Brian and Leslie Axdahl are famous for their sweet corn. Starting every year in late July, folks from miles around make a sort of pilgrimage to their roadside farm stand on the outskirts of Stillwater, Minnesota for some of the sweetest, most tender "bicolor" corn they've ever tasted. This year, for corn lovers who can't make the trip, there's good news. The Axdahl's sweet corn is available at select area supermarkets and college campuses as part of the Food Alliance Midwest program that connects people with local growers. "We grow sweet corn for outstanding flavor," says Brian Axdahl, "and along with our green beans, people seem to love our vegetables for their quality. Thanks to this program, more people can now find our products identified as Food Alliance Midwest certified."
The Axdahl's, who have been a Stillwater farming family since the 1970s, were invited to be a part of the Food Alliance program because they take a sustainable approach to growing their crops. That means they incorporate earth-friendly practices in their operation and use a minimum of chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. Important to them is the care they take to protect the natural habitat of birds and other creatures with unplowed and undisturbed "buffer zones." They are also recognized for their fair and respectful treatment of employees. "During our harvesting time that starts in July and can run through October, we hire up to 35 local people to help in the fields and at the stand," says Leslie. "Many are high school and college-aged kids and its nice to be able offer them gainful employment."
From what started as a five-acre plot of corn almost forty years ago, today the Axdahl's farm some 400 acres. "We want to continue to be in business by taking care of our land," says Leslie. "It's a no-brainer, isn't it? If you take care of the land it takes care of you." And according to the folks who make a steady stream to their farm stand, and now to their neighborhood supermarkets, the difference is something they can taste.
