Sower’s Harvest Farm Expands Produce Offerings in West Central Minnesota 

Growing up, Cody Kurowski learned about food production by helping his neighbors on their farms, but farming was never his full-time job. That began to change after he moved to Glenwood in the fall of 2020. When an acre and a half of land next to his home came up for sale, Cody bought it and started a garden, reconnecting him with the work he had enjoyed growing up. 

As the garden grew, so did Cody’s vision for what it could become. The property, however, couldn’t support farming at the scale he had in mind. Cody and his wife, Clancy, decided to move to Fergus Falls, where they could build the farm they envisioned. Moving an established operation to a new community was no small feat, but Cody felt confident about finding customers in a new market. 

“I had a proven model, so I knew how to get customers and let people know that I existed. I wasn’t completely nervous about getting customers,” he said. 

Today, Cody and Clancy operate Sower’s Harvest Farm, where they grow an assortment of fresh, chemical-free produce. 

Creating the Harvest 

Sower’s Harvest Farm grows a variety of fruit and vegetables, including tomatoes, onions, peppers, squash, greens, potatoes, strawberries, and melons. Wanting to ensure the highest quality of produce possible, they never use pesticides and always work towards building a diverse ecosystem around the crops. 

They also focus on soil health to ensure that they have the best product available for their customers. Nutrient-dense fertilizers are used for the soil, and they employ a no-till, permanent bed system.  

Cody enjoys engaging with customers to build relationships throughout the community. “I think it’s very important to know where your food comes from,” said Cody. “You have to trust that the person has the best intentions behind what they’re doing and the desire to do it.” 

As the farm continues to grow, Cody’s next goal is to grow more crops for a longer time throughout the year. 

Increasing Farm Capacity 

Working on season expansion and crop volume requires extra space and resources, and Cody couldn’t do it all on his own. So, he looked to West Central Initiative’s Good Food Loan Fund for help. With this loan, he plans to get another high tunnel for his farm. This will allow him to increase their production and expand their growing season. 

“It’s a super helpful program for beginning farmers. It allows them funding to start,” said Cody. “We’re very grateful for the support.” 

More high tunnels means more protection from the seasons, which in turn creates favorable growing conditions for most crops. Using this space, their goal is to have fresh greens available year-round. 

Looking to the Future 

As he continues to expand the farm, Cody wants to serve the community more consistently by extending the growing season and maintaining a steady supply of produce at the locations where Sower’s Harvest Farm products are sold. 

In addition to extending the growing season, Cody wants to offer educational opportunities. “I would like to offer education, from a farm standpoint, around local food, what it means, how to actually grow things, and what’s possible with produce.” 

Currently, Sower’s Harvest Farm can be found at multiple places throughout the region. They sell at the Fergus Falls Farmer’s Market, Glenwood, and their own farm store. Their products can also be found at Otto & Asher in Fergus Falls. Their self-serve farmstand, located at 24712 225^th Street in Fergus Falls, is open 24/7. 

Visit wcif.org/loans/ to learn more about how financing can support local food producers and businesses across the region.