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'Farm to Table'

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June 12 event brings education, philanthropy together for a cause
By
Lori Sorenson

Farmers are educating the community about safe and humane food production and charitable groups are seeking new ways to raise money for good causes.
The two efforts will join forces next month for a “Farm to Table” event to accomplish education and fundraising goals.
The Luverne Area Community Foundation (LACF) and the Rock County Corn and Soybean Growers will host a meal at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, June 12, at The Bluestem.
Chef Skyler Hoiland will create a four-course meal featuring locally grown food.
Between courses and drinks important topics in agriculture and food supply will be discussed:
•Water quality and buffer strips in Rock County
•Organic farming and the food supply
•New food labeling and GMOs
Foundation director Emily Crabtree said she’s looking forward to the event as a collaborative effort for farmers and fundraisers.
“We’ve been working on how the foundation can reach the ag community, and the Corn and Soybean Growers came to me and said what if we did an educational event?” Crabtree said.
The $40 ticket includes the meal and locally featured beer or wine, and proceeds go to the foundation, which supports a number of local causes.
Lucas Peters of the Rock County Corn and Soybean Growers said he’s looking forward to helping the foundation and reaching new community members.
“We saw this event as an opportunity to help the fundraising efforts of the LACF and have a conversation with people about what local farmers are doing to grow food safely for local residents and a growing population,” Peters said.
He said guest speakers will address GMOs and new labeling requirements and how local landowners are protecting water quality. They’ll also answer questions from attendees.  
“Holding the event at The Bluestem is a great way to show how farmers are growing food for local residents,” Peters said. “And a creative menu will emphasize the use of corn and soybeans.”
The first course includes Shrimp Corn Arancini — a homemade risotto stuffed with sweet corn, basil and salad shrimp served on a curry corn puree, served with paprika oil, and scallions.
The second course is Roasted Corn and Arugula Salad — fresh arugula topped with roasted corn, red onion, roasted red peppers, black beans and a soy vinaigrette.
The third course is Teriyaki Flat Iron Steak and Sweet Corn Edamame Succotash — char grilled flat iron steak served on a bed of sautéed corn, soy edamame, blistered cherry tomatoes and garlic confit.
The final course is Maple Corn Bread with a Coconut Soy Sweet Corn Ice Cream — maple syrup infused cornbread served with smooth soy sweet corn ice cream topped with candied bacon.
Tickets (only 100 will be sold) are available at the LACF office at 102 E. Main St. The deadline to purchase tickets is June 10.
“Our hope is that attendees will leave with a better understanding of how their food is grown, how farmers are taking steps to protect water quality, and have a great meal while supporting the LACF.”

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