Farm Fresh 2018

pre se nte d by

+

SPONSORED IN PART BY

EB R ANCH, RIDGEL AND

SUBMITTED PHOTO

A GRANT FOR GROWTH MENOMONIE CO - OP SUPPORTS LOCAL AG THROUGH NEW GRANT W o r d s : L AU R E N F I S H E R

R

achel Henderson was never much of an animal person. When she and her husband, Anton Ptak, first began integrating contracted cattle and hog grazing into their orchard operations at Mary Dirty Face Farm, it took some getting used to. But as she looked out over their farm on June 20 and saw her 10 new lambs huddled under one of the apple trees, she began to feel genuinely excited about the fluffy critters.

Henderson and Ptak of Mary Dirty Face Farm, based in Menomonie, received one of the first Menomonie Market Food Co-Op Fund Our Foodshed grants in May. Using the grant, they were able to invest in movable fencing that they can use to make their foray into livestock ownership. This was a big step for the couple, allowing them to offer a wider range of products, cut down on the time they spend mowing, and fertilize their land.

Helping small farms invest in projects like these was just what Beth Martin and Crystal Martin of MMFC had in mind when they began planning the Fund Our Foodshed grant program a few years ago.

The grant’s mission is to promote the development of Menomonie’s local food economy by supporting area producers.

They raised funds through a round-up at the register at the co-op, as well as a donation from the organization itself, and opened applications in April. They received 12 applications from producers, processors, and CSA farmers within 75 miles of Menomonie.

The selection committee chose five FA R M F R E S H 2 0 1 8

projects to fund based on demonstrated need, effect on environmental sustainability, and benefit to the Chippewa Valley community and foodshed, among other factors. Mary Dirty Face Farm, Deutsch Family Farm of Osseo, Baruk Yah Organic Eggs of Menomonie, Bifrost Farm of Boyceville, and EB Ranch of Ridgeland received grants to fund various projects.

Several applicants are farms just growing into mid-sized agriculture

“THEY’RE ABLE TO PROVIDE MARKET ACCESS TO SMALLER PRODUCERS, AND THAT CREATES SORT OF THIS STRENGTHENING OF THE LOCAL ECONOMY AND STRENGTHENING OF THEIR BUSINESS, AND OUR BUSINESS, AND OUR COMMUNITY’S HEALTH AND WEALTH.”

50

CRYSTAL MARTIN, MENOMONIE MARKET FOOD CO-OP V O L U M E O N E . O R G / S I T E S / FA R M _ F R E S H

operations, which is where many farms struggle to find support programs, Martin said. “Our whole economy is set up to support massive agro-business,” she explained. That’s where co-ops and programs like the Fund our Fooshed grant come in. “They’re able to provide market access to smaller producers, and that creates sort of this strengthening of the local economy and strengthening of their business, and our business, and our community’s health and wealth.”

Every winter, Erin Link of EB Ranch fills buckets from her kitchen sink and hauls them out to her goatsheds to water her herd of San Clemente Island goats.

She is using the Fund Our Foodshed grant to install a flexible hose on her land to keep her livestock watered in the colder months. She is also expanding her goat shelter with a new hoop house, and putting up a sturdy fence around the goathouses to protect them. This will allow her to grow her herd of the critically endangered breed of goats, offer more goatmilk products, and potentially expand into meat production.

“This grant program is a way for the community to become more involved with their local farms and businesses,” Link said. “Every single person that contributed is helping these farms grow in important ways.”

“The whole purpose of the fund is to enhance the viability of these farmers and producers,” Martin said. “We had fantastic applications from those 12 farms. It was difficult to whittle it down.” Applications were for projects

r

h

r

SPONSORED IN PART BY

in beekeeping, dairy production, flower farming, and more. Baruk Yah Organic Eggs received a grant to install nesting boxes for its chickens.

“A $300 nesting box doesn’t seem like a whole lot,” Martin said. “It’s not sexy.

But the impact on his daily workflow and the quality of the product that comes out of it is huge. That little change in his operation just reverberates out.”

“When we made our announcement of the grant offerings, people were really excited and they made the connection,” Martin said. The co-op hung a banner detailing the projects that received grants and identifying the farm locations, as well as sending out announcements in its weekly newsletter.

Following the award announcements, community members approached Henderson with congratulations. “To be able to look around and see that the shoppers in the community decided that it’s worth it to support local farms is huge,” Henderson said.

“The next part of it is to continue to tell the story,” Martin said. Grant recipients will work with MMFC to create photos, videos, and reports that communicate the impact of the grant program.

The organizations will also collaborate to determine how the grants can provide the most benefit for recipients and the greater community.

“People want more local food – They want strong local farms,” Martin said. “When we’re able to keep that system closed … it’s a more powerful economic driver.”

“When you shop and support small and local it helps to invigorate these small communities,” Link said. “We see around us so many small farms and dairy operations going under. It’s time we turn that around and support our small business owners and farmers as it supports or local economy.”

