Carlton County Extension Connection

Join the Carlton County Master Gardeners on Tuesday, July 15th from 4-7 pm for their annual garden tour. This year will highlight the Carlton/Wrenshall area.

Unique features of these gardens are pollinator gardens, a lake home landscape, a farm with extensive fruit planting, a homestead residence and more. The tour will also include the "Wood City" quilters who will have their hand-made quilts displayed amongst the gardens. Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer all of your gardening questions.

This free event is self guided and open to the public. Maps and flyers with locations are available at the Extension Office or the Master Gardener Facebook page. Hope to see you there!

Each year, the University of Minnesota Farm Family Recognition Program honors farm families across the state for their contributions to agriculture and rural life. Here in Carlton County, we’re proud to celebrate a family that not only puts food on our tables but also pours love, values, and purpose into everything they grow and raise.

This year, we’re thrilled to recognize Davis Acres, operated by Brad and Jessica Davis and their children, as Carlton County’s 2025 Farm Family of the Year.

From the moment you pull into the driveway at Davis Acres, it’s clear this is more than just a working farm—it’s a way of life. It’s where faith, family, and farming all meet in a rhythm that reflects the changing seasons, the lessons of hard work, and the deep joy of raising the next generation to understand where their food really comes from.

Brad grew up on a dairy farm, learning the ropes early and falling in love with agriculture. “People ask me why I farm, and I say, ‘Because I like it,” Brad said with a grin. “My worst day farming is still better than my best day working. Even if the day’s to-do list doesn’t get done, it’s still a great day.”

Jessica’s introduction to farm life came with a dose of humor—her first date with Brad involved baling hay, and their second had her fixing fence. “We always say our love story is a farm story,” she laughed. Since their marriage in 2007, they’ve been building their farm and family side by side.

Davis Acres started as a modest cow-calf operation and has grown into a vibrant, diversified farm. When their kids were little, Jessica stepped away from her nursing career to be home with them, opening the door for a whole new role on the farm. It all began with 600 laying hens Brad brought home as a surprise. That gift kicked off a thriving local egg business that now supplies seven retail locations across the region.

Today, Davis Acres sells eggs, meat, and baked goods at farmers markets, partners with CSAs, and works with organizations like Community Action in Duluth. And it’s not just Brad and Jessica doing the work—this is a true family operation with multiple generations working side by side.

Each of the Davis children has their own cow herd and unique responsibilities. Andy and Eli team up to sell pork. Debbie bakes cupcakes with her aunt. Isabelle helps trap pigeons for a local dog-training business and is proudly known as “the best gatekeeper in the world,” according to her dad. This year, the kids are also trying out a new enterprise with goats, following a successful season raising sheep last year.

They’re not doing it alone. Brad's mom often brings them to the farmers market, helping sell their farm-fresh products and sharing stories with customers. And the legacy doesn’t stop there—Brad still helps his grandpa make hay and care for his cows, carrying on traditions and values that span four generations.

It’s this deep-rooted focus on family that sets Davis Acres apart. In a world where more and more people are disconnected from where their food comes from, the Davis’ are raising their kids to understand every step of the process—from caring for animals to managing money, planning for markets, and making sure every chore gets done. It’s not just about growing food—it’s about growing responsible, grounded, community-minded young people.

“We want our kids to know the value of hard work, the importance of stewardship, and the joy that comes with producing something meaningful,” Jessica shared. “Too many people are so far removed from the farm today. We want our children—and others—to really understand where their food comes from, and why that matters.”

Their impact doesn’t stop at the farm gate. The Davis family is active in their church, contributes to local fundraisers and community breakfasts, and is deeply involved in 4-H, where the kids participate in everything from showing animals, robotics, and knowledge bowl competitions.

This year, they’re also taking on a new venture: growing oats and buckwheat to mill their own gluten-free flour after three of their children were diagnosed with celiac disease. What began as a challenge quickly became another opportunity to diversify and adapt, all while meeting the needs of their own family and others in the community.

As they work toward building their forever home on the farm, the Davis family continues to grow Davis Acres with the same values they’ve always had at the core: faith, integrity, family, and feeding people the right way.

“We’re doing something we love, and we want to do it well,” Brad said. “So if you see me driving slowly down the road in my tractor, just know I’m not trying to hold you up—I’m working on getting you your next bacon cheeseburger.”

From hay-baling dates to kids raising livestock, baking cupcakes, and milling flour, Davis Acres is a story of grit, gratitude, and generations working together to build something meaningful. Their story reminds us that behind every carton of eggs or pound of beef is a family who wakes up early, stays up late, and never stops caring about the people they feed.

Come help us celebrate the Davis family at the Carlton County Fair on Friday, August 15th, at noon in the Pavilion during the annual recognition program. The event also honors our Century Farms and Outstanding Senior Citizens from across the county.

Statewide honorees will be recognized during the University of Minnesota’s Farm Family Recognition Ceremony at Farmfest near Redwood Falls on Thursday, August 7. Learn more and explore other family stories at https://extension.umn.edu/farm-families.

