A Look at Small Scale Farming in Lucan, Minnesota

This episode tells the story of several different farmers in and around Lucan, MN. Located 150 miles South West of the Twin Cities, you would never think this town with a population of 226 would have so much going on.

Going against the agricultural grain, this blip in a sea of corn boasts CSAs, organic cattle and pigs as well as beer made from homegrown hops. The episode is a bit longer than others, but I think it gives you time to understand why people are returning to small scale farming.

With the young farmers of Kicking Mule as our guide (as well as their adorable daughter Francis), we spent a couple days in the area. Francis tells us the story of where the farm got its name (she was kicked in the face by a mule) and also shows off the pigs she helped birth. Beyond the cuteness factor, these are stories about real food, not just the perfect little farm, but the balancing act that is inevitable in farming.

After watching, please check out the farmers: Kicking Mule Farm, Miles of Pork, Batalden Farm and Brau Brothers Brewing Company.

Daniel Klein, and The Perennial Plate Going On the Road!

52 weeks ago we released our first episode to a few friends and family in Minnesota and England. Now, a year later we have over 12,000 weekly views, and I’ve been able to meet so many local and national people who are doing great, important things with food. Needless to say, it has been a very good year: full of learning, new friendships and a lot of hard (and fun) work.

So, what do you do now? The opening sequence of the series says “A year in Minnesota” and that year is OVER. So, staying true to my word, we are stopping episodes in Minnesota, but rest assured we will not be silent for long…

This May, The Perennial Plate will continue, but this time it will be across the country. We will be traveling from Minnesota to Texas to Oregon to New York to Florida and back home. Six months on the road — releasing a new episode every week. This will be a real food road trip, where we get to know the local food heroes in the far flung corners of the USA.

And of course WE NEED YOUR HELP. Here is a list:

1. Share your stories. We are looking to have this journey across the country be guided by the viewership, by you and your friends. So go on the site and submit the best stories about food in your town or state. You can also tell us good places to stay (like on your couch) or eat (your kitchen table?).
2. Donations. We are doing another Kickstarter campaign.
We are raising $20,000 and could really use your help. Even if it is just $5, every little bit counts. If we got $5 from everyone who visited the website this week, we would reach our goal right away.
3. Tell everyone you know. I realize that you have already done this, but remember that friend from 3rd grade that hated peanut butter, tell him too.

After learning to cook at his mother’s bed and breakfast, Daniel Klein (The Perennial Plate) went on to work and train at many of the world’s top restaurants. His culinary education brought him to Spain, France, England, India and New York, where he has worked and trained at top Michelin starred restaurants. After graduating from NYU, Daniel also pursued a career in film.