Reviving Rural Roots: How One Farmer is Bringing Innovation to Sheyenne Valley

Joanna Larson, owner and operator of Prairie Gates farm, is blending tradition with innovation to create a more sustainable and community-driven agricultural future in the Sheyenne River Valley. Working with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Larson is leveraging conservation programs to transition to organic production and expand local food access.

“I want to use agriculture in a way that makes our community stronger, not smaller,” Larson said. “Healthier and happier, not hungrier.”

Larson’s family has farmed in the valley for four generations, raising conventional crops while also integrating conservation practices like no-till farming to combat soil erosion. On her own operation, she raises vegetables, beef, and cut flowers, with a strong focus on local markets. In partnership with NRCS, she is now working toward USDA organic certification and implementing conservation practices like improved pasture management, high tunnels for season extension, and composting systems.

Joshua Bruggman, NRCS Sheyenne River District Conservationist, has been assisting Larson in navigating the technical and financial resources available through NRCS’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

“Joanna has been incredibly proactive in learning about conservation practices and organic transition,” Bruggman said. “Her dedication to soil health and sustainable farming is inspiring, and NRCS is here to support producers like her in making these transitions successful.”

Larson has also taken an innovative approach to improving local food access. She started a self-serve farm stand on Main Street in Sheyenne, aggregating produce from multiple local growers. The stand, which operates from sunrise to sunset, has provided a convenient option for customers who may not have traditionally attended farmers markets.

“I was surprised by how many new customers shopped at the farm stand,” said Larson. “Commuters, lake-goers—people who wouldn’t usually have access to local produce—found it convenient and fresh.”

Looking ahead, Larson is expanding her efforts with an online storefront for pre-ordering local vegetables and meat and is planning a brick-and-mortar store to further increase local food availability. She is also working to accept SNAP benefits to make her products more accessible.

“The EQIP assistance for organic transition, if I get selected for funding, will be a game-changer,” Larson said. “It’s a big investment in time and resources, but with NRCS’s help, I can take these steps with more confidence.”

Bruggman emphasized the importance of NRCS programs in helping producers like Larson achieve their conservation goals.

“EQIP provides vital support for producers who want to improve resource management,” he said. “We encourage farmers with conservation-related ideas to reach out and see how NRCS can help.”

From conservation farming to community-driven food access, Larson’s work is a testament to the evolving landscape of North Dakota agriculture—one rooted in tradition but growing toward a more resilient and sustainable future.