Being a farmer in the Upper Midwest is a guessing game. Some years are incredibly lucrative, and some years can be an absolute disaster because of the weather. This year was a prime example of that. Even in these tough years, us farmers find a way to cope with the uncertainty and stress. Things such as family, faith, and connecting with individuals who can relate ease the pain of these difficult years.
A few months ago I was headed up to the Twin Cities to visit my cousin. We’re both farmers, and both have had really difficult harvest seasons, producing less yield than ever before. Once I arrived at his place just outside of Lakeville, he insisted on taking me to his new favorite brewery, a new “gluten-free” place in Uptown called LakeState Ciders and Brewskis.
As someone who makes a living off of farming wheat, I was somewhat turned off right away. I completely understand that some people have to eat/drink gluten free for their own health, but the “fashion statement” gluten free folks are sometimes viewed as negative contributors to the wheat industry. Nonetheless, I figure I’d give it a try.
Once arriving, we were immediately greeted by a young man named Arthur. It turns out that Arthur was the son of two farmers, and was in the process of receiving his agriculture and business degree from the University of Minnesota. After receiving our drinks, Arthur returned to our table to talk farming with us. He sympathized about the poor weather conditions all fall, and shared stories about his experiences growing up on the farm.
I was even more impressed when Arthur told us that LakeState got all of their product from local farmers and growers. Maybe these gluten free people aren’t so bad!
The drinks at LakeState were absolutely delicious. I had a Golden Apple Cider followed up by an Iron Range IPA. But what I was most impressed about was the exceptional customer service and sense of genuineness that came from our bartender Arthur. It was a busy night at the bar, and Arthur didn’t have to get to know us by any means. But he did. He didn’t just care about our paycheck, but he cared about us as human beings. He related to us, offered support, and provided a glimpse of brightness in a season that has been very dark for my brother and I.
I don’t live near the Twin Cities, and won’t be back for quite some time. But when I am back, I will certainly be returning to LakeState Ciders and Brewskis. Not only for their delicious drinks, but because the embody they spirit of the Midwest.
LakeState Life 