Why We Started Milling Our Own Wheat: The 52 County Grains and Milling Story

In this episode of the Dream Catcher Podcast, Mark Larsen speaks with Amanda and Anson Nielsen about their new venture, 52 County Grains and Milling. They discuss the inspiration behind their business, the health benefits of milling their own wheat, and their plans for the future. The conversation also touches on the importance of knowing where food comes from, the different types of wheat, and the potential for community engagement through local markets and educational outreach.CONTACT:https://www.52countygrains.comFrom Farm to Flour: Amanda and Anson Nielsen’s JourneyExploring the roots and benefits of local grain milling.Mark Larsen welcomes Amanda and Anson Nielsen to the Dream Catcher Podcast as they share their journey of starting the 52 County Grains and Milling business. Nestled in Minden, Nebraska, their venture has roots that stretch back to the land they farm.The Inspiration Behind Fifty-Two County GrainsThe idea for their milling business sparked during a moment in the combine. Amanda recalls, "My wife was in a combine with me and she said I was saving this last bin full of grain for her, and I said, why? And she wanted to mill it." This led to experimenting with milling their own wheat — a process that has transformed their approach to food and health.Health and Healing Through MillingAmanda shares her personal journey with food sensitivities: "I've had some health issues... first I was gluten-free, then dairy-free, and eventually I started eliminating other things. My husband suggested milling our own wheat, and I was hesitant at first. But once I tried it, I found it didn’t bother me like the others."  This shift not only improved her well-being but also sparked a passion for providing quality grains to others.The Naming ProcessCreating a name for the business was a thoughtful endeavor. Amanda recalls, "My husband and my son were driving around in the 52 Tap House here in town. They suggested 52 Grains and Milling, and I thought we needed something that tied back to Nebraska." This connection to their local community is a driving force behind their brand.A Return to HeritageMinden has a rich history of flour milling, with significant mills like the Empire Roller Mills operating from 1880 to 1980. Amanda highlights this heritage as part of their mission: "I think doing this is maybe coming back because people are tired of their food being filled with all the stuff they put in it."Where to Find Their ProductsFifty-Two County Grains can be found online at https://www.52countygrains.com and through Facebook. Currently operating under the cottage food law, they hope to expand to farmers' markets and local stores in the future.Looking AheadAs they embark on this new venture, Amanda and Anson envision a future where they can teach others about cooking with their grains. As Amanda says, "So many adults don’t know how to cook anything... we want to have classes to teach people how to cook with the good stuff."This journey has just begun, and their enthusiasm for sharing quality local grains is palpable.In closing, Amanda reflects on her childhood dreams: "Originally, I knew I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. I didn’t know what I wanted to do beyond that." Today, she’s not only fulfilling that dream but also creating a legacy rooted in health and community.To explore their full story and learn more about their products, visit their website or connect with them on social media.Chapters00:00Introduction to Amanda and Anson Nielsen's Milling Venture02:10The Inspiration Behind Starting 52 County Grain and Milling03:58The Process of Cleaning and Milling Grain at Home06:06Health Benefits of Milling and Eating Homemade Wheat07:55Nebraska's Grain Heritage and Heritage Flour Mills09:54Business Plans and Future Expansion Goals11:50Differences Between Spring Wheat and Winter Wheat for Baking13:48The Role of Non-GMO and Glyphosate-Free Grains15:57Marketing Strategies and Online Presence17:51Collaborations with Local Bakeries and Farmers Markets19:58Educational Opportunities and Teaching Cooking Classes21:57Product Offerings and Packaging Details24:00Growing and Selecting Wheat Varieties for Milling26:05Future Goals, Podcast Ideas, and Community Engagement