Alternative Roots Farm

Alternative Roots Farm is a Certified Organic family farm and orchard, specializing in organic and heirloom apples, perennial fruits, pastured pork and winter greens. Our organic products are offered at our on farm store, Mankato farmers' market, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Apple Shares & Winter Shares. Offering CSA to New Ulm/Mankato and the surrounding communities.

The farm sits on 5 lovely acres in rural Madelia, Brown County. Our land supports a growing orchard, pasture for our heritage hogs and laying hens, passive solar greenhouse, on-farm store. We specialize in heirloom and organic apples. Our orchard also has apricots, plums, cherries, raspberries, rhubarb and asparagus; blackberries and pears are planned additions!

The farm store is open year round Tu-F 9-7, Sat 9-2 and showcases seasonal items and canned goods. Our farm store sports apples July-January, as product allows.

Our off-farm apple orchard is just outside Lake Crystal. We began managing the Lake Crystal orchard in 2018, and it became certified organic August 2020. Our home orchard has been certified organic since 2014.

We continually work to manage and develop our farm-site incorporating wildlife habitat and conservation practices. Attracting wildlife promotes ecological biodiversity, strengthens our environment and aids in pest control.

Our chickens and pigs support the cycling of nutrients on our farm, as well adding to our joy and quality of life. The laying hens provide fresh eggs that are available year-round. We offer whole and half hogs each fall; the pigs are a BIG part of organic pest management at the orchard!

We are passionate about bringing fresh, nutritious, quality produce to our local community; as well as growing nutritious food in a way that is in harmony with nature and conservation-minded.