From Fermentation to Full Circle: Jenny Bredeken’s Agritourism Journey at Full Circle Farm

Photo Credit: Jess Hunter Photo

As a flower farmer and entrepreneur myself, I’ve always been inspired by the stories of others who take a dream, nurture it, and turn it into a thriving business rooted in passion and place. In this episode of Rooted Agritourism, I had the joy of sitting down with Jenny Bredeken from Full Circle Farm, whose journey is a beautiful reminder of why we do what we do as rural entrepreneurs.

Jenny’s story spans from Minnesota to Honolulu, and then back again weaving together family legacy, a love for food, and the courage to follow a vision even when the path wasn’t clear. Her passion for fermentation and sourdough bread became the foundation for a farm and micro bakery that now serves as a connection point for her community.

Building a Business from Passion

One of the themes that stood out in our conversation was how Jenny allowed her husband's interests—fermentation, sourdough, and wholesome, fresh food—to guide her entrepreneurial journey. She didn’t begin with a perfect business plan. Instead, the couple leaned into curiosity and followed what lit them up.

That’s a lesson many of us in agritourism can take to heart. The most successful rural businesses aren’t necessarily the ones that mimic what’s already out there. They’re the ones that bring authenticity, personal story, and creativity to the table. Jenny’s bread isn’t just bread—it’s a reflection of her values, her family, and her dedication to reconnecting people with the origins of their food.

Reconnecting People to Their Food

At Full Circle Farm, Jenny has made it her mission to show people where their food comes from and why it matters. Whether it’s through the sourdough loaves she bakes, the produce her farm grows, or the conversations she sparks at local markets, she is bridging the gap between consumer and producer.

In our world of convenience and pre-packaged everything, this reconnection is powerful. Agritourism isn’t only about generating income; it’s about creating experiences that remind people of their roots. It’s about giving them a taste of something real, something alive with story and purpose.

Facing the Challenges of Farming

Of course, building a farm business is never without obstacles. Jenny was candid about the challenges she’s faced—from the physical demands of farming to the complexities of moving into wholesale markets. Transitioning to wholesale required new systems, new relationships, and a willingness to adapt.

I appreciated how open she was about the realities of rural entrepreneurship. We often romanticize farming, but the truth is that it takes grit, resilience, and a lot of problem-solving. Jenny’s story shows us that challenges don’t mean you’re failing—they mean you’re growing.

Honoring Family Legacy

Another inspiring aspect of Jenny’s journey is the role of family legacy. Full Circle Farm isn’t just a business; it’s a continuation of something bigger. She carries forward the values and traditions of her family while also creating her own mark.

That balance—honoring where we come from while innovating for the future—is something many agritourism entrepreneurs navigate. Jenny has shown that it’s possible to build something new while staying deeply connected to the past.

The Importance of Local and Fresh

At the heart of Jenny’s business is a commitment to local, fresh products. Her sourdough bread, made with care and intention, isn’t just food—it’s community. When we choose to support local producers like Jenny, we’re choosing to keep dollars in our communities, reduce food miles, and celebrate the unique flavors of our regions.

As farmers, florists, bakers, or event hosts, we all share in that same mission. Agritourism allows us to turn what we grow and create into experiences and products that feed not just bodies, but also connections.

Following Your Dreams Despite the Obstacles

Jenny’s journey from Minnesota to Honolulu, from fermentation experiments to a flourishing micro bakery, is proof that dreams can take root in unexpected places. Agritourism is never a straight path—it’s winding, challenging, and full of surprises. But with persistence, passion, and a strong sense of purpose, it’s possible to create a business that nourishes both yourself and your community.

As I reflect on this conversation, I’m reminded why I started Rooted Agritourism in the first place: to share stories like Jenny’s that encourage us all to keep going, to dream big, and to stay rooted in the values that matter most.

If you’re an aspiring rural entrepreneur—or if you just need some encouragement today—this episode is one you won’t want to miss.