More information about the Menomonie Market Food Co-Op’s Fund Our Foodshed program is available at www.mmfc.coop. Follow them this summer for updates on the grant’s benefits to the Chippewa Valley.

5 ways to BE A FARMERS MARKET PRO CHEF AMY HUO’S TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL TRIP TO THE MARKET WORDS: AMY HUO

W

3. GET THERE EARLY. I know that many have recommended getting to market later in the day, when vendors are apt to give discounts to rid themselves of leftover produce. I do not advocate for this practice. Not only does it undercut the farmer and their prices, most vendors are nearly sold out by the end of the day and some even pack up early, meaning you miss out on the best stuff (that’s another reason I advocate for getting your farmers’ phone numbers). Herbs wilt in the heat by the time the market ends, the lamb chops are usually gone, and even the strawberries begin to shrivel. Get there before 9am if you want the best choice of everything GET THERE BEFORE at the market. It’s also cooler and quieter and you can talk to all of the producers 9AM IF YOU WANT without feeling that you’re bogging down the line.

ho doesn’t love the farmers market in the height of summer? Fresh vegetables, herbs, and fruits harvested (much of the time) that very morning and friendly producers and farmers proud to talk about their products. But sometimes, navigating through what the best choices are in a sea of pop-up tables and tents can be daunting. Here are a few tips to make your market experience just a little bit better this summer.

1. DON’T BUY THE BOLTED HERBS. What does it mean when an herb bolts?

And how do you know what this looks like? Cilantro is the most obvious herb that bolts during the summer. You will see a long stem on the top of the bunch with skinny leaves that resemble normal leaves but look as if they have been slightly starved of nutrients. When any plant “bolts,” the energy is transferred from making big, fragrant leaves to producing seeds. This changes the flavor of the herb, making it slightly more bitter and not as strong. Look for bunches of herbs that are full of fatter leaves and that look succulent. And just like those peaches in the grocery store, SMELL before you buy – the stronger the herbs smell, the better they will taste!

THE BEST CHOICE

OF EVERYTHING AT THE MARKET. IT’S ALSO COOLER AND QUIETER AND YOU CAN TALK TO ALL OF THE PRODUCERS WITHOUT FEELING

4. TRY SOMETHING NEW. Two weeks ago, I saw a green I did not recognize at one of the vendor’s tables.

Turns out, it was a cross between a mustard green and a bok choy. It was flavorful and really added some extra punch to the breakfast potatoes we serve at the Locavore. When trying new things, a bunch or pound at a time is enough.

Don’t buy 5 bunches of an unfamiliar veggie only to let it rot in your fridge. (I see you, I know, I’ve been there – everyone’s busy these days!)

2. GET YOUR FARMER’S INFO. THAT YOU’RE See something you like? Into canning?

5. WATCH FOR EXTR AS. Chances are, every farmer at each BOGGING DOWN Most farmers sell per bunch rather than table at the farmers market (especially per pound these days. But either way, vegetable growers) have a boatload of THE LINE. keep an eye out for bunches or pounds produce they didn’t bring to the market. that look more voluminous than they Sometimes time and space constraints are. This is especially important for things like rhubarb. limit what farmers can physically take to sell. I usually give Sometimes, the ends of the stalks have remnants of leaves my farmers my cell phone number and they text me when that were cut off, increasing the weight slightly but also they have an abundance of any one item. If you’re into preincreasing your waste. Asparagus that must have the tough serving or canning in any capacity, make friends with that part of the stalk trimmed off will decrease your yield guy who has the best beets at the market, or the little old when cooking. Keep this in mind if you’re buying for a lady who grows amazing mint. The bonus is that you can recipe. You may need to buy another bunch or pound to contact them at any time during the season and find out if ensure you’ve got enough. they have something no one else has. Corner the market!

e

l

-

FA R M F R E S H 2 0 1 8

51

V O L U M E O N E . O R G / S I T E S / FA R M _ F R E S H

SPONSORED IN PART BY

4 HELPFUL CSA HACKS OVERCOMING COMMON CHALLENGES YOUR WEEKLY BOX OF LOCAL PRODUCE PRESENTS W O R D S : J U L I A VA N A L L E N • P H O T O B Y A N D R E A PA U L S E T H

C

ommunity Supported Agriculture shares, or CSAs, are spreading through the Chippewa Valley and bringing an abundance of delicious and healthy foods straight from farm to table. When you buy a share of a chunk of farmland, you receive a box of fresh produce every week during farming season.

Unfortunately, there are a few struggles that CSA members fall into, but never fear! We’ve got your back with some solutions to these perennial CSA issues.

