple syrup and, if you’re really lucky, turkey pot pies. It is Ferndale Market‘s mission to be a partner of our regional food space.
Sausages, snack sticks, smoked turkey legs, turkey stock and gravy are all regularly on the shelf awaiting your kitchen or grill. The selection of turkey products goes well beyond what you may be familiar with at your midwestern co-op. All told, the store carries more than 300 items from Minnesota plus a deluxe selection of cheese and cured meats from Iowa and Wisconsin.
Many of these items are shippable nationwide through their online store in addition to a variety of gift boxes packed with locally-processed meat, cheeses, and gourmet snacks.
CUSTOMER CONNECTIONS
Fern and Dale Peterson started raising free range turkeys in the rolling hills of the Cannon River Valley in 1939. Their turkeys have always been free range and antibiotic free. As trends in commercial turkey farming changed, Ferndale Farm didn’t. Raising and processing their turkeys in a 
humane fashion has been their way of doing business for more than 80 years.
Within Minnesota Ferndale is a Farm to School partner with their ground turkey and hot dogs being popular items for school menus. With founder Dale coming of age during the Great Depression, keeping their quality high and the price point accessible has always been a top priority.
Turkey that’s been raised outside moving its muscles has a richer flavor than conventional birds. It’s a lean and healthy protein that can be the center of your plate well beyond Thanksgiving and its coveted leftovers.
The on-farm market opened in 2008, in the same building where the Petersons used to hatch the poults. “We really value the opportunity to have a direct connection to our customers. It’s sadly rare in agriculture today,” says Katie Peterson, Ferndale Market’s Marketing and Communications Manager.
THE FERNDALE MARKET EXPERIENCE
Since opening their on-store market, the Peterson Family has been able to deepen their relationship with regional farmers and food makers. Thursdays, delivery day, is a who’s who of the local 
food scene. The supply chains are as short as possible. Cannon Falls and the greater Cannon Valley boast a strong sense of community. It has become a local food hub, which puts the market in a unique position to celebrate the makers and growers of the region. “When we collaborate as a community it helps everything grow,” reflects Katie.
Amanda Carlson, the store’s Retail Manager, greets everyone by name and makes adjustments to next week’s orders as the local producers tote in boxes of honey, cheese, bread, and chocolate. Amanda adds products she loves to the store’s shelves. Her smile deepens as she talks about the locally-sourced charcuterie boards and nuances of the jam offerings. “I know the stories of these makers. I see their businesses grow. We get to make things happen by carrying their product in our store, to make a difference in someone’s success. You can see the impact right away.”
Beyond the food, the store itself is a journey through the local food scene. The story of Fern and Dale and the farm practices that make their turkey unique greets visitors at the entrance. The store decor include many repurposed items and historical photos from the farm, making the visitor a part of the farm’s history. “We want people to feel like they’re a part of this story. We wouldn’t be able to be an active part of the local food scene without them,” explains Amanda.
DOING IT DIFFERENTLY
Before opening the on-farm store in 2008, Ferndale Market had sold their turkeys on the commodity market. How they raised their birds and why those practices mattered for the end product were lost in the process.
Three generations of Petersons have overseen the care of thousands of poults. Every summer they open the farm for tours. “It’s a fun opportunity to share our farm’s history and practices, and let visitors see our free-range turkeys up close,” explains Katie.
TURKEY FEST
In 2024 more than 3000 people picked up their Thanksgiving turkeys during Turkey Fest, a six day period to meet local producers and shop locally
for your feast. “It’s not really Thanksgiving until the family who comes by in turkey hats arrives,” shares Amanda. “It’s amazing to be a part of their stories, their traditions. We’re honored to have that relationship with people who love our products.”
Katie agrees, “It’s simply incredible to have this direct connection with our customers. We are honored to be part of their family traditions. It’s an unbelievably wonderful feeling to have that feedback from our customers every year.”
GET IN TOUCH
Ferndale Market is one of three makers presenting at the September 20 Taste Makers Class at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Sample their new collaboration with CannonBelles Cheese, learn about their farm partners and taste turkey like you’ve never enjoyed it before. Register through the Arboretum website.
Shop Ferndale Market on line at ferndalemarket.com Shop in store seven days a week. Make your own gift box in store or ask any of the Ferndale retail experts for their recommendations in building a box.
Follow @ferndalemarket on Facebook and Instagram to see what the turkeys are up to today or for announcements on new items in store and local events.
Visit meettheminnesotamakers.com or follow @meettheminnesotamakers on Facebook and Instagram to discover the farmers and innovators working to strengthen Minnesota’s local food networks. Meet the Minnesota Makers is a news site that connects you to the local food, farms, artists and artisans that make Minnesota thrive.
