Page 8 Stories of the Heartland • Sunday, September 21, 2025 hometownsource. com / heartland /
Rooted in Purpose:
Tim and Renae Braun’ s farmstead is more than a business— it’ s a testament to sustainability, family values and a future rooted in good soil.
BY JEFFREY HAGE STORIES OF THE HEARTLAND
On a quiet stretch of countryside a few miles northwest of Princeton, Tim Braun’ s boots press into ground for which he feels a heartfelt connection.
For Braun, farming isn’ t just a way of making a living— it’ s a way of actually living. Together with his wife, Renae, Tim has built Braun’ s Market and their small livestock operation on a foundation of local food, ethical animal care and a commitment to protecting the land they depend on.
At first glance, Braun’ s Market is a modest storefront offering locally raised beef, hogs and chicken, honey, dry goods and a few shelves of Minnesotamade favorites.
But look closer, and you’ ll see a much deeper story— one of legacy, stewardship and a couple whose belief in local food and land conservation runs as deep as the roots in their fields.
For Tim and Renae Braun, farming isn’ t just a job. It’ s a commitment. And like so many good stories, it all began with a batch of chickens and an unexpected opportunity.
Renae Braun grew up in Chanhassen and being a Twin Cities suburban native, says she once believed that food originated from the grocery store.
“ I didn’ t have any understanding of agriculture or how food got to our plates,” she said.“ Then I met Tim.”
Tim, a Princeton native, grew up milking cows on his family’ s dairy farm. After years of livestock chores as a kid, he had no interest in raising animals again.
“ I had no desire to have livestock,” he said.“ I’ d lived that life. I figured crops were enough.”
But Renae had other ideas. With a degree in food
Jeffrey Hage / Stories of the Heartland
Tim and Ranae Braun are pictured on their Milo Township farm between Milaca and Princeton where the couple raises both crops and livestock. At top is a view of the farm from Mille Lacs County Road 12.