‘The Farmacy’: self-serve farm store offers fresh produce, provides education to community

GLENBURN, N.D. (KMOT) - A 125-year-old family-run farm in Glenburn is blending history with innovation through a self-serve store.

Esther’s Acres teamed up with local producers in the Minot area to offer everything from fresh produce to handmade goods.

The Farmacy—spelled with an ‘F’ for ‘farm’— is a store that offers fresh food products that are raised and grown straight from the backyard, something customers like Jessica Howard said they appreciate.

“You see the cows literally right next to the Farmacy, where you’re getting your milk. That is such an incredible experience because you know these cows are loved, these chickens are loved and that love goes into your food,” said Howard.

Farmer Desiree Carlson said buying something from the store is simple. Pick out what you want and pay for it online or drop your cash into a box.

Carlson said there will always be someone around if you need help or want to get a tour of the farm and learn about how food is made.

“I think education is probably what sets our farm apart a little bit. Both my husband and I come from the teaching background. He’s a teacher right now, so educating is really exciting for us, something that comes naturally,” said Carlson.

Howard said seeing her daughter learn about the relationship between animals and food has been life-changing.

“I grew up in a small town, so this was normal for me. But raising a daughter in the city, you don’t look out your door and see cows and chickens,” said Howard.

There’s soap, pickled veggies, raw milk, whole chicken and soon, fresh eggs.

Even with the current state of the economy, families like the Howards still look for quality in their food.

“I don’t mind paying for local and for high quality. I know where this food comes from, I know what it’s being fed, I know how it’s being treated,” said Howard.

Carlson started raising chickens again after putting a pause on it because of bird flu.

She said fresh eggs could be expected by early fall.

“It’s a learning curve, trying to figure out what people want and what works best. But, it’s really cool to be that farm store, that ‘Farmacy’ that shares these types of items and gets local food into people’s homes,” said Carlson.

Carlson said it’s not just about fresh food but about connecting with the land, animals and the people who care for them.

If you have any questions or concerns about consuming raw or fresh products, like milk or eggs, talk with the farmer you’re purchasing them from to learn more about how the products are sourced.

This week, Carlson said they plan to implement a Minot delivery system where people can order online and meet at certain locations in town to pick up their order.

Carlson also started hosting a workshop called Roots and Rhythm, where she invites women of all walks of life out to her farm to learn life skills. They can sign up to sew, crochet or make raw cheese.

The farm store is open from sunrise to sunset all week at 7220 142nd Avenue Northeast in Glenburn.

They can be contacted via email at esthersacres@gmail.com or by visiting their website here.

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