1. TOO MANY GREENS? Is there ever such a problem as having too many greens? Yes, yes there is. What could one family possibly make with nearly 5 pounds of fresh kale? It might take a little creativity and patience, but there are recipes for this exact situation. Kale’s curly, leafy exterior shrinks up when cooked, so many recipes that require kale call for crazy amounts of this famed leafy green. Cold Sesame Noodles with Broccoli and Kale requires four cups of chopped kale leaves (and more if you want to feed more than four people).

You won’t be drowning in leaves for long!

2. WHAT THE HECK IS THIS? So you’ve received this week’s box of produce from your friendly neighborhood farmer, but the contents of this box look closer to a plant from an episode of Star Trek than anything that could possibly grow in Wisconsin. What do you do?

One such alien vegetable is the ever-confusing kohlrabi. It’s a cousin of cabbage and cauliflower that looks like a lumpy baseball with impossibly slim shoots springing up everywhere. Not exactly the belle of the ball, but kohlrabi is a staple in many seasonal recipes. When raw, it’s crisp with a kick, but it can also be sauteed, pureed, roasted, and steamed.

Roast some of that veggie up with spices to feed your fam!

3. THINK OF THE CHILDREN! Kids can be picky eaters, quickly tossing away the delicious pesto you spent the last 45 minutes preparing in favor of dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets with a side of ranch ... it happens.

Unfortunately this meal of choice doesn’t provide the necessary nutrients that growing kids need. Preparing food that kids will eat with the same zeal as their extinct faves seems like an impossible task, but it doesn’t have to be! Arugula Salad with Dates and Bacon mixes the perfect ingredients to mask the taste of healthy vegetables and fruits that the kids may not favor. This recipe combines the sweet taste of dates with crispy bacon to make arugula’s strong flavors more palatable for your youngsters.

4. STALKS AND STEMS AND SHOOTS, OH MY! Once you’ve created your latest culinary masterpiece out of this week’s

FA R M F R E S H 2 0 1 8

FOREST STREET COMMUNIT Y GARDENS

CSA produce, you’ll find there’s some raw material left over. Stalks and shoots aren’t always as edible, or as tasty, as their leafy counterparts.

There’s a simple solution for this problem: home composting. Composting returns raw materials to the earth and creates the perfect all-natural fertilizer for home gardens. Combining kitchen cuttings with shredded up

52

V O L U M E O N E . O R G / S I T E S / FA R M _ F R E S H

newspaper, coffee grounds, and grass clippings (that haven’t been exposed to pesticides or herbicides) will create the perfect food source and home for worms and other insects that will break it all down and help the environment in the process. Your garden will thank you! The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has lots of helpful tips online at epa.gov.

SPONSORED IN PART BY

HARVEST SCHEDULE Get your food when it was meant to be gotten! Make sure you’re buying your stuff in season! Don’t know when that is? Here’s a handy chart that should last you through the summer.

veggies

JUNE

JULY

AUG.

SEPT.

OCT.

A S PA R A G U S

GREEN ONIONS R ADISHES RHUBARB S P I N AC H LET TUCE B O K C H OY EDIBLE POD PEAS SNOW PEAS GA R D E N P E A S ZUCCHINI GREEN BEANS WA X B E A N S CUCUMBERS BROCCOLI P O TAT O E S MUSHROOMS BEETS CARROTS KO H L R A B I C AULIFLOWE R SWEET CORN T O M AT O E S S U M M E R S Q UA S H C ABBAGE PEPPERS EGGPLANT MELONS D RY O N I O N S W I N T E R S Q UA S H PUMPKINS

flowers FRESH CUT DRIED

berries

S T R AW B E R R I E S R ASPBERRIES BLUEBERRIES P E AC H E S B L AC K B E R R I E S APPLES

others

FA R M F R E S H E G G S DA I RY P R O D U C T S HONEY M E AT ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN: FARM FRESH ATLAS MAGAZINE

FA R M F R E S H 2 0 1 8

53

V O L U M E O N E . O R G / S I T E S / FA R M _ F R E S H

SPONSORED IN PART BY

FARM FRESH LISTINGS LOCAL MARKETS

Just Local Food 1117 S. Farwell St., Eau Claire • (715) 552-3366 • justlocalfood.coop For over twelve years the co-op has focused on sourcing from and nurturing relationships with local farmers and producers of high quality, natural, and organic foods for our community.

They are dedicated to providing our customer-owners and community access to high quality local, organic, and natural foods – all at a fair price.

Klinger Farm Market 12756 132nd St., Chippewa Falls • (715) 288-6348 • klingerfarmmarket@yahoo.com • klingerfarmmarket.biz In addition to 18 greenhouses full of flowers, vegetable plants, herbs, shrubs, trees, hanging baskets, water plants, and house plants, Klinger offers a swath of freshly grown produce, home and garden ornaments, bird baths, jams, honeys, and organic gardening products. They are open year round.

