Apr 1, 2020
A detailed transcript and photos are available at http://groundedbythefarm.com/enough-food/.
Links for this episode are at the bottom of the list of timecodes, etc.
Val Wagner and her husband Mark farm and raise a family of four boys in Monango, North Dakota. We talk with her about how they plan for and store food for a family that size as well as a bit about the crops and livestock they raise.
The latest episode of Grounded by the Farm speaks to something many of us are facing this week whether we are at home in big cities or rural areas — we are focused on having enough food at home. Buying, storing, and cooking more meals.
The last time I was at home cooking this much was when I lived in the Mississippi Delta, an area I frequently called the middle of nowhere. I personally am looking at food differently. Although I have many grocery stores and restaurants within a mile or two, I am planning for my meals, thinking about what I need to have in the house for a week or two instead of going out to the grocery store every few days or stopping by restaurants so much more often.
My friend Val Wagner who lives in North Dakota came to mind as she lives well away from a grocery and has a big family. I knew she’d have a lot of tips to share.
Meet Val
Wagner & Her Family 1:05
Not Everyone Visits North Dakota 1:40
Growing Sweet Corn 5:31
How do you store sweet corn & other food long-term? 7:46
Having Freezers Ready 11:14
Getting Meat Processing Done 13:15
Focus on Herd Health 17:35
2019 Was a Bad Weather Year 21:44
Thinking about Empty Grocery Shelves 23:33
Planning Further Out, Eating at Home More 27:03
Caring for Special Dietary Needs 33:18
May Need To Consider New Normal 36:47
Supporting Local Businesses 39:21
What if you want to buy local meat? 42:55
Find Val Wagner Online 45:54
- Wag'n Tales (wagfarms.com) her blog
- @wagfarms on Twitter
- Val Wagner or Wag’n Tales on Facebook
- posts about their sweet corn https://wagfarms.com/2012/05/18/some-sweet-sweet-corn/ and https://wagfarms.com/2012/08/17/the-ultimate-gift/
- More info about the metabolic issue Eli has https://wagfarms.com/tag/ornithine-transcarbamylase-deficiency/
Other Links of Interest
The website Grounded by the Farm http://groundedbythefarm.com/ and the contact form for ideas on local food or to offer suggestions for the show https://groundedbythefarm.com/contact/
Post about working cows at the Wagners' farm https://jploveslife.com/agriculture/animal-ag/city-slicker-working-cows-dakota-vacation-highlight/
How to freeze sweet corn https://www.beyerbeware.net/2013/07/how-to-freeze-sweet-corn.html
Discussion on cattle care with a veterinarian https://groundedbythefarm.com/caring-for-beef-cattle/
Farm near Memphis that sells beef direct to consumers https://www.facebook.com/SpringValleyFamilyFarms/
Moving cattle close to home and barn https://groundedbythefarm.com/beef-cattle-farmer-veterinarian/
Favorite popcorn to have around https://groundedbythefarm.com/growing-popcorn/
A good pantry recipe red beans and rice https://jploveslife.com/food/red-beans-and-rice-recipe-instant-pot/
post about a friend's farm that sells avocados directly https://jploveslife.com/food/avocado-farm/