Growing Together: RDO, North Dakota State University, and University of Minnesota Partner to Bring Potato Farming to the Arb

Do you remember the first time you saw a child light up as they dug a potato out of the ground?

That same kind of magic is happening this summer at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum’s Farm at the Arb. For the third year in a row, R.D. Offutt Farms is partnering with potato breeders from North Dakota State University and the University of Minnesota to bring a simple but powerful story to life: where our food comes from.

The Farm at the Arb is designed to help people reconnect with agriculture in a hands-on, meaningful way. Nestled within the Arboretum’s 1,200 acres—and welcoming more than 700,000 visitors each year—this 28-acre working farm invites guests to see, touch, and experience modern farming—often for the very first time, especially for those from the Twin Cities metro. Across 15 plots, visitors can explore the diversity of Minnesota agriculture, from potatoes, corn, and soybeans to sugar beets, pumpkins, and flowers. Throughout the season, guests can watch crops grow, learn how they’re produced, and even take part in harvest activities later in the summer.

Carrie Stowers, Farm at the Arb Marketing Director, says the Arb shares a commitment with farmers to raise awareness and build understanding of crop and food production—and its impact across Minnesota, North Dakota, and beyond.

“At the Farm at the Arb, we want to build a better understanding of agriculture through demonstration, interactive experiences and meaningful conversations,” Stowers said. “We want consumers to recognize the role farmers play when they buy groceries or eat at restaurants—and the effort it takes for that meal to reach their plate.”

The potato plot itself is a true team effort. Farmers, researchers, and educators came together in early May to plant a mix of trusted varieties like Russet Burbank and Reveille alongside newer ones being developed by NDSU, such as Dakota Skarlagen, and the University of Minnesota’s Paisley Purple.

RDO Regional Farm Director Tom Heyn says it’s that combination of partnership and hands-on learning that makes the plot so meaningful.

“I really enjoy working with the Arb, NDSU, and U of M team—and being out in the plot with families,” Heyn said. “Watching kids dig their first potato and talking with parents about how it all comes together—it’s a great opportunity to connect with people who may not be familiar with our industry.”

For the university teams, it’s also a chance to bring their work beyond research fields and into the community.

“Potatoes are something people eat so routinely in so many ways—but most don’t realize how much work goes into developing and growing them,” said NDSU’s Dr. Susie Thompson. “Breeding new varieties can take years—even decades—and opportunities like the Arb potato plot help people understand that process.”

Dr. Laura Shannon, University of Minnesota potato breeder, says the exhibit creates a rare opportunity for direct connection between consumers and the people behind their food.

“People don’t often get the chance to talk with the farmers and researchers behind their food,” Shannon said. “Here, they can ask questions, see different varieties up close, and better understand how science and farming come together to produce something as familiar as a potato.”

It’s no surprise the potato plot has become a favorite stop at the farm. Visitors can walk the rows, ask questions and—on the right day—get their hands dirty digging potatoes straight from the soil. Even better, they take a little piece of that experience home, including the potatoes they harvest. A few great industry partners make the day even more special—Michael Foods, a valued partner and neighbor to the Farm at the Arb, brings team members on-site to engage with guests and offer samples and giveaways, while Pete Ewing contributes freshly harvested red and yellow potatoes for visitors to enjoy at home.

Guests can visit the Farm at the Arb all summer long, with two special potato highlights:

Potato Harvest Day – August 15 (10 a.m.–2 p.m.)
A chance to roll up your sleeves, harvest potatoes and learn from the farmers and researchers who grow them.

Field Fest – September 12 (10 a.m.–3 p.m.)
A family-friendly celebration with hands-on harvesting, live music, food trucks and more.

The full Arb schedule can be found on the website.