Menomonie Market Food Co-op 814 Main St. East,

Menomonie • (715) 231-3663 • info@mmfc.coop • mmfc. coop Located in downtown Menomonie, this co-op stocks a wide variety of locally sourced meats such as beef, buffalo, chicken, heirloom pork, brats & sausages, lamb, and fresh, local seafood. Offers a wide variety of seasonal produce, cheeses, dairy items, breads, spirits, and more grocery items. They have a deli, serving up fresh cuts and sandwiches, and they teach classes focusing on wellness, foraging, nuitrition, and cooking.

Rump’s Butcher Shoppe 1411 Lynn Ave., Altoona •

rumpsbutchershoppe.com Enjoy local meats, cheeses, domestic and craft beers, wines, spices & more. Pick up pre-build freezer paks of meat, meat & cheese trays, and check out their specials. They also offer wild game processing.

Sokup’s Market 624 N Bridge St., Chippewa Falls

• (715) 723-4953 • Find this business on Facebook HERE Located in Downtown Chippewa Falls. Fresh meat, cheese & produce. The best prices around for great quality. Family owned and operated for over 100 years.

Wissota Meat Market 17183 50th Avenue, Chippewa

Falls • Locally owned full-service meat market with meat, deli and seafood. Carries locally raised beef and pork weekly.

Yellowstone Cheese 24105 County Highway MM,

Cadott • yellowstonecheese.com Yellowstone Cheese offers homemade cheeses, wine, jams & jellies, mustards, maple syrup, gifts, take-n-bake pizzas, and so much more. They pride themselves on using milk from the Kenealy farm to create the over 30 flavors of cheese.

raised by organic methods. CSA members purchase shares of the seasons produce, delivered to a local drop off point. Egg and Poultry shares are additional. They seek to treat their land and animals with respect.

COMMUNTY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE

Alchemy Family Farm runs June through October •

12453 County Highway DD, Colfax • (715) 271-2094 • facebook.com/alchemyfoodworks This CSA specializes in heirloom vegetables and offers lots of veggies, fruits, and herbs. Also hosts educational tours and supplies restaurants.

Blackberry Community Farm Wheeler • (715) 658-

1042 • blackberry@mosaictelecom.net • localharvest. org Delivering more than 40 kinds of seasonal, chemical free vegetables, fruits (strawberries, currants, raspberries, melons & apples) and herbs in deluxe and half shares. Members are welcome to visit or volunteer on the farm.

Blue Ox Organics Wheeler • (715) 352-0717 • blue-

oxorganics.com Where the driftless meets the north woods, you’ll find this family farm. A reliable producer of whole lamb and winter produce. CSA membership features produce. This farm is looking to revitalize the land around it with sustainable farming practices. Call to arrange a visit.

Breezy Knoll Farm N14014 Fairview Road, Fairchild • (715) 206-0517 • localharvest.org Receive a bountiful harvest of fresh, seasonal, locally grown produce and herbs every week. With every CSA membership you also receive a weekly newsletter filled with stories, recipes and information about your vegetables. Also available is a weekly share of 1 dozen large eggs.

cvproduce.com • cvproduce.com This 17-week CSA offers weekly free home delivery of eggs, meats, a wide variety of produce including broccoli, peppers, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, watermelon, corn, pumpkins, squash, herbs, heirloom tomatoes, and more.

Haaken Hill Farm 3690 S Elco Road, Fall Creek •

haakenhillfarm.com An ultra-fresh, 20 week CSA with various bundles for different household sizes.

Klinger Farm Market 12756 132nd St., Chippewa Falls

• (715) 288-6348 • klingerfarmmarket@yahoo.com • klingerfarmmarket.biz In addition to 18 greenhouses full of flowers, vegetable plants, herbs, shrubs, trees, hanging baskets, water plants, and house plants, Klinger offers a swath of freshly grown produce, home and garden ornaments, bird baths, jams, honeys, and organic gardening products. They are open year round.

MoonRise Farm W2161 County Rd. KK, Nelson •

(715) 578-6803 • MoonRiseFarm@hotmail.com • Facebook.com/MoonRiseFarmCSA Providing weekly deliveries of a diverse group of produce sustainably grown for a reasonable price. MoonRise Farm offers a variety of vegetables, herbs, and fresh-cut flowers that are naturally and sustainably grown for CSA members.

• (715) 456-3037 • info@scenicpasturesfarm.com • scenicpasturesfarm.weebly.com Scenic Pastures Farm is a family farm that offers a 100% heirloom fruit and vegetable CSA and pastured chickens.

Special Treat Farm N674 Cty Rd H, Mondovi • (507)

272-0526 • localharvest.org The CSA runs for 20 weeks, May-October. All shares include farm fresh eggs, and usually includes heirloom tomatoes and sweet corn. CSA members are welcome at the farm for work hours for discounts or visiting anytime.

