This summer marks the second year of our partnership with the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and its Farm at the Arb program. What started as a simple idea has grown into a meaningful collaboration rooted in education, community and a shared passion for agriculture. In 2025, we’re returning with the same goal: to help connect people with the journey behind their food.
Located in the southwest corner of the Twin Cities, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a 1,200-acre horticultural garden that welcomes more than 700,000 visitors annually. Within its grounds lies the Farm at the Arb, a 28-acre demonstration discovery space designed to reconnect people with agriculture in a hands-on, approachable way.
“In recent years, there’s been a disconnect between the general public and the role agriculture plays in our lives,” said Carrie Stowers, Agricultural Relations and Engagement Manager at the Arboretum. “The Farm at the Arb was created to bridge that gap.”
With crops including corn, soybeans, grains, sugar beets and potatoes, the farm showcases the diversity of Minnesota’s agricultural landscape. More than that, it brings agriculture to life, especially for families and individuals who may have never stepped foot on a farm.
In early June, RDO Regional Farm Director Tom Heyn joined teams from the Arb and North Dakota State University to plant the potato plot with traditional Russet Burbank seed and new varieties from NDSU and the University of Minnesota, including the U's Paisley Purple variety, a nod to music legend Prince.
Heyn said he enjoys RDO’s partnership with the Farm at the Arb, noting the chance to educate an urban audience about growing potatoes.
“Last year, we had so much fun watching kids dig in the soil to unearth potatoes and helping them understand those same potatoes could be baked for their dinner plates, or turned into chips or fries," Heyn said. "You could see the wonder on their faces, and I hope this exhibit creates interest for future farmers!”
Among the many plots at the Arboretum, the potato exhibit has quickly become a guest favorite. With seed potatoes and agronomic expertise provided by R.D. Offutt Farms, the exhibit offers an opportunity for guests to explore, ask questions and literally dig into the world of potato farming. Visitors discover how potatoes go from seed to soil to supper, gaining a deeper appreciation for where their food comes from.
“The Farm at the Arb is about creating those moments that spark curiosity,” Stowers explained. “That's where the real impact happens. When someone has the space to pause, ask questions and reflect, they are able to recognize how farmers and agriculture impact their everyday lives.”
Similar to last year, other partners are helping to make the potato crop plot a success, including Michael Foods – foodservice supplier and retailer specializing in refrigerated potatoes, Valmont Industries – leading manufacturer of irrigation technology, North Dakota State University Plant Sciences and the University of Minnesota Horticultural Sciences – both of which are providing potato seed and consulting expertise for exhibit.
From planting to harvest, R.D. Offutt Farms helps shape the exhibit’s hands-on learning opportunities. Our continued partnership with the Arboretum is one way we’re working to ensure the next generation understands what it takes to feed and fuel the world.
Visitors to the Farm at the Arb can explore the exhibits all summer long, with two special events featuring the potato exhibit.
- Potato Day – August 16, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.: As part of the Arboretum’s Summer Fun at the Farm series, Potato Day invites guests to help harvest potatoes, enjoy farm games and hands-on activities and learn about potato farming from farm guides.
- Field Fest – September 6, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.: At this family-friendly celebration event, visitors can explore the exhibits and participate in harvesting crops like potatoes, corn and sugar beets while enjoying live music, food trucks and a beer garden.
