Meet Ben & Erin from Open Hands Farm

Learn more about Ben & Erin from Open Hands Farm!

"We chose the name Open Hands Farm to represent the generosity and kindness that we give to our work and the generosity of the earth in feeding us all."

Ben Doherty & Erin Johnson, Open Hands Farm

Northfield, MN

Why did you start farming?

Because we love great food, plants and working outside

How did farming wind up being different than what you expected?

We didn't fully understand the ups and downs of farm income

What is the most challenging thing about running a farm business a consumer might not realize?

Income is tight and uncertain on small and medium farms. If folks paid a little more for food, we could have a LOT more viable and thriving small farms in the Midwest. Meaning if more people bought local food at fair-to-farmer prices , we could have much more economic, community and food security benefits with hundreds , not dozens , of small and medium farms.

What do you think the most important thing that differentiates the way you farm from other farms?

Prevention of crop disease and insect pests through the use of rotations (crop diversity) , creating insect habitat (for predators), and feeding soil for healthy, resilient plants (with cover crops, compost , minerals).

What is the most surprising or interesting to people when they learn more about your farm?

We have just 6-7 of us growing this much food!

Why do you like working with TC Farm?

We like the flexibility and close communication and being part of a direct marketing relationship without having to do the marketing by ourselves. This stability and connection helps us increase our volume of certain crops and a enjoy a foundation of steady, year-to-year purchasing.

Fun Facts About Open Hands Farm

Dirty veggies stay fresh longer! By storing unwashed veggies in their giant cooler and waiting to wash them until they are ready to be delivered, Open Hands keeps their veggies fresh & crisp.

Cover Crops to Prevent Weeds & Keep Soil Healthy

Even though their fields look barren and snowy in the winter, they are planted with cover crops like winter rye and sorghum. These will sprout early in the spring before other crops go in, and their organic matter will get incorporated back into the soil and prevent weeds from taking hold.

Leftovers for the Neighbors

Excess produce scraps that may have otherwise ended up in a compost pile are much appreciated by sheep on a neighboring farm!