Square Roots Farm E9985 W. Mallard Rd., Fall Creek

• (715) 577-4376 • squarerootsfarm.com Chemical-free vegetables are delivered from their farm directly to your door every week. The summer share is 6-12 different vegetables for 18 weeks. Each fall box contains roughly 30 pounds of root vegetables.

Hogsquash Hollow E8295 County Road BB, Colfax

• (715) 440-4059 • HogsquashHollow@gmail.com • hogsquashhollow.blogspot.com A small family farm located along the Red Cedar River in Colfax. Receive a box of fresh, never sprayed, never GMO produce straight from the farm.

Sunbow Farm W4620 Langdell Rd, Eau Claire •

(715) 946-3329 • info@jacksonhollow.net 100% chemical free produce, as well as free range eggs and poultry

FA R M F R E S H 2 0 1 8

877-9978 • Katydid.Organics@gmail.org • localharvest.org/katydid-ranch-M56245 Katydid Ranch is a 40 acre organic/permaculture farm located 8 miles SE of Eau Claire. Organic production practices and record keeping are followed so that in the future Katydid Ranch may apply for organic certification. CSA members can enjoy 5-12 vegetable/herb items in their weekly boxes from June through October.

Scenic Pastures Farm E17900 Scenic Dr., Fall Creek

Chippewa Valley Produce • (715) 797-2719 • info@

Jackson Hollow S1291 Hayes Valley Rd., Mondovi •

Katydid Ranch S.7520 Cty Rd. JJ, Fall Creek • (715)

(715) 379-7284 • sunbowfarm.com Serving the Chippewa Valley with fresh, local, green-grown produce, chicken, lamb, and certified organic herbs since 2003.

54

V O L U M E O N E . O R G / S I T E S / FA R M _ F R E S H

Sunbow believes in connecting people to the land so all of their shares require an agreement to help at the farm. Members can help with planting, weeding, maintenance, and picking.

Sylvan Hills E2161 530th Ave., Menomonie • 235-1695 •

TheFarm@sylvanhillsfarm.com • sylvanhillsfarm.com Half a share costs $400 and a full share costs $650. A share includes a weekly pick-up of fresh, locally grown, certified organic produce that will amply feed a family. Items included are: tomatoes, beans, carrots, radishes, and more.

Thornfield 330th Ave., Menomonie • 612-961-7182

• thornfieldgarden@outlook.com • thornfieldgarden. com Twenty five acres of garden, field and woods where fruit, vegetables, honey and hops are produced as sustainably as possible. A source of very fresh, organically grown produce that tastes better than almost anything you can find at a store.

Together Farms - CSA W93 Norden Rd., Mondovi •

(715) 210-4740 • togetherfarms@gmail.com • togetherfarms.com Striving to raise the healthiest, happiest animals with lots of minerals and pasture, 100% grassfed/finished beef, lamb, pasture pork, chicken, turkey, and duck. GMO-free and no MSG, nitrates, or other unpronounceable ingredients.

Winnowburrow Farm N9396 County Rd G, Colfax •

winnowburrow.com Winnowburrow is unique in that it strives too produce exclusively heirloom produce.

CSA boxes include flowers, herbs, mushrooms, eggs from heritage breed chickens, and a wide assortment of nutrient-dense heirloom produce.

FARMERS MARKETS

Chippewa Falls Main Street Farmers Market Across

from the Chippewa Falls Area Visitors Center, Chippewa Falls • ChippewaFallsMainSt.org Thursday afternoons from noon to 6pm head for fresh grown vegetables, fruits, and flowers, as well as locally made baked goods, brick oven pizzas, salsas, jams, jellies, soaps, wood carvings, crafts, and much more. Runs from June 15 to mid-October.

Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market Saturdays in

May: 7:30am - 1pm | June 1st - October 31st: Wednesdays, 7:30am - 1pm; Thursdays, 12-5pm; Saturdays: 7:30am - 1pm • 330 Riverfront Terrace, Eau Claire • (715) 563-2644 • ECDowntownFarmersMarket. com Seasonal, locally grown vegetables and fruits, plus baked goods, dairy products, meat, honey, maple syrup, flowers, and more. An art market featuring local artists appears most Saturdays throughout the season.

SPONSORED IN PART BY

Festival Foods Farmers Market Sundays, mid-June

Klinger Farm Market 12756 132nd St., Chippewa Falls

through October - 8am-2pm • Festival Foods parking lot, 3007 Mall Drive, Eau Claire • (715) 838-1000 • A variety of fresh produce from local farmers.

Menomonie Farmers Market May-October: every

Wednesday 12pm to 5pm and Saturdays 8am to 1pm • Wilson Park, Wilson Ave and 8th St, Menomonie • (715) 781-1416 • rthibado@wcap.org • menomoniefam.org A typical market day will feature 15-20 venders displaying locally produced vegetables, fruits, honey, maple syrup, bison, pork, baked goods, plants, lotions and soaps, coffee, and craft items.

