Midwest farmers, millers, and bakers, including Ben, attended a workshop on stone-milling at the Northern Crops Institute in Fargo, thanks to the Artisan Grain Collaborative (AGC). It was a humbling learning experience focusing on grain/flour quality and milling operations. The trip inspired the prospect of expanding Firefly Fields with new milling equipment and enhancing stone-ground flour products, emphasizing the importance of community within regional grain economies.
The Jennings Family Farm, part of Firefly Fields, champions sustainable agriculture through organic methods, avoiding synthetic chemicals, and maintaining biodiversity. They aim to reconnect people with food origins and advocate for local, organic eating to counter the environmental and health impacts of industrial farming. With industrialization reducing the number of U.S. farms and concentrating production, they highlight the need for consumer awareness and behavioral changes in food choices, urging consumers to question the source of their meals to promote a sustainable food system.
For the fourth consecutive year, Firefly has sold out of raw honey before the New Year. Heartfel gratitude is extended to supporters for the overwhelming ‘honey love.’ Deep appreciate, thanks, and anticipation for future raw nectar offerings.
In the Firefly Fields newsletter, Ben and Virginia reflect on two years of farm adventures, while Ayano Matsumae shares traditional Japanese soybean dishes and art, Virginia calls for a more liberal approach to cheffing, and the newsletter also features a product spotlight on organic soybeans, highlighting their nutritional benefits and flavor.
Life is a delicate blend of salty and sweet flavors, where moments of bitterness and resilience create a harmonious rhyme. The poem unfolds with the struggles of a farmstead and the honey bees, reflecting the beauty of collaboration, diversity, and goodness amidst challenges.
Ben and Virginia reflect on two years of farm adventures and growth, from renovating the farmhouse to expanding the apiary and cultivating new crops. Their staycation provided a much-needed break before diving into 2024 with a clearer vision. Balancing challenges and success, they look forward to what the new year holds with hope and excitement.
We are excited to introduce our new Organic Hard Red Spring Wheat product line. Available as raw berries or stone-milled flour in various quantities, it has received great feedback locally. The raw berries are versatile for milling or cooking, while the stone-milled flour retains all the natural components, adding a nutty flavor to your baking.
Introducing our newest raw honey product: the 2023 Seasonal Honey Selection. It offers the unique opportunity to pre-order three or five honey jars, each capturing the diverse landscape of our organic farm in Michigan. From pale, early-season honeys to rich, late-season ambers, experience the full spectrum of nature’s nectar. Limited supply, pre-order only.
The Jennings family, deeply rooted in sports and farming, has a strong connection to basketball and organic grain farming. Papa Jennings’ love for basketball, coaching, and organic farming has left a lasting impact on his family. The farm’s transition to USDA Certified Organic and the tradition of sending organic grains to Archie and Mattie’s daughter helped sow the seeds for Firefly Fields.
A New Year is Here! But first, A Year in Review from Firefly Fields. To have an idea of where...