Co-op Blog

HOOP SNAKE FARM: RESTORING HISTORY AND REGENERATING LAND

At Hoop Snake Farm in Douglas County, Wisconsin, history and innovation meet in a 125-year-old barn that’s getting a second life. Owned and operated by a passionate farmer with a background in agricultural anthropology, the farm is a living example of regenerative agriculture, community engagement, and historic preservation. 

“This barn is 125 years old this year,” Madeline, owner of Hoop Snake Farm shared. “Many people have told me it’s the oldest barn in Douglas County.” With the help of the Grow Local Food Fund grant, repairs are underway—starting with a crumbling wall and foundation that will be shored up and framed out. The lumber for the restoration was custom-milled by an Amish sawmill, a nod to the farm’s commitment to traditional craftsmanship and sustainability. 

But Hoop Snake Farm is more than just a barn. It’s home to many animals, including pigs, sheep, and chickens. The barn serves as a shelter for sows to farrow. On the day of Whole Foods Co-op’s visit, there was a mother who was nestled in, ready to give birth any minute. “I slept out here last night,” Madeline said, nodding towards a sleeping bag in the hay. “I want to be here when it happens.” 

The barn also provides warmth and protection for other babies on the farm, as well as a winter haven for sheep, and a hub for hay storage. It’s also a venue for community events, including concerts and fundraisers that support the local food pantry. 

Beyond fixing up the barn, the farm is looking at sustaining itself far into the future, in part by planting nut-producing trees like white oak and black walnut to create shade, habitat, and future food sources for livestock. “In 30 years, it would be wild to have black walnut-fed hogs,” Madeline said. “It would reduce reliance on imported grain and create a more self-sustaining system.” The trees were planted with support from a grant through the Cable Community Garden and Natural History Museum. 

The farm’s approach to animal care is thoughtful and hands-on. Piglets are trained to respect electric fencing, which allows for rotational grazing and minimizes environmental impact. “When pigs first encounter electric wire, they run forward, so we train them in a controlled space first,” Madeline explained. Rotational grazing also supports soil health and allows cover crops to thrive behind the animals. 

Despite only being on the property for a year and a half, Madeline has made large strides. The Grow Local Food Fund grant has helped kickstart essential repairs and laid the foundation for future educational programming in the barn. “The goal is to use this space for events and learning,” Madeline said. “And eventually, to kick the pigeons out of the loft and make room for hay.”

The meat produced at Hoop Snake Farm is available at the farm stand at 5829s County Rd H, Brule, WI; through their website hoopsnakefarm.com, their Facebook or Instagram pages @hoopsnakefarm, through the Maple, WI Reko Ring Facebook page, and at Darlings Grocery on Madeline Island or Juneberry Corner Store in Bayfield.

With deep respect for the land’s history and a clear vision for its future, Hoop Snake Farm is cultivating more than crops—it’s growing community, resilience, and a legacy of stewardship.

When you round up for GIVE!, a portion of your donation goes to support the Grow Local Food Fund, and our regional farms and food producers, like Hoop Snake Farm. Thank you for rounding up!

Connect with Hoop Snake Farm on Instagram and Facebook: @hoopsnakefarm 

NATIVE WISE: RESTORING LAND, RAISING BISON, AND BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

At Native Wise, David Wise is doing more than raising bison—he’s reconnecting with his family’s land and restoring its natural rhythms. Located in Sawyer, MN, the farm at the center of their Native-owned and operated business is a labor of love and legacy, built on land that has been in David’s family for generations. “It’s good to be back on the land and helping it be productive again,” he shared. 

Four years ago, David began the journey of bison ranching. The bison are thriving, helping to bring back native grasses and contributing to the health of the ecosystem. “They really fit well here on the landscape,” David said. “They’re doing a nice job of grazing, which mimics the natural cycles—similar to fire—by eating down the grass.” 

Native Wise’s bison are unique—they come from natural preserves and don’t carry cattle genes. David is also planning to cross his herd with wood bison, which are more naturally suited to the region. “Historically, wood bison would’ve been here, along with moose and caribou,” he said. “It’s about restoring what would’ve naturally existed.” 