GARDEN CENTERS

Blaine’s Farm and Fleet 2583 S Prairie View Rd.,

Chippewa Falls • (715) 723-1806 • farmandfleet.com A hardy selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, vegetables, and hanging baskets, all grown locally with nursery quality so you know they will survive and prosper in your lawn and garden. While you’re there, you can pick up garden maintenance supplies, lawn decor, and more.

Bobolink Nursery LLC N6548 429th St., Menomonie

• (715) 231-3901 • bobolinknursery.com Bobolink’s barn-style garden center and three large growing ranges are packed with perennials, vegetables, annuals, shrubs, and trees. Owners Dan and Amy Dopkins have been in the plant growing business for essentially their entire lives and are very happy to pass their vast stores of knowledge on to you. They also offer services such as landscaping design and installation.

Chippewa Valley Growers 7825 Prill Road, Eau Claire • (715) 839-8448 • chippewavalleygrowers.com Carries a wide variety of stock, specializing in bedding plants, flowers, and vegetables. Work with gardeners to create custom baskets and containers and check out growing ideas and tips in their spring newsletter.

Christensen Florist & Greenhouses 1210 Mansfield

St, Chippewa Falls • christensenflorist.com Greenhouses full of beautiful hanging baskets & patio pots and full assortments of annuals, vegetables, perennials, & herbs. Daily specials available. All plants grown on site.

Circle M Nursery 3942 103rd St, Chippewa Falls •

(715) 723-4247 • circlemnursery.com Circle M has served as a complete garden center for the Chippewa Valley for over 35 years, providing trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, black dirt, mulches, and flexible landscaping services.

• (888) 878-4166 • christmas@lowescreektreefarm.com • lowescreek-treefarm.com Lowes Creek Tree Farm’s retail nursery market includes a full line of potted shade trees (over 50 varieties), flowering trees, fruit trees, shubs, and perennials, plus landscape consulatation, design services, and delivery and planting services.

Menards 3619 South Hastings Way, Eau Claire • (715)

832-3344 • menards.com Menards offers a full-blown garden center and every tool you could ever think of to tend your garden, making it a convenient one-stop shop for your gardening needs. 3619 South Hastings Way, Eau Claire • (715) 832-3344 // 5210 N. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • (715) 830-0011

Paint Creek Nursery & Tree Farm 3215 North 140th

Ave, Cadott • (715) 723-2072 • info@paintcreeknursery.com • paintcreeknursery.com Paint Creek Nursey’s goal is to grow shrubs and trees that benefit people and the environment. They have a variety of native tree species, including conifers, hardwoods, and shrubs, that can be purchased either as seedlings or transplants. Call to arrange an appointment.

The Potting Shed 1717 Devney Dr., Altoona • (715) 831-4000 • brett@thepottingshed1.com • thepottingshed1.com Offers a full complement of annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, products & tools, seasonal merchandise--like pumpkins, fresh garlands, porch pots, and wreaths. Stocks various blooming and foliage, indoor and outdoor pottery, and gift decor.

Sears Hometown Store 2521 A Hills Ct., Menomonie • (715) 232-8086 • searshometownstores.com Sears sells the supplies every home gardener needs to keep their plants in top shape.

Season’s Harvest Greenhouse E5345 County Rd D,

Menomonie • (715) 231-4769 • seasonsharvest@dishup.us Season’s Harvest has an impressive 6 greenhouses full of annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, vegetables, and herbs. Also, the potting shed station located outside the greenhouses allows you to mix, match, and plant your flowers right after or while you’re browsing.

832-9777, (715) 726-1251 • shopko.com Between their outdoor garden center and the tools and supplies they sell in-store, Shopko offers everything you need to get your garden started right.

Claire • (715) 833-1234 • eauclairelandscaping.com A relaxing and spacious environment in which potential planters can find greeneries of every kind. The garden center sells bulk materials, tools, decor, seasonal and lush plants, and much more. They host classes and events all year long and even have a cafe on-site for if you get a little hungry. They offer landscaping and lawncare services.

PICK YOUR OWN GARDENS

Appledore Woods W3865 County Rd. HH, Eau Claire

Fryszki’s Country Gardens N1956 State Road

85, Caryville • (715) 835-8743 • fayer@cvol.net • facebook.com/Fryszkis/ 12 minutes southwest of Eau Claire, Fryszki’s Country Gardens offers a wide variety of unique and colorful annuals, perennials, grasses, herbs and vegetables. Keep current with their Facebook page to see what’s in season.

Green Oasis Garden Center 1403 122nd St., Lake

Hallie • (715) 832-0800 • GreenOasisGardens. com This garden center offers lawn art and accessories, plus various trees, ornamental grasses, perennials, mulch, dirt, compost, and patio block. Also offers lawn care, landscaping, irrigation, window cleaning, pest control, christmas lightning, and more.

