What began as a few volunteers lending a hand to farmers has grown into Farm Buds, a grassroots movement of more than 300 people supporting over 100 small-scale farms across Minnesota and the broader Midwest. The group recently celebrated its 100th farm visit-a milestone that highlights both the labor needs of local farms and the hunger for community-centered food systems.

Founded by Matthew Barthelemy, Farm Buds has no website, no formal hierarchy, and yet, its impact continues to grow. Through word of mouth and a volunteer-run newsletter, the group organizes regular workdays on small farms, where participants gain hands-on experience while helping farmers with seasonal tasks.

"We were able to do a whole lot of awesome farm work in one day," said Mason Berube, who first encountered the group in 2022 as a farm apprentice. "Then I got to meet a whole bunch of really cool people who also love farming and nature."

Berube has since volunteered at 10 to 15 different farms, supporting everything from sheep and chicken operations to vegetable plots and compost systems. The diversity of experience keeps him coming back, as does the human connection.

"You learn that other people have skills you don't have," he said. "There are so many ways to connect and learn from others that we might not meet otherwise."

At a recent visit to Organic Compound, a diversified farm in Faribault, Minnesota, volunteers gathered for a day of chores ranging from tending chickens to weeding a hazelnut orchard. The day included a shared meal and informal conversation, reinforcing the group's ethos: building community while working the land.

Will Crombie, who runs Organic Compound, said Farm Buds aligns perfectly with his farm's goals. "Any opportunity to get people on the land is a good one," he said. "We get help with work, but more importantly, we build relationships and create opportunities for people to come back."

For Crombie, like many farmers involved, the experience transcends labor. "Our primary goal isn't just a productive farm-it's a thriving food community," he added.

Farm Buds' model is simple but powerful. Events are announced via newsletter, and people show up. Some are seasoned farmers, others are complete beginners. All are welcome. The organization draws strength from its informality and its focus on relationships over structure.

The driving force behind the movement is founder Matthew Barthelemy, whom volunteers credit with setting the tone. "Matthew is really cultivating spaces for people to connect," said Berube. "Farm Buds is the manifestation of his vision-a way to make the world better through farming and community."

As small farms continue to face challenges ranging from labor shortages to climate stress, initiatives like Farm Buds are becoming more vital. They provide not only human capital, but a shared sense of purpose, linking rural and urban communities through food, land, and meaningful work.