One of the biggest undertakings at Native Wise has been fencing. With support from the Grow Local Food Fund, David has been able to expand the fencing system by another mile, allowing for rotational grazing and protecting sensitive areas like a river cutting through the property from erosion. “We’ve been working on this project since spring,” he explained. “There’s a lot of brush to clear and posts to set, but we’re almost done.” 

The fencing isn’t just functional—it’s built to last. David is investing in quality materials, including sturdy wood posts at the corners, with the goal of creating infrastructure that will serve the farm for generations. His 8-year-old son has even pitched in, making it a true family effort. 

Shortly after Whole Foods Co-op’s visit, the fencing was complete and the herd was released into the new territory full of fresh grasses and plants. The bison excitedly ran in, like kids at a candy buffet.  

Looking ahead, David envisions expanding the farm’s impact through ecotourism. He’s considering adding yurts on the far side of the property, where visitors could wake up to the sight of bison safely grazing nearby. He’s also exploring the idea of adding goats to help manage brush that bison don’t eat and can quickly take over. 

For David, working with Whole Foods Co-op was a meaningful step for his business. “They were the only place we could get in as a small producer,” he said.  

Native Wise is growing stronger—preserving heritage, protecting the land, and building a future rooted in sustainability. When you round up for GIVE!, a portion of your donation goes to support the Grow Local Food Fund, and our regional farms and food producers, like Native Wise. Thank you for rounding up! 

With SNAP and other government assistance programs in jeopardy, we recognize that many members of our community may be impacted by food insecurity.  

Whole Foods Co-op remains a committed partner to regional food assistance programs, donating an average of $2,700 worth of food each week to local shelters, food shelves and on-site meal programs.  

In addition, starting Nov. 1, Whole Foods Co-op is accepitng donations to Second Harvest Northland at our registers, with 100% of donations being given to the nonprofit.

For those looking for assistance

There are a number of organizations in Duluth who provide direct assistance. A short list of some of Duluth resources includes:  

• Chum Food Shelf 
• Community Action Duluth 
• Damiano Center 
• Second Harvest Northland 
• Union Gospel Mission 
• In addition, Ecolibrium3 regularily updates a Food Resources Calendar, a containing the names, locations, and hours for community food shelves, grocery pick ups, meal drop-offs, hot meals, and take-out meal opportunities. It also categorizes food resources by their relevance to older adults, youth, and SNAP card holders.

For those looking to help

The above nonprofits all take monetary donations. In the month of November you may also donate directly to Second Harvest at our cash registers.

If you’d like to contact your elected officials to advocate on behalf of SNAP shoppers to keep receiving their benefits regardless of whether the government remains shutdown, you can find their contact information by calling the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and telling them your address, or by looking up your legislators on GovTrack.US (scroll down to find the look-up tool).  

When you call, a staffer will answer and write down your comments to share with the Congressperson.  

You may use the following script, which may be modified as you’d like: 

My name is [____]. I am deeply concerned about the insufficient federal funding for SNAP. Due to the shutdown, I am asking the [Congressman/woman/person] to urge USDA Secretary Rollins to release funds available to USDA in the SNAP Contingency Reserve to be used to fund November SNAP benefits and issue clear guidance to states on how to navigate benefit issuance. Additionally, please urge USDA to use its statutory transfer authority or any other legal authority to fully fund November benefits. 

Thank you for your concern and engagement around this issue. 

A LEADER IN NATURAL AND ORGANIC DISTRIBUTION IN THE HEART OF MINNESOTA

Distributors are a crucial behindthe-scenes aspect of the grocery supply chain. They create a central spot where farmers and food producers can bring their food to then be efficiently dispersed across a region to individual stores. Whole Foods Co-op partners with several distributors, including fellow cooperative Co-op Partners Warehouse (CPW).

