Growing to Meet Local Demand: How Brakstad Family Farm Feeds Their Community

WHO:	Brakstad Family Farm
BUSINESS TYPE:	Grass Fed Beef, Produce CSA, Farm Store, Community Education Classes
SIGNATURE PRODUCTS:	On site farm classes, Farm store with regional products
WHERE: IN-PERSON: WEBSITE:	Pequot Lakes Welcome visitors at farmers markets, on site farm store and classes through Pequot Lakes Community Education https://www.brakstadfamilyfarm.com/

 

By Michelle M. Sharp, Founder and Content Creator of Meet the Minnesota Makers

Robyn and Lance Bragstad received a pair of Holstein calves as a gift in 2010. 

These cows became part of the plan for their retirement hobby, a way to enjoy the Brakstad Family Farm near Pequot Lakes. This farm has been in Lance’s family for three generations.

Land that began its farming journey as a dairy farm is now a local hub for grass fed beef, a seasonal produce CSA, and hydroponic lettuce grown in high tunnels. Products from the farm as well as those from a variety of local producers and artisans are available seasonally at the on site farm store. 

Brakstad Family Farm’s ecosystem thrives with stately Red Poll cattle grazing rotationally among their pastures. Beillah, the 2024 bottle calf, intends to welcome all visitors, assuming that she is the real reason they’ve come to the farm. Macy, the farm dog who doubles as a cucumber thief, and a trio of farm cats round out the welcoming committee who monitor the many comings and goings of the farm. 

A Hobby Farms Grows

“Our business really did start as a simple hobby,” shares Robyn. “This was something we could enjoy together as a pastime. As it grew, we realized that there is a great need for local produce. This led to us growing produce to supply the local food shelves as well as being present at farmers markets and three local grocery stores.” During their off season, Lance and Robyn volunteer at the food shelves where they share their products as a part of the Farm 2 Food Shelf program. “It’s both a rewarding and eye-opening experience,” explains Robyn. “It’s so powerful to meet the people you help feed with food you grow yourself.

Demand is so consistent for the farm’s produce that they converted a second high tunnel to hydroponic lettuce production in 2025 to better meet local demand. The farm’s growing season begins in late winter with the first pots being planted in the greenhouse. Thanks to the high tunnels, they’re able to extend their lettuce production well into the fall. Even on a chilly early spring day, the difference in temperature thanks to the greenhouse effect on the high tunnels is remarkable. 

All of their beef, typically sold in quarter and half shares, is processed locally. This gives Brakstad Family Farm another way to engage with their local community. Using local processors allows their customers direct contact for specialty cuts and helps ensure that these smaller processors are available for direct-to-consumer orders. It also reduces the energy and transportation costs of their meat, a factor that further speaks to their commitment to sustainable practices. 

Community Engagement

Robyn and Lance along with their daughter Stephanie Kirkham love sharing their farm with the community. At Brakstad Family Farm this takes the form of supplying fresh, nutrient-dense produce and grass fed beef that nourishes their customers. This nourishment reaches people through CSA subscriptions, on site farm store visitors or through the food shelves, grocery stores and farmers markets that carry their products. 

Their community involvement also takes the form of classes that highlight both the fun and the magic of growing your own food. Sharing what they’ve learned about container gardening, soil health, and plant pairings, the family organizes regular classes in partnership with Pequot Lakes Community Education. These classes make planting approachable for all levels of gardeners on the farm’s grounds. 

Teaching others how to grow their own food, whether starting with a bruschetta pot or a salad greens bowl, is a way that Brakstad Family Farm shares their love for what they do back with the community that supports them. All these elements combine for a broad vision of sustainability in food production and land stewardship. Robyn reflects, “We continue to encourage sustainable farming practices for the health of the land and waters. When we do this, it improves the nutrient density of our product for the better health of our family and the families that support us.”

Connect with Brakstad Family Farm

Sign up for the Brakstad Family Farm newsletter and follow them on Facebook and Instagram for event announcements and store updates.

Make a plan to visit the farm on Saturday, May 10 for their annual plant sale. There will be products from several vendors available to kick off the growing season. 

Look for their products in store at Reeds Market in Crosslake, Schaeffers in Nisswa and Pine River Family Market in Pine River. You can also enjoy their produce at the Ideal Farmers Market on Saturdays from Memorial Day through Labor Day. 

Planning to visit the Brainerd Lakes Area? Make a stop at Brakstad Family Farm part of your getaway whether to stock your cabin’s refrigerator or to enjoy a class. 

Visit https://www.brakstadfamilyfarm.com/ for all the farm happenings. 

Visit meettheminnesotamakers.com or follow @meettheminnesotamakers on Facebook and Instagram to discover the small business owners leading Minnesota on a tasty sustainable path forward. Meet the Minnesota Makers is a news site that connects you to the local food, farms, artists and artisans that make Minnesota thrive.

Thank you to Erica Meitz of Heath’s Resort in Pine River for the introduction to Brakstad Family Farm. I’m so grateful for the many ways small businesses support each other.