After growing up in Grand Forks, North Dakota, Leah Halverson left to earn her MBA and pursue a career in advertising. A decade later, she saw an opportunity to come home, using her experience to support her family’s farm, Black Gold Farms, and others in the agriculture sector through the founding of Ten Acre Marketing. “More and more consumers care about where their food comes from, and there’s incredible potential to connect people back to the families and places that grow their food,” said Leah. “It’s opened the door for me to return to my family’s farm to do what I do best, to help make this farm successful so we can grow what my great-grandfather started.”
The name of Leah’s marketing agency is a nod to her great-grandfather, who founded Black Gold Farms on 10 acres of land over 90 years ago. In four generations, her family expanded to farming in ten different locations across the country.
Leah and her family believe in preserving the land and leaving it better for future generations—including her daughter and seven nieces. In addition to embracing data and technology to optimize sustainability efforts, Black Gold Farms uses LEED® construction techniques whenever possible for new construction projects and achieved LEED® Gold certification for their headquarters.
“It’s inspiring to work in agriculture today and see how people are making changes that matter. Farmers are unbelievably innovative,” shared Leah. “It’s really, really hard work, but you get to grow something that everybody loves!” Her favorite potato dish? Leah and her family have fallen in love with this fresh take on potato bruschetta. Using potatoes instead of bread increases the amount vegetables and the flavor of the dish!
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