• (715) 834-5697 • AppledoreWoods.com Appledore Woods has opportunities to pick your own strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Pre-picked blackberries available at Eau Claire’s farmers market at Phoenix Park.

Augusta Blueberries E27020 E Branch Rd., Fairchild

• 612-850-9852 • augustablueberries.com Several acres and varieties of cultivate Highbush blueberries in a park-like setting. Picking season runs mid-July through August and early September. Visit online for picking dates and times.

Autumn Harvest Winery & Orchard Open May-Octo-

Green Thumb Landscaping & Excavating + Garden Center 6700 Hwy 12 East, Eau Claire • (715) 832-4553

• greenthumbwi.com Green Thumb Landscaping and Excavating provides garden care and maintenance.

Their garden center has a wide selection of perennials, annuals, shrubs, trees, mulch, decorative rock, and more.

Grinde’s Garden Center 2903 Preston Road, Eau

Claire • (715) 833-2292 • grindesgardencenter. com Family owned for almost three decades, Grinde’s greenhouses offer a full line of self-produced vegetables, plants, flowers, seeds. They specialize in hanging baskets and bedding plants.

ber • 19947 Cty Hwy J, Chippewa Falls • (715) 7201663 • winer@autumnharvestwinery.com • autumnharvestwinery.com Produces 13 varieties of wine including many wines using fruit from their orchard, and a hard cider. Enjoy complimentary wine tasting, sample local cheeses and chocolates, relax on the outdoor patio seating, or peruse the gift shop. Starting in May you can enjoy the beautiful sights of blooming apple trees, flowers and an abundance of wildlife. In July you can purchase fresh blueberries or pick your own. During the fall season, apples and pumpkins can be purchased or you can pick your own, enjoy wagon rides and a free corn maze.

Blueberry Hills Farm N7900 Cty Rd J, Menomonie

• (651) 303-3372 • info@blueberryhillsfarmwi.com • blueberryhillsfarmwi.com Pick your own blueberries.

Sustainably grown without herbicides or pesticides. See website for details and times.

Ave, Chippewa Falls • (715) 723-3414 • terrencehalfen@yahoo.com • halfengardencenter.com Halfen Garden Center is a family run business that offers a wide array of hostas, vines, annuals, vegetables, fruits, trees, and shrubs. They offer garden layouts to help you know the best place to plant around your home.

FA R M F R E S H 2 0 1 8

Lowes Creek Tree Farm S9475 Lowes Creek Rd., Eleva

Shopko 955 W Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • (715)

Down To Earth Garden Center 6025 Arndt Ln., Eau

Halfen Garden Center and Hosta Heaven 19130 72nd

• (715) 288-6348 • klingerfarmmarket@yahoo.com • klingerfarmmarket.biz In addition to 18 greenhouses full of flowers, vegetable plants, herbs, shrubs, trees, hanging baskets, water plants, and house plants, Klinger offers a swath of freshly grown produce, home and garden ornaments, bird baths, jams, honeys, and organic gardening products. They are open year round.

Blueberry Ridge Orchard July-August • E2795

Hageness Rd., Eleva • (715) 287-3366 • contact@ blueberryridge-orchard.com • blueberryridgeorchard.com Blueberry Ridge Orchard is a 25 acre blueberry orchard that offers 7 varieties of pick your own blueberries. In fall, you can buy ready-picked apples and plums.

55

V O L U M E O N E . O R G / S I T E S / FA R M _ F R E S H

SPONSORED IN PART BY

EVEN MORE FARM FRESH LISTINGS Bushel and a Peck Market 18444 County Hwy

OO, Chippewa Falls • (715) 723-0133 • apples@ bushelandapeckmarket.com • BushelAndaPeckMarket. com Open in early August for pick-your-own apples, raspberries, and plums. Gift shop and bakery on site featuring honey, jams, jellies and syrups.

Cain’s Orchard W13885 Cain Rd., Hixton • (715)

963-2052 • CainsOrchard.com In summer you can pick blueberries starting in July. In fall you can pick 20 kinds of apples, raspberries, plums, and grapes in fall.

Picnic area, play area, and hiking trails. Their fruit is grown utilizing sustainable agriculture and integrated pest management.

• govinsmeatsandberries.com In spring, Govin’s Lambing Barn opens to the public. In summer, Govin’s has you-pick and pre-picked strawberries.

Naturally raised beef, free-range chicken, lamb, and pumpkins also for sale.

Connell’s Family Orchard 19372 County Hwy OO,

Chippewa Falls • (715) 723-5889 • conorchard@ aol.com • facebook.com/connellsfamilyorchard Forty acres of fruit and veggies. Pick tart cherries, blueberries in July, and apples starting in August.

Pies, ice cream, carameled apples, jams, honey, and salsas are also available.

