Local farms come together to continue successful fermenting business

Inside each jar of Spirit Creek’s ferments are the combined efforts of three farms, four hardworking families, and years of experience. Fermented foods have a long history across many cultures, and Spirit Creek Farm has created a delicious line of ferments that highlight the flavor profiles of culinary traditions from across the globe, all while sourcing their raw ingredients from local farms.  

Spirit Creek Farm was started in Cornucopia, WI, nearly two decades ago by Andrew and Jennifer Sauter-Sargent, who were searching for a way to live intentionally on the banks of Lake Superior while homeschooling their three children. Spirit Creek Farm emerged as the answer. According to Andrew, over the years, they have jarred about half a million “cornucopias of live cultured vegetables, bubbling with probiotics and lactobacilli to support digestion, health, and flavor.” 

Since its founding, Spirit Creek Farm has partnered with farmers in Wrenshall for their cabbage, including Northern Harvest Farm, Uff-Da Organics, and Food Farm. A strong relationship formed, and when the Sauter-Sargents decided to sell, Rick Dalen of Northern Harvest Farm and Adam Kemp of Uff-Da Organics did not ferment too long when considering the acquisition.    

“The products themselves are of exceptionally high quality,” Dalen remarked about Spirit Creek Farm’s offerings. “We have worked very closely with the previous owners and successfully learned how to replicate the quality and consistency the Spirit Creek name is known for.” 

With the fermentation process now relocated to a new facility in Wrenshall, both growing and processing occur in the same location. “We are not only the kraut makers,” Dalen explained. “We are also the farmers who grow the raw ingredients. We get to be part of each aspect of the process, which is pretty unique!” 

Dalen shared that motivations for taking on Spirit Creek Farm included offering year-round employment to farmers as well as providing a stable and long-term market for the families who own the operation. 

Spirit Creek Farm embodies the spirit of collaboration. Food Farm, which continues to partner with Spirit Creek, employed Dalen before he had his own farm. In addition, Kemp has been collaborating with Dalen as his co-manager at Northern Harvest for years. Like the jars of fermented goodness they create, every ingredient can stand alone, but when combined they also create something extraordinary. 

Spirit Creek Farm highlights an all-star team of farmers dedicated to sustainable practices. These farms embody a vision for a more interconnected and responsible approach to food production and we are proud to showcase their passion at Whole Foods Co-op