National Farm Viability Conference

Economic developers have generally been late to the game in seeing the local foods movement as an economic engine for their communities.That's not the case for the small city of Cannon Falls, home to a number of values-based food and farm businesses who have been working together in conjunction with their local economic development staff and regional organizations. This tour will visit and hear from a group of businesses who sustainably raise, process, and market poultry and meat products in Cannon Falls. 

The first stop on the tour will be to Lorentz Meats, a full-serve meat processing company that has been in the Lorentz family for five decades. The company, which employs nearly 100 people, has a commitment to sustainability and transparency. To that end, they built their plant with large windows looking into our abattoir and fabrication area where customers are able to come and view their production process. 
The next stop will be Ferndale Market, where John Peterson, a third generation turkey farmer, has an amazing story of a farm that has grown and adapted over time with an eye to being a good neighbor and a good steward. John will discuss how he focuses on building closer relationships with customers to boost his business. 
The last stop will be Cannon Falls newest local foods enterprise - Artisan Plaza. Learn how Dave Olson was inspired by food oases in the middle of Wisconsin and saw an opportunity in his hometown. Dave repurposed an old event rental hall and has transformed it into a retail and restaurant space featuring local foods. Here, we’ll sit down for a discussion that will highlight the role key state and private partners have had in assisting these businesses.
Panelists:
      Dave Maroney, City of Cannon Falls
      Dianne Howard, City of Cannon Falls
      Michael Sparby, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute
      Pam Bishop, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation

Tour Schedule:
12:30, Leave for Lorentz Meats
1:10, Lorentz Meats, Story and tour - Mike Lorentz
1:40, To Ferndale, Story, John Peterson
2:10, Ferndale, Tour and store, John Peterson
2:40, To Artisan Plaza
3:00, Artisan Plaza, Story and tour - Dave Olson
3:30, Panel, Dave or Dianne, John, Mike, Dave, Pam Bishop, CannonBelles
4:30, To Red Wing
5:00, Arrive Red Wing