Liz Talley is a vendor at the Maple Grove Farmers Market and a state fair winner. She won a blue ribbon for her homemade honey granola bar. Maple Grove Patch caught up with the award winning vendor to learn more about her products and her business.

Maple Grove Patch: Is this your first year participating in the state fair? Why did you decide to enter?

Liz Talley: Yes! I have always wanted to enter something in the fair, it's one of those things that’s been on my “bucket list.” Last summer I meant to enter, but got so busy that I forgot. This year, I put the deadline on my calendar.

Maple Grove Patch: How did you feel when you took home the first place ribbon?

Liz Talley: I was very, very excited! Especially since it was the first time I’d ever entered.

Maple Grove Patch: You've started your own business, Minnesota Goodness, how did it start?

Liz Talley: I started Minnesota Goodness in 2010. I have always enjoyed preparing and sharing delicious, wholesome food. I believe that grains are one of Minnesota’s greatest treasures and legacies, so it seemed natural.

It is a joy and privilege to provide a direct connection for “city folks” with our state’s rural farmers and their bounties. It’s very gratifying to see my customers excitement as they increase their awareness and appreciation of quality, local food.

Maple Grove Patch: What products do you make and where do the ingredients come from?

Liz Talley: I make cereals using local, organic grains most of which are fresh milled each week for me by the Minnesota farmers who grow them.

I do have an exception, for an exceptional farmer! He is an Amish farmer in Wisconsin who has amazing organic, heirloom grains that have been carefully preserved for generations and are no longer available anywhere else.

Two of my cereals are made with his grains, which he hand mills using a water wheel mill.

All other ingredients are painstakingly chosen and are Minnesota grown and organic whenever it’s available. I use no salt or high-refined sugars.

Maple Grove Patch: How has your business grown?

Liz Talley: Minnesota Goodness has grown very fast.  I now produce all of my cereals out of Jack’s Bakery on 85th Avenue and West Broadway in Brooklyn Park. I am also continuing my focus on the farmers markets.

Maple Grove Patch: How has the Maple Grove Farmer's Market helped your business?

Liz Talley: The Maple Grove Farmers Market is a fabulous market.  It is very well managed. They focus on what is best for the market as a whole as well as the vendors and the customers. 

With such a positive environment, it is naturally ideal for business growth.

Maple Grove Patch: What's next for Minnesota Grown?

Liz Talley: I am trying very, very hard to make time for my website. I'm also expanding my production capabilities, retail outlets and online sales.

Maple Grove Patch: Where can people find your product?

Liz Talley: Currently, I am at six area farmers markets.  My products are also on the shelf at Jack’s Bakery in Brooklyn Park.