Connell’s Family Orchard 19372 Co. Hwy OO, Chip-

Grampa Glenn’s Organic Strawberries W11280

pewa Falls • (715) 723-5889 • connellsfamilyorchard. com Established in 1858, Connell’s grows apples, raspberries, pumpkins, and much more, plus an impressive shop and bakery on location, farm tours and wagon rides. Call for details.

Foster Farms Strawberries W. Robin Rd., Foster

• (715) 835-7407 • facebook.com/FosterFarmsStrawberries Foster Farm’s is a family owned and operated strawberry farm established in 1979 just south of Foster, WI.

Govin’s Meats & Berries - Spring & Summer Attractions N6134 670th St, Menomonie • (715) 231-2377 • jgovin@govinsmeatandberries.com

Cty Rd. B, Humbird • (715) 964-8663 • gstuve@ centurytel.net • facebook.com/GrampaGlennsCertifiedOrganicStrawberries Pick certified organic strawberries on the Stuve farmstead. Sampling while picking is a must. Call in advance if you want someone to pick on your behalf.

Little Berry Farm W1832 Maple Rd., Eau Claire

• (715) 559-0447 • berrygirls@littleberryfarmec. com • littleberryfarmec.com Offering naturally grown strawberries and raspberries that are healthy and delicious. Little Berry Farm do not use any chemicals or sprays. Visit their website or find them on Facebook for more details and information regarding picking dates and times.

Mac’s Berries 10439 130th Ave., Bloomer • (715) 568-

1672 • They have both u-pick and pre-picked strawberries available. We also have pea pods for picking. If you want pre-picked strawberries, call and we’ll reserve them for you to pick up at the farm.

COMMUNITY GARDENS

Chippewa County Community Gardens • (715) 726-

7950, ext. 5 • fyi.uwex.edu Presented by Chippewa Falls Parks, Recreation, and Forestry and University of Wisconsin – Extension Chippewa County. Bloomer, Chippewa Falls, and New Auburn each provide unique gardening experiences for the garden enthusiast. See contact info for details.

Demmler Community Garden • laurajlash@gmail.com • thirdward.org A communal garden is also available to those who wish to garden but will not be renting a plot.

All plot holders are greatly encouraged to (and many do) donate some of their produce to the hungry at the Community Table.

Forest Street Community Garden • (715) 495-

2451 • eauclairecommunitygarden@gmail.com • eauclairecommunitygardens.com Featuring shared and individual garden plot options. Sixty gardeners garden together and put in volunteer hours in the shared plot. There are 50 rental plots in the individual garden. Shared garden: $20 for individuals or $30 for

FA R M F R E S H 2 0 1 8

56

V O L U M E O N E . O R G / S I T E S / FA R M _ F R E S H

a family. Individual garden plots: $35 single plots, $60 double plots. Extra produce is regularly donated to the Community Table.

Jeffers Road Community Garden • elasaive@gmail.

com • http://eauclaire.uwex.edu/horticulture-2/community-gardens/ The Eau Claire County extension office offers garden plots for rent plus a small 8’x12’ greenhouse for seedlings in the spring and to extend the growing season with cold crops in the fall. Garden plots measure 20’x45’ and will cost $35 per plot.

Greenhouse space available for up to 20 individuals.

Visit online for the full details.

Kids Gardens: North Riverfronts Neighborhood Park & McDonough Park • (715) 839-4712 • eau-

clairecommunitygardens.com The County Extension office sponsors a free kids’ garden for all schoolaged children during the summer months. Community Youth Gardens are located at McDonough Park and North River Front Park. This program has many partners such as the SNAP Educators (formerly known as Wisconsin Nutrition Educators), Master Gardener Volunteers, local greenhouses, and local youth organizations.

Lakeshore Park Community Garden • (715) 833-0550

• hsmiar@yahoo.com • eauclairecommunitygardens. com Located near the pavilion, 14-16 15’x15’ plots are available and cost $25 (reduced rates available for lowincome individuals and families). Water hookup and hoses available. Lakeshore Park Garden is operated by the Historic Randall Park Neighborhood Association.

Plot renters are encouraged to donate some of their produce to the Community Table.

Menomonie Community Garden 2500 9th Street East, Menomonie • (715) 232-1328 • MenomonieCommunityGardens.com Each plot measures 20 x 25 feet. Half plots are $15, one plot is $25, two is $50, three is $75, four is $100. Raised beds also available.

Phoenix Park Community Gardens • (715) 495-2451

• andwerth@gmail.com Get involved with the Phoenix Park community garden on Forest St. by networking with Andrew Werthmann.

South Side Community Garden On Hester Street

south of South Middle School, Eau Claire • southsidegardenec@gmail.com • eauclairecommunitygardens. com This garden features at least 24 plots. Plots are 10’x20’ for $25 or 20’x20’ $35. Water on-site with hoses to share. Garden will be enclosed with a nine foot deer fence.

FA R M F R E S H 2 0 1 8

57

V O L U M E O N E . O R G / S I T E S / FA R M _ F R E S H