Join the Extension Office at the 4-H fair building and livestock barns where you will find 4-H exhibits, a Master Gardener question and answer booth, and interactive agriculture displays. Considered one of the best county fairs in the area there is something for everyone!

Click here for exhibit information and a schedule. https://carltoncountyfairmn.com/ or call the Extension Office for a printed copy.

As a Lawns to Legumes coach, I’ve had the pleasure of helping many grantees design their pollinator gardens. One common theme I’ve noticed—especially among new or novice gardeners—is the overwhelm that sets in when faced with the sheer number of native plant options. With so many beautiful and beneficial species native to Minnesota, the question I often hear is: “What are the best plants to put in my garden?”

After considering essential site details—soil type, sunlight, moisture, and more—many gardeners are still left with long lists of possibilities. This is where I introduce the concept of keystone plants.

Keystone native plants are those that offer the highest ecological value. According to research led by renowned entomologist and author Doug Tallamy, just 14% of native plants support a staggering 90% of butterfly and moth (Lepidoptera) species. These plants form the foundation of local food webs by supporting the insects that feed countless birds and other wildlife.

Horticulturist Jarrod Fowler extended this research to native bees and found that 15–60% of North American native bee species are pollen specialists, relying on just 40% of native plants for pollen. In other words, keystone plants are not just nice to have—they’re essential for supporting biodiversity.

Among the most powerful keystone species:

• Oaks (Quercus spp.) – Host to 445 caterpillar species
  
  

• American Plum (Prunus americana) – 409 species
  
  

• Willows (Salix spp.) – 397 species
  
  

• Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) – 276 species
  
  

When it comes to herbaceous plants, keystone flowers support both caterpillars and pollen-specialist bees. At the top of the list:

• Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) – Supports 120 caterpillar species and 22 bee species
  
  

• Asters (Symphyotrichum spp.)
  
  

• Sunflowers (Helianthus spp.)
  
  

If you're looking to make the biggest wildlife impact in your yard or community garden, I highly recommend consulting the National Wildlife Federation’s Keystone Native Plant list as a starting point. By focusing on these powerhouse species, we not only create beautiful landscapes but also strengthen the ecological web that sustains life.

Carlton County is searching for nominations for the 2025 Outstanding Senior Citizen Awards. This is an award honoring citizens within the county that go above and beyond to help others and organizations within the community. Do you know a deserving senior? You are encouraged to nominate them! An awards ceremony will be held at the Carlton County Fair on August 15th at 12pm. Applications are open and due on July 11th.

This site showcases how thoughtful land management can support both pollinators and people. With a variety of fruit trees and dedicated pollinator plantings, Gary and Barb have created a landscape for native and honey bees. Clover fields are planted specifically to feed pollinators, and new buckwheat stands are being added this year to support honey production. Barb’s honey will even be sent to Texas for testing to evaluate its potential medicinal qualities. This is a great example of how agricultural practices and pollinator health can go hand in hand.

The term “feedlot” might sound intimidating— but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, Minnesota’s feedlot rules are in place to help and protect livestock producers, their animals, and the environment. Whether you’re raising two animals or two hundred, understanding how the rules apply can give you confidence and peace of mind.

matter the species. If you raise cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, poultry, or any other livestock, this is a chance to get clear, practical information directly from the experts. Join us for a relaxed, informative evening with: George Schwint, Principal Engineer – MPCA Feedlot Program & Local MPCA feedlot program staff.

Open to everyone with livestock—any species, any size. Free and open to the public. Whether you're just getting started or have been raising livestock for years, this is a great opportunity to learn, ask questions, and walk away with tools to help your farm thrive.

Topics we’ll cover:

• What actually defines a feedlot
• Which rules apply to smaller operations
• How pastures fit into the picture
• Common myths and misunderstandings
• How the rules benefit producers
• Q&A session- bring your questions!

When: July 24th at 7pm

Where: Fireside Inn (415 Meadow Dr, McGregor, MN 55760)

Please call ahead to reserve your spot: 218-384-8680.

Food and drink available for purchase.

Local residents enjoy a tour of the "Kavanaugh Peony Farm" in June.

Did you know? The Carlton County 4-H Federation has an ongoing fundraiser selling Carlton County plat books?! Stop on in and get one. They retail for $40 and the proceeds go directly to Carlton County 4-H.

The Extension Office will be closed on Friday, July 4th in observation of Independence Day.

For assistance with registration or printing of information please contact the Extension Office at

218-384-3511. A computer is also available for public use.

Mandi Haglund, Principal Office & Admin. Specialist, haglu119@umn.edu

Mercedes Moffett, Agriculture Educator, moffett029@umn.edu

Ann Rust ,Vol. Coord. & Horticulture Asst., rustx048@umn.edu

Katie Siltanen, 4-H Educator, silta006@umn.edu

317 Chestnut Ave

P.O. Box 307 Carlton, MN 55718

218-384-3511

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