CPW is a prominent wholesaler and distributor of natural and organic products in the Midwest. Committed to serving co-ops, local businesses, and food retailers, CPW has established itself as a key player in the growing natural food market.

Founded in 1999, CPW was developed by Edward Brown as an offshoot of his work as produce manager at the Wedge. CPW, part of today’s Twin Cities Co-op Partners, aims to offer higher-quality local and organic wholesale options Early on, CPW became a certified organic handler and has since focused on carrying organic produce, selling approximately $25 million worth of organic produce each year. Based in St. Paul, CPW started off by collaborating with The Wedge Coop, Seward Co-op, and Lakewinds Co-op. Over 20 years later, CPW has grown to serve over 400 clients, including Whole Foods Co-op.

Many popular local products are distributed through CPW. Even some of Whole Foods Co-op’s hyper-local products pass through CPW prior to landing on our shelves.

While this may seem like an extra step, it’s actually a great opportunity for local businesses to concentrate their efforts and benefit from a larger distribution network. It enables businesses to make one trip to drop off their products versus driving to dozens of individual stores. Small organizations can focus their time on other aspects of their business.

The system also creates efficiencies for grocery stores, like Whole Foods Co-op, where instead of ordering hundreds of products with hundreds of individual farmers and producers, the Co-op can work with a single entity.

Whole Foods Co-op shoppers benefit from the partnership with CPW. “We’re lucky to have a local distributer in our area,” said Brandon, Hillside Grocery Assistant Manager, “It creates an efficiency for ordering local products that not all co-ops have access to. It helps bring even more foods from Minnesota and Wisconsin to our community.”

In some instances, small businesses get their start at Whole Foods Co-op, and as sales grow, they’re able to leverage their strong sales and experiences to secure a spot with CPW. “It’s a good indicator that their business is growing,” said Brandon, “A local producer’s first step is direct ordering with local businesses like us, but the next step is working with a distributor to scale up your business. All good things!”

CPW can be a big step up for local producers on their journey to expand their reach and CPW values these relationships with local farmers and producers. Joleen Baker, CPW Director, shared, “The more we do to be better stewards to the partnerships, the better the relationships.”

In addition to taking care of their vendors, CPW’s foundations in the cooperative movement foster a strong sense of community responsibility. The organization contributes to the local area by donating to neighborhood food shelves and pantries. Additionally, the warehouse supports local farmers and producers through fair trade practices and direct sourcing. By prioritizing these values, the company not only enhances the quality of its products but also strengthens local economies, ensuring that profits remain local.

With CPW as a partner, Whole Foods Co-op has been able to expand local offerings and provide Co-op shoppers with a larger variety of organic options. The partnership is yet another example of communities benefiting from cooperation among cooperatives.

Whole Foods Co-op and Resource Renew Celebrate Compost Partnership

Compost is a nutrient-rich addition to any garden. Previously known as Garden Green, Premium Compost is a special compost created from local food scraps and yard waste and  is processed right here in Duluth at Resource Renew, the brand of the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District. Premium Compost is available seasonally at both Whole Foods Co-op stores. 

Given the popularity of Premium Compost and our Owners’ love for composting, in April 2025, the Denfeld store became a Food Scrap Drop Site for Resource Renew’s composting program, making it easier than ever for Co-op shoppers to practice composting.  

“Shoppers have been asking for us to be a Food Scrap Drop Off Site,” said Erika Osterman, Store Manager of our Denfeld location. “We’re thrilled to be able to provide this service and to help make it easier for our neighbors to keep food scraps out of the landfill.” 

Whole Foods Co-op is excited to build on its partnership with Resource Renew, whose composting program keeps over 2,500 tons of organic matter out of landfills every year.  

When asked why composting is so important, Dori Decker, Environmental Program Coordinator at Resource Renew shared, “Twenty percent of the trash in our district that is going to the landfill is food waste. Diverting food scraps from the landfill can preserve the longevity of our region’s landfill, which is projected to close in 2026, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce household trash volume (which can mean savings for the household!).”  

