Brooke Knisley remembers when it had been a dream to have an organic community-supported agriculture (CSA) farm. Both avid gardeners and involved in the environmental field, Brooke and her husband, John, were inspired by their friends’ vegetable farm operation.
When their own opportunity presented itself, they bought their farm and got started. Alternative Roots Farm was established in 2011. Located eight miles north of Madelia, the couple offers both year-round and seasonal goods to the community at their Farm Store, at the Mankato Farmers Market, and through CSA shares.
With about 1,400 apple trees, apples are the farm’s main produce item. They grow over 40 varieties, including a number of heirlooms, some University of Minnesota standards as well as new favorites and a few obscure varieties for good measure. Knisley said the popular Honeycrisp is, of course, among the varieties, as well as Honeygold and Haralson.
Their involvement with the Mankato Farmers’ Market begins each year in mid-August when Zestar! and the rest of the early-season apples become available for purchase.
Read more at mankatofreepress.com
