Arboretum’s Farm at the Arb enters year two with new focus on crops
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum opened the “Farm at the Arb” last year to share the story of modern agriculture with its 500,000 annual visitors. More than 10 years in the making, the new exhibit was the largest addition to the Arboretum in 40 years.
While the “Farm at the Arb” has been open to visitors since last fall, the arboretum continues to bring new attractions to the exhibit and makes adjustments to ensure it accurately reflects Minnesota agriculture.
One area that has evolved since first opening is the farm’s growth plots. The plots of corn, soybeans, wheat and more were impacted by poor weather in their first year, and the Arboretum felt it was still missing an individual with ag-specific experience to take the lead in that particular area.
To address the latter, Director of Operations Alan Branhagen said he is most excited about the hiring of Bob Dressen as the exhibit’s lead horticulturist. Dressen comes to the Arboretum with an agriculture background, and experience in growing the row crops that help make up Minnesota agriculture.
“We knew from the beginning we needed to bring on a farmer gardener, and now we finally have that absolute key position filled,” Branhagen said. “[Dressen] brings an attention to detail on things like the importance of a crop rotation plan, soil testing, incorporating manure and more.”
Now under Dressen’s leadership, Branhagen said he is very excited about the future of the growth plots and their ability to tell the story of agriculture today.
The “Farm at the Arb” also now includes a large kitchen where area schools can bring students for a farm-to-table cooking experience using the crop’s grown just outside. While all classes were cancelled due to COVID-19, Branhagen said he is excited about the prospects of reaching younger generations to share information about what is grown in our state in an interactive way.
With funding from Minnesota corn farmers’ investment in the corn check-off, Minnesota’s corn organizations were able to support the creation of the “Farm at the Arb” as part of its mission to reach the non-farming public. With fewer people having a connection to the farm, these efforts are as important as ever.
The Landscape Arboretum is currently open, but reservations are necessary to limit crowds due to COVID-19. You can plan your visit by clicking here.
