Jim and Ellen Gardner: The Next Generation of Farmers

For Jim and Ellen Gardner, farming isn’t just a career, it’s a shared passion that began in college.

The couple, who grew up on opposite sides of Minnesota, met while studying plants in college. Jim, who also earned a minor in soil science, and Ellen discovered they shared a love for the land and a vision for farming that works with nature rather than against it.

They married in 2019 and a year later, returned to Jim’s 160-acre family farm outside of Spring Grove to build the life they envisioned.

“Jim wanted to create a multi-species regenerative farming system on his family’s beautiful farm, while I wanted to educate people about the personal and ecological benefits of regenerative agriculture,” Ellen explained.

Today, they are raising their 5-year-old daughter, Esther, on the family farm. Jim’s mother, Julie Chapman, also lives on the farm, making it a three-generation family operation.

Jim’s parents purchased the farm in the 1960s, and while the property sits quietly at the end of an unassuming dead-end road, visitors are amazed by the views that define Minnesota’s Driftless Region.

Since establishing the farm in 2020, Jim and Ellen have focused on regenerative agriculture, raising pasture-based livestock in ways that repair the soil’s health and work in harmony with the natural ecosystem.

This year, the Gardner family is raising 3,000 meat chickens, 700 laying hens, 150 turkeys and 40 sheep, which is growing.

When they began farming it took only a couple weeks for the couple to find out that one person couldn’t run the farm alone. Jim left his job at the county to manage the day-to-day operations with the animals and equipment, while Ellen handles the management, sales, and marketing side of the business.

They also proudly introduce their dedicated employee, Shirley Gerard. When she isn’t working in the Spring Grove school lunchroom, she can be found washing eggs and caring for the farm’s 700 laying hens.

Ellen said Shirley spends so much time with the chickens that some will rest their heads against her chest when she holds them.

Jim laughed as he added, “All 700 chickens follow her around.”

The Gardners sell their products directly to consumers through their website, on the farm, at farmers markets. They also offer Consumer Supported Agriculture (CSA) meat subscriptions.

Their products can be found at farmers markets in the Twin Cities – the Bloomington Farmers Market, Northeast Minneapolis Farmers Market and Uptown Minneapolis Farmers Market. In southeast Minnesota, consumers will find the Gardners at the Rochester Farmers Market, Winona Farmers Market and Spring Grove Music & Makers.

The couple have also created another way for visitors to experience the beauty of their farm. A cozy cabin overlooking the landscape is available through Airbnb, giving guests the opportunity to wake up to spectacular views.

Those interested in learning more about regenerative farming, subscribing to the newsletter, or purchasing products can visit www.gfamilyfarm.com, follow the family on Facebook and Instagram, email info@gfamilyfarm.com or call 507-822-7035.

Visitors are also welcome to stop by the farm on Wednesdays from 3-7 p.m.