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Dodge County is a beautiful county full of rich farmland. Even though it is primarily rural and has a relatively small population, the county boasts many viable businesses in its communities and on its rural properties.

Besides the robust farming enterprises, these businesses include the McNeilus companies in Dodge Center, the grain elevators with million-bushel silos in Hayfield and Kasson, health clinics, an airport, grocery stores, gyms, restaurants, retail outlets, beauty salons, bars; the list is as extensive as any urban community’s.

There are also many opportunities for businesses headquartered on farms besides or along with raising crops and livestock.

Limited rural businesses are home occupations operated out of accessory structures, with certain limitations. Agritourism is a type of business that allows people to visit a farm for recreation, entertainment, education, or certain other activities. Events could include for example, everything from participating in farming activities to viewing natural attractions, to harvesting your own food.
Agritourism Tourism Products could be sold to the public which might include livestock or products raised on the farm. The person that oversees these activities might be an Agritourism Professional and could be paid for their role in the business.

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Scanlan’s Red Barn Learning Farm is Hosting Pumpkin Season - Hayfield
October 5, 2023
Gretta Becay

Looking for fun October family events while the weather is cooling down? The Red Barn Learning Farm at 27251 State Highway 30, in Hayfield is filled with fun family activities.

Right now, owners Brenna and Brian Scanlan are celebrating Pumpkin Season on the Farm. They are open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. And, the special Halloween Goats and Goblins Parties are on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday Oct 29 from noon to 5 p.m.

The farm has a huge variety of pumpkins and squash to choose from and lots of fun activities.

“We offer a petting zoo with over 15+ varieties of friendly animals, a corn pit, a bale maze, jump pads, gem mining, corn maze/scavenger hunt, bale tower, pony rides, barnyard basketball, wagon rides and much more! The newest feature at our farm is gem mining. It has been a big hit!” explained Brenna.

More information is on the website www.redbarnlearningfarm.com or on the Facebook page “Red Barn Learning Farm” or you can call 507-272-7465 or email redbarnfarm@kmtel.com.

Ten years ago, Brenna and Brian Scanlan realized their dream of owning their own business by opening the Red Barn Learning Farm.

“It’s a place for family fun and awesome memories!” explained Brenna. The couple hosts family-friendly activities on their hobby farm from April through October. The fun varies by season.

“We offer an experience that you can’t get just anywhere,” she explained.

Brenna noted that besides the public hours, the facility is a great place for corporate events, birthday parties and private rentals.

“We also have a mobile farm zoo that we can bring on the road,” she said.

The couple dreamed about a family business for years before they started the endeavor with the goal of “bringing joy to other families.”

The Scanlan’s children son Wesley, daughter Paisley and son Conley attend Hayfield schools and the three help on the farm on the weekends.

Get out and enjoy the cooler temperatures at the Red Barn Learning Farm this month.
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Due North Coffee Shop - November 21, 2022
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Smiling Moose – Coffee Shop and Gifts  - March 29, 2022

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*Click the image above for jobs with Dodge County.