Farming for the Future: What the Stearns County 2040 Plan Means for Rural Communities

As flower farmers, we live deeply connected to the land, the seasons, and the communities we serve. But in places like Stearns County, Minnesota—where farmland meets increasing development—there’s a growing need to have intentional conversations about what kind of growth we want for our rural areas.

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, I explored the Stearns County 2040 Comprehensive Plan, a roadmap that outlines the county’s vision for growth, with a specific focus on agriculture. This plan isn’t just about roads, housing, or business—it's about protecting the very things that make rural communities thrive: farmland, families, and future generations.

We’re facing rapid growth and urban sprawl in many rural counties. That growth is inevitable, but how we respond to it is still within our control. Do we want to see our prime farmland paved over for strip malls? Or can we envision communities that embrace small farms, value-added agriculture, and agritourism as core pillars of local economic development?

The plan identifies five interconnected pillars for rural sustainability: agriculture, living, business, connectivity, and nature. Supporting small farmers is central to that vision. It's not just about growing food or flowers—it's about creating space for multiple income streams like on-farm events, U-pick flower fields, and educational agritourism experiences that reconnect consumers to the land.

As small farmers, we know firsthand how hard this work is—but also how rewarding and essential it is for a healthy local economy. Value-added products and agritourism help make that work more sustainable. And thoughtful planning—like what’s being proposed in Stearns County—ensures that rural voices are heard in shaping the future.

We must stay engaged, curious, and involved in our local planning processes. Comprehensive plans may sound bureaucratic, but they hold real power in deciding the fate of our farms, roads, and communities. If we want a future that supports small farms, we have to help build it—intentionally and together.