Boreal Bounty Farm is tucked about a stone’s throw from the intersection of Valley and Laine Roads outside of Two Harbors. The 20 acre seed-to-stand farm has been owned and operated by Pat and Steve Berger since 2017. To get the property ready for cultivation, the Bergers had to complete extensive cleanup and soil testing, and they now grow 30 different kinds of vegetables on their property including a variety of greens, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, onions, squash, beets and herbs. Adding to their garden produce, the Bergers harvest apples from 15 apple trees that are on their property and they are currently raising a small flock of turkeys.
In addition, Pat is recognized as a Lake County Master gardener and is a registered Minnesota Cottage Food Producer, adding pickles, relishes, jams, jellies and other products to the list of goods that they make available at the Two Harbors Farmers Market, the Twin Ports REKO Ring, the North Shore Farmers Collective, and the Clover Valley Farm Trail. The Bergers are active members of Knife River Lutheran Church and the Two Harbors Curling Club.
The University of Minnesota Extension chooses one farm family per county every year and the Bergers are receiving this honor for their efforts to enhance and support sustainable farming and for their commitment to their community.
“These farm families are a major driver to Minnesota’s economy and the vitality of Minnesota’s rural communities,” said Dean of the University of Minnesota Extension, Bev Drugan. “The University of Minnesota is proud to recognize these families for their contributions to agriculture and their communities.”
Be sure to look for the Bergers and their Boreal Bounty Farm products at the Burlington Bay Market and other locations this summer.
