When you talk to Markelle Dockter, her warmth and grounded energy immediately reflect the values she lives by — family, health, and good, honest food. Meet Markelle Dockter, a person who grew up as the daughter of one of Bluebird’s partner farmers, raised with a deep respect for where food comes from. Today, that respect shapes both her work and her kitchen. A former kindergarten teacher and now an Integrated Primary Prevention Specialist with the North Dakota National Guard, Markelle helps soldiers and families nurture their mental and physical well-being. On furlough from her Guard position this fall, she found herself returning to her roots. Meet Markelle Dockter again as she stands in the kitchen, with flour-dusted hands, baking bread.
For Markelle, baking bread isn’t just a pastime — it’s a mindful, spiritual practice. “It started as a way to relieve stress,” she shared, “but it quickly became something deeper.” Using ancient and heritage grains like Sonoran Soft White, Emmer, and Hard Red Wheat, she began experimenting with sourdough and long fermentations to bring back the nutritional richness her family’s fields represent. Meet Markelle Dockter, whose motivation was personal. She wanted to create healthy, digestible bread for her children and father, who are sensitive to gluten and processed foods. She found that working with heritage grains — and even freezing loaves after baking — improved flavor and digestibility. Thus, making each loaf a labor of both science and love.
What began as small gifts to neighbors and friends quickly grew into something larger. When a local bakery changed its recipes and sourcing, Markelle’s homemade loaves filled a void in her community. Word spread quickly. Soon, she was baking and selling bread locally. Meet Markelle Dockter, a baker meeting demand from families seeking wholesome, freshly baked bread made with real grains. Yet, like many small-scale bakers, she faces challenges. There is limited access to community kitchens and the rising cost of ingredients. She also balances baking with her full-time work and parenting. Still, she continues to bake — not for profit, but for purpose.
During our conversation, Markelle spoke passionately about the importance of making nutritious, whole-grain bread accessible and educating consumers about the value of quality grains. “When people understand what’s in their food — and how it’s grown — they care differently,” she said. Her perspective aligns with Bluebird Grain Farms’ mission: to connect people to real food and the regenerative systems that sustain it.
As we wrapped up our chat, I was reminded why stories like Markelle’s matter. Meet Markelle Dockter, they remind us that food is more than sustenance — its connection, tradition, and healing. Markelle graciously shared her Artisan Bread Recipe loaf. For Markelle, and for us, this work is about more than bread — it’s about nourishing life from the ground up. If you’re in North Dakota- reach out to Markelle and try a loaf of her bread!