A Legacy Reclaimed

A Land Renewed

Back40 Farmstead sits on 40 acres of land just outside Winona, Minnesota. But our story reaches much further back—through generations of family farmers, old barns built by hand, and the quiet resilience of those who came before us.

The Aldinger family first began farming this land in the late 1800s, when German immigrants Michael and Emma Aldinger settled here and started a life rooted in hard work and faith. Since then, six generations of Aldingers have lived on this land—raising chickens, pigs, cattle, and kids alike.

We returned in 2022 to carry the torch forward. Our goal isn’t just to raise food—but to do it in a way that honors God’s design for animals, restores the soil beneath our feet, and reconnects people with what’s real.

How we farm

Our approach is simple: let the animals live the way they were made to.

Chickens roaming freely and pecking for bugs
Pigs rotated through pastures and forest edges, rooting and grazing naturally
Sheep & cattle moved regularly to mimic the old prairie herds that once fertilized this land

We don’t use antibiotics or vaccines unless absolutely necessary. We don’t use chemical fertilizers. Instead, we let the animals fertilize the ground, the chickens scratch it in, and the pasture comes back richer each year. We call it stewardship—and it's the way we believe farming was meant to be.

What We Raise

A note for visitors

We love welcoming people to the farm—but since this is also our home (and a working farm), visits are by appointment only. Feel free to stop by the farmstand anytime during daylight hours, but if you'd like a tour or want to meet the animals, just shoot us an email first: seeya@back40farmstead.com.

Step back in time with us

Our family has been tied to this land for over a century—and we’re honored to share pieces of that legacy with you. From barns built in 1907 to snapshots of egg-gathering days gone by, these photos tell the story of six generations who’ve called this farm home.

Farm FAQs

Can I stop by anytime?

We’d love to have you! Our farmstand is open during the day for self-serve egg and meat pickup, but the farm itself is also our home—and a working farm. Because of that, we ask that visits to see the animals or walk the land be made by appointment. Just email us at seeya@back40farmstead.com, and we’ll find a time that works.

Are your animals certified organic?

No, we’ve chosen not to pursue official organic certification—but not because we cut corners. In fact, we often go beyond what’s required for that label. We feed organic or non-GMO feed sourced locally whenever possible, avoid chemical inputs, and don’t use antibiotics or vaccines unless absolutely necessary. Our animals live outdoors with fresh air, natural movement, and care that aligns with how God designed them to live.

Where can I buy your eggs and meat?

Eggs are available daily at our farmstand (just pull up to the end of the driveway!). Pork is sold as whole, half, or meat boxes—and we’re working on adding a small selection of individual cuts as well. Lamb will be available seasonally. To reserve pork or lamb, reach out to us directly, and we’ll walk you through what’s available.

What makes your farm different from others?

We’re not trying to grow the biggest farm—we’re focused on growing the healthiest animals, richest soil, and strongest local connections. Our approach is slow, regenerative, and grounded in stewardship. We let the animals do the work they were created to do—grazing, fertilizing, aerating the soil—and we step in only when needed.

Do you offer tours or classes?

Not formally (yet!), but we love showing people around. Whether you're curious about rotational grazing or want to show your kids where eggs come from, we’re happy to share what we’ve learned. Just contact us to schedule a visit—we hope to host educational days or events in the future as the farm grows.

Can I bring my kids to the farm?

Absolutely! We just ask that children are supervised closely—this is a working farm with animals, fencing, equipment, and uneven terrain. For their safety and the well-being of the animals, all visits should be arranged in advance.

What do your animals eat?

Chickens: Organic or non-GMO local feed (from HyView Feeds), kitchen scraps, bugs, and grass from foraging.

‍Pigs: Pasture mix, organic grain, dairy, and scraps. We rotate them regularly and let them graze and root.

‍Sheep & Cattle: Rotationally grazed on pasture with supplemental hay in winter—no grain.

We’re also working toward growing more of our own feed right here on the farm.

How is your farmstand stocked and paid for?

The farmstand is stocked regularly with eggs and, when available, meat (frozen). It's self-serve and operates on the honor system. You can pay via Venmo or leave cash in the designated box. Instructions are posted at the stand.