About Me

I grew up in a suburb of Minneapolis, Minnesota.  On August 20, 1988 I married my best friend, Jonathan, and moved to rural Cottonwood, Minnesota. We have three daughters, and one son-in-law.

Jonathan and I started farming organically in 1998, and currently run 1100 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat, barley and peas.  We conventionally raise finish hogs for a neighbor.

I am currently serving as a District Director on the Minnesota Farm Bureau board, chair the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Organic Advisory Task Force, volunteer with local FFA chapters, and speak to groups about Farming Today.

 

8 thoughts on “About Me”

  1. I have a postcard of my grandfathers dated May 1909. It has a picture of a farm house on the front. Inside Mrs. J.A. Olson signed it stating this is our home – Fair View Farm. My grandfather lived in Madison, Minnesota. Any chance you would know any history or contact person who might like this picture.

  2. Found your blog in my search to get the word out on the next “American Barn Stories” episode — earlier shows are on PBS and this episode should be, too, including Minnesota — please take a look at the story of it all through this link https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/american-barn-stories-episode-3-barn-quilts-old-style-barn-raising-and-more/x/6259310 — it’s a lot of fun and people love the shows from America’s true Heartland — any pass-along help with the link appreciated – thanks- — and good luck with everything you’re doing on your end — maybe there’s a story there for a future episode!

    Tom Laughlin
    Kovia Productions
    Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
    http://www.americanbarnstories.net
    tom-laughlin@att.net
    262-248-9650

  3. Carolyn, just a brief note.
    I hope you enjoyed the NASCAR race, today and a lovely drive home.
    I so enjoyed meeting you and Jonthan, last evening in Kansas City.
    Today, I looked a bit at your blog.
    You have a wonderful gift to communicate “goodness”.
    Thank you for sharing your wisdom and insights.
    Enjoy your harvest, your family and your adventure to Europe.
    I’m glad I got to meet and visit with you.
    Blessings, Shirley

    1. It was so nice to meet you, Shirley! We were able to meet your son, and visit once again with your son-in-law at the race on Sunday. I hope they had fun at their first NASCAR race.
      Thank you so much for visiting my blog, and for leaving me a note. It made my day! 🙂
      Wishing you many blessings!
      Carolyn

  4. Subject: Connect and support a younger generation of farmers!

    Hi Carolyn,

    I heard about your blog in a list of top farm blogs and am interested in connecting. Our farm here in California is run by first generation farmers in their twenties and are launching a nationwide Kickstarter campaign to raise awareness about farming. We’d love to have your support. If you’re interested, please let me know and we can talk more!

    Cheers,
    Alli

  5. Hi Carolyn. I have been reading your blog for awhile. It is great. I particularly have enjoyed your posts on buffer strips! I have somewhat of an odd request. I am currently getting my Master’s Degree in Rural Development through a program in Europe. When I graduate, my hope is to find a job working on agriculture policy in Minnesota and the midwest. I grew up on a corn/soybean/wheat farm in South Dakota. And although I never thought this would be my path when I was a teenager, I have found my passion lies with helping and advocating for farmers like my dad. I will be back in Minnesota in August and September before returning to Germany for my final semester in Europe. When I am back this summer, I have this amazing opportunity to work with State Representative Erin Murphy on a piece of ag legislation – whatever issue want – which she will introduce next legislative session; however, I will admit that being out of MN for the last 11 months, I am not up to date on some of the issues facing farmers today an even if any of these issues can possibly be addressed with new/revised legislation. I have been reaching out to numerous farmers around the state to get their ideas, and I was wondering if you perhaps had any? Feel free to reply to this comment or email me. Thank you for your consideration.

  6. Hi Carolyn, a rancher friend sent the Tri State Neighbor article to me. I am a publicist for several organizations interested in organic ag. I would like to add you to their press list. Could you please send me your email?

  7. Hi Carolyn,

    Found your page today 1/27/16 and just wanted to say, Keep up the great work!

    We understand your story, we made an environmental, educational, documentary movie about the west and small family farms and ranches our web address is http://www.losingthewestthemovie.com Please feel free to check out our page.

    We just signed a distribution deal with Green Planet Films and we are happy to be able to get our film out to the people who need to know what is happening with small family farms and ranches in the western United States.

    Please help us get our message out. Like us, follow us, etc…

    Thank you for your time please write about our film.

    Have a blessed day!

    Best,

    Bill

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