Self-Reliance

Linda Noble has known since the age of 12 that she wanted to be a farmer. She married a farmer (Mike) in 1977, and together they started raising hogs, and dairy cows, and rotationally growing alfalfa, corn, and beans. When the farm crisis of the late 80’s hit, they were forced to rethink theirincome streams. “At the time, I was having some health issues and was making changes in my diet, avoiding things like processed foods and pesticides,” says Linda, now the mother of two sons. “While we were trying to make things healthy for our family, we realized that there was a growing market that we could tap into.”

“The market was getting so volatile at the time – the highs were high but the lows were getting so low that recovery was almost impossible,” explained Linda. That’s when the Nobles decided they wanted to rely on themselves and not the corporations, and they started progressing towards a more diversified organic farm, and joined the Sustainable Farming Association.

Patience and Innovation

It was a tough transition for the Nobles. They lost their crops for the first two years to the frosts in 1990 and 1991. Also, organic farming was such a young trend it was difficult to find information, mentors, or markets. “We just had to jump right in,” says Linda, “ and learn along the way.”

Because they had already been rotationally raising crops, their transition was a little easier for the land than an average conventional field. During the transition period they were able to provide income by continuing with some of their old markets and selling hay until they could really participate in the organic sector.

“It took about seven years before the crops really started to look good,” says Linda, “Still, every year presents new challenges. You just have to always be ready to adjust.”

“We knew that we wanted to raise healthy, happy, quality animals, and our old processors just wouldn’t pay us what they were worth.” So they took their products on the road with Farm-on-Wheels to farmers markets and individuals in their area and in the Twin Cities. They enjoy the direct marketing because of the immediate and personal feedback from their customers. “I like being that connection back to the farm for them.” says Linda.

Linda recalls one of her favorite stories; “Once a family bought a roast from us for New Year’s Eve that they really enjoyed, and they called to tell me that they toasted to the farmers who raised the animal! That’s a really good feeling.”

Linda and Mike sell at the Saint Paul downtown farmer’s market Saturdays and Sundays, in Northfield on Fridays, and will be at the new Rosemount farmer’s markets this year Tuesday evenings.

True to Their Word

Linda expresses some discouragement with the abuse of the “free range” label. “People can sell you free range chickens that live their whole life in a building – just because they’re allowed to run around. That’s why we like to say that our animals are raised on grass and sunshine.” That way, customers know that the animals on the Noble farm live happy and healthy lives. The animals are antibiotic and hormone free and fed with all organic non-GMO feed that is grown right on the farm. Salt is the only thing they give the animals with that does not come from their farm.

Linda and Mike have seen an increase in the consumer’s desire to know where their food comes from and how it is grown and processed. The Noble’s are encouraged by the growing interest and believe in the powers of consumer choice. According to Linda, “We believe that where and how you spend your money can really change the world.”