Richard Handeen and Audrey Arner raise beef cattle on the rolling bluff land of the Minnesota River Valley. They raise their cattle on pasture, and they strive for a "sus- tainable system that is in perennial cover as much as possible." They believe in a system in which the land supports the animals, with little need for outside inputs; therefore, they use no pesticides on their farm. This commitment to sustainability, says Richard, "gives our consumers confidence in the health of our product."
Richard finds it powerful to be "involved in the life cycle of a complex being-helping the animals come into the world, and taking care of them. I am content with my part in that relationship." He also values the "interaction with people who like our products, and like what we stand for." Richard finds Food Alliance certification to be positive for both the consumer and the producer. He says, "It takes into account many aspects of agricultural production that consumers are concerned about."
Richard and Audrey, who are Minnesota Farmers Union members, market their Moonstone Farm beef by selling it on-farm, as well as taking special orders for quarter-animals. Minneapolis restaurant Café Barbette serves beef from Moonstone Farm, and the menu at the Bryant Lake Bowl features the Moonstone Burger. They also market some of their cattle through Thousand Hills Cattle Company, a grass-fed beef company whose fresh products are available in Twin Cities retail grocery stores.
