Farm Friends Barn is the recipient of a Community Builder grant from the Offutt Family Foundation, supported by R.D. Offutt Farms (RDO).  

Located in Sherburne County, the Farm Friends Barn is an agricultural education facility featuring hands-on exhibits. A non-profit organization, the Barn was created to enhance community knowledge in agricultural practices, sustainable farming methods, conservation practices and heathier eating habits.

All RDO team members were invited to apply for Community Builder grants in the program’s ninth year to support causes they are passionate about and that make a difference in the communities where they work and live. Daran Solbreken, R.D. Offutt Becker Farm Manager, nominated the Farm Friends Barn for the grant. 

Solbreken said he is impressed with how the organization has facilitated students to visit the facility, teaching them about planting and managing crops, and ultimately harvest in the fall. 

“I firmly believe educating the public about agriculture is very important, especially teaching young generations where their food comes from,” Solbreken said. “I have been out to the Barn a few times and it amazes me on the progress they are making with additions of buildings and displays.”

Chairperson of the Farm Friends Barn, Jean Johnson said the facility will be adding a local granary to the site, which will showcase soil education. The display will demonstrate root systems of native plants and agricultural crops, with information about soil stability, aggregates, water retention, living biome, and mycorrhizal fungal relationship of crops. 

“This grant will help us provide hands-on learning about in-depth uses of soil, from growing the crops to biological, physical, and chemical concepts,” Johnson said. “Additionally, the display will tie in topics such as pollinators, the basic needs of life (food, water, shelter, space), and nutrients.”

This year, R.D. Offutt Company, the parent company of R.D. Offutt Farms, and the Offutt Family Foundation, announced 54 grants as part of the Community Builder program. Since 2015, the program has donated more than $1.7 million to local nonprofits and community organizations nationwide.