The Food Scraps Drop Site bin is open 24/7 for people to deposit their food scraps. At-home food scraps buckets and BPI-certified compostable bags are available for free through Resource Renew, and additional bags are available for sale at both Co-op stores. Resource Renew encourages the use of BPI-certified bags to keep the drop sites clean and reduce critters and bugs.  

This partnership between Whole Foods Co-op and Resource Renew closes the loop, turning food scraps into valuable compost while supporting the environment. Owners, shoppers, and community members are invited to use the Food Scrap Drop Off Site in their composting routine and are encouraged to complete the loop by looking for Resource Renew Premium Compost at Whole Foods Co-op every spring to nurture their gardens.

Resource Renew Premium Compost and BioBag BPI Certified Food Scrap Bags are available seasonally at both Whole Foods Co-op stores! 

A Compassionate Approach to Raising Animals For Food

As society is increasingly focused on sustainable living and the ethical treatment of animals, Y-ker Acres stands out as an example of positive farming practices. Located in the heart of Carlton, MN, Y-ker Acres is more than just a farm; it embodies a philosophy that emphasizes humane animal treatment, environmental sustainability, and community engagement. Through their ethical farming method, Y-ker Acres contributed about 50 different pork and beef products to our local food economy last year, equaling roughly 80,000 pounds of meat. 

The Stampers 

In November 2021, Joshua and Alison Stamper became the proud owners of Y-ker Acres, having purchased the land and business from Matt and Sara Weik. The Stampers are dedicated to providing the highest-quality pork and beef products by raising their animals humanely and ethically. “Less than 1% of pork is raised outside with access to pasture,” Alison said of the pork industry. “But at Y-ker Acres, animals spend their entire lives outdoors, living their best lives,” Joshua added. 

Joshua and Alison do not manage the farm alone; they share this journey with their young sons, Jasper and Griffin, who are excited to grow up on a livestock farm and learn everything involved in caring for the animals. Y-ker Acres is also supported by two year-round employees.  

Animal Husbandry 

Y-ker Acres’ core philosophy revolves around the belief that animals deserve respect and compassion. This belief guides every aspect of their farming operations, from the animals’ living conditions to the methods used for processing them for food. The farm operates under strict ethical guidelines and is deeply committed to raising animals in a manner that prioritizes their well-being. 

The animals at Y-ker Acres have 80 acres of space to roam freely.  “All of our animals have 24/7 access to open pasture at every stage of their lives post-weaning,” Alison said. The animals always have access to this natural environment, as well as a vegetarian diet free from harmful additives.  

One of the most critical tasks on the farm is ‘Cozy Patrol,’ conducted twice a day. Its purpose is to ensure that animals have everything they need, including food, water, shelter, and reassurance that they are being cared for to ensure their animals lead a ‘full existence,‘ as they refer to their animals’ daily lives.

Sustainable Practices for a Healthier Planet 

Y-ker Acres recognizes that food production significantly impacts the environment. Their farming practices are designed to minimize this impact through sustainable methods that benefit both the land and the animals. This includes rotational grazing, which helps restore soil health and encourages biodiversity. By working with nature rather than against it, Y-ker Acres ensures that their practices are environmentally friendly and sustainable for future generations.

Additionally, the farm is committed to reducing waste. Animal waste is composted and used to enrich the soil, creating about 100 tons of compost each year to improve the sandy soil. This reinforces Y-ker Acres’ commitment to environmental stewardship. 

A New Kind of Animal Agriculture 

Y-ker Acres employs a holistic approach that not only promotes the health of the animals but also contributes to the quality of the food produced. By treating animals with care and dignity, Y-ker Acres aims to foster a relationship between humans and animals rooted in respect rather than exploitation.  

As they continue to grow and evolve, Y-ker Acres serves as a model for a new kind of animal agriculture that respects the natural instincts and needs of animals, prioritizes environmental health, and fosters a sense of responsibility within the community. Their philosophy serves as a reminder that raising animals for food can be done in a way that honors and respects their lives, ultimately leading to better food and a healthier planet.