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Radishes & Kohlrabi from Annie's Acres in Darlington.
Annie's Acres offers a bounty of naturally grown vegetables and herbs to their CSA members. In addition to Annie's Acres naturally grown philosophy, their land has been chemical free for the last 12 years!
Rainbow Trout from Artesian Trout Farm in Westfield.
Chuck and Jenny Anderson have been raising fresh rainbow trout since 1980, and they have got it down! All of their trout are raised in pure, icy artesian water with natural feed, so their fish have a much firmer texture than any counterparts that have been raised in warmer water. The Andersons strive for the finest and highest quality trout and they offer dressed, boned and smoked fresh rainbow trout at the Dane County Farmers Market. If you stop by their stand at the Saturday market, be sure to ask for a copy of their favorite recipe of the day.
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Tart Door County Cherries from Barnard Farms in Egg Harbor.
A Wisconsin Berry Grower Member, James Barnard produces some remarkable fruit on his farm. Their colorful stand has cut flowers and lots of other wonderful fruits, including apples, sweet cherries, pears, plums, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, apricots, and grapes.
Sweet Corn from The Bee Charmer in Brooklyn.
Mary Celley specializes in white honey and organically raised produce and her sweet corn is one of the sweetest you'll ever taste! Her raspberries and strawberries are also produced organically.
Biersach Hickory Nut Heaven in Columbus.
After retirement Robert & Audrey Biersach found they had time to comb the woods for the biggest of the hickory nuts. When they realized there was a market for the tasty morsels, they decided to share their love for the art of preparing them for the Dane County Farmers Market. They meticulously sort and clean the nuts after they are cracked, one-at-a-time in a vise and picked out of the hard shells with a pick. The nuts are fresh for the fall market. Because of the time involved in the process, they are not able to get them all ready for the Market, so they will have nut meats to sell well into the New Year.
Salad Greens & Mushrooms from Black Earth Valley in Black Earth.
Dan Deneen from Black Earth Valley produces remarkable vegetables, like asparagus, beans, beets, cucumbers, greens, lettuce, okra, onions, green onions, peas (snaps/pods), peppers, potatoes, radishes, spinach, winter squash, summer squash, and tomatoes. Although he is not certified organic, he does follow sustainable, organic growing practices. You can find the Black Earth Valley stand at the Westside Community Market on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Spinach & Heirloom Vegetables from Blue Moon Farm in Town of Dunn.
Blue Moon is a community farm run by Kristin Kordet, who was also a fabulous member of L'Etoile's restaurant serving staff! Blue Moon Farm offers a wide variety of beautiful, sustainably grown produce. It is located just 8 miles south of Madison's capital, nestled between woodland areas, restored prairies, and the shores of Lake Waubesa. You can find Blue Moon's produce Tuesdays at the Eastside Farmers Market on Ingersoll Street and Saturdays at the Westside Community Market.
Asparagus, Heritage Turkeys, Duck & Mushrooms from Matt and Susan Smith at Blue Valley Gardens in Blue Mounds.
“Food is a vice and it is one of my favorites. When I was going back to school in 1975 at UW-Madison, I was deciding what to do. When I saw fruit and vegetable production offered under the Ag School's Department of Horticulture, I was sold. I worked on several other farms selling at the Dane County Farmers Market until we got our own place going in 1984. We are certified and maintain a strong organic outlook and goal of raising all our own produce and poultry. Our products are a reflection of our commitment to allowing our customers to enjoy the best quality organic produce and poultry possible. That level of good feeling can continue when they display those same vegetables, fruits, and meats at the table.”
—Matt Smith, Blue Valley Gardens
Radishes from Blue Skies Farm in Brooklyn.
Blue Skies Farm has been certified organic since 1995. On their 2-1/2 acres, they grow red, yellow and orange raspberries, heirloom and European vegetables, herbs and edible flowers. They are open for U-Pick in August and September. You can stop by the Blue Skies Stand at the Eastside Farmers Market on Tuesday evenings from 4-7 p.m. on Ingersoll Street.
Spring garlic from Brantmeier Family Farm in Monroe.
Tom Brantmeier operates his farm under a nature-sensitive philosophy which goes beyond traditional organic agriculture practices. You can find him at Market with his spring garlic as well as blackberries, swiss chard, collards, arugula, fresh ground whole wheat flour and a variety of herbs.
Fingerling Potatoes from Butter Mountain in Richland Center.
John Aue and Jane Mussey began selling potatoes at the Dane County Farmers Market in 1993. At that time, there were few growers supplying multiple organic potato varieties at the Market, so given their love of growing potatoes, they were happy to meet that need! Stop by their certified organic stand on Saturdays to try some of their delicious varieties.
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Berries, Grapes & Apples from Carandale Farm in Oregon.
Dale and Cindy Secher began growing apples, strawberries, grapes, and raspberries fulltime in 1976 and Carandale Farm is still green and growing 30 years later. In fact, Carandale Farm is the largest and longest established "Pick-Your-Own" farm in Dane County. Besides selling produce from their farm, the Secher's attend the Dane County Farmer's Market. In the fall, they also supply apples weekly to several school lunch programs. An unusual outlet for their apples is the University of Wisconsin-Madison Primate Center. Chimpanzees and monkeys there enjoy 12 bushels of Carandale apples a week!
Edible Flowers & Herbs from Carpenters' Farm in Fort Atkinson.
For more than a quarter of a century, Quentin & Mary Carpenter have been raising pesticide and herbicide-free vegetables, fruit, flowers, herbs, and plants. They also raise lamb and poultry. You can see their produce for yourselves at the Dane County Farmers' Market on Saturdays.
Tomatoes & Produce from Canopy Gardens in Antigo
Pete and Pam Augustyn started the family business in 1995. Tomatoes are their main focus, growing them in volcanic rock, instead of dirt. This allows the tomatoes to receive all the nutrients they need while taking up less space and using less water and fertilizer. Stop by their stand at the Dane County Farmers' Market to try their delicious tomatoes yourself, or sample their housemade salsa.
Beef Bones from Cates Family Farm in Spring Green.
The Cates Family Farmstead has been in their family for nearly 40 years and has produced beef on its pastures for over 100 years. Their Angus and Jersey steers are raised “free range” (grass-fed) and without growth hormones or antibiotics. Steers are 100% grass finished spring through autumn; corn is fed at finishing in the winter. Flavor and tenderness are enhanced through the "aging" process prior to packaging. Their beef has less excess fat than conventional feedlot-finished beef, and research is now showing that grass-fed beef and dairy products are significantly higher in naturally occurring compounds which help the body to prevent cancer and heart disease. Their beef is a delicious and healthy product and it is available for steaks, roasts, lean ground beef, summer sausage, beef sticks or jerky; and delivered to your door with a smile! Dick and Kim Cates also donate a portion of their proceeds to childhood cancer research, natural resource stewardship and citizen efforts to fight hunger in Wisconsin.
Lamb from Crawford Farm in New Glarus.
Crawford Farm, operated by Janie and Andy Crawford, is renowned in the world of cuisine for providing excellent lamb. Raised organically, Crawford lamb is served at a short list of high-class restaurants in Madison and Chicago.
Produce from Crossroads Community Farm in Cross Plains
Mike and Cassie Noltnerwyss started their certified organic farm in 2005 as a way to provide the Dane County area with healthy, local, and sustainable produce and fruits. Find their market stand at Madison's Westside Community Market on Saturday mornings!
Salad Greens & Arugula from Creekside Farm in Prairie du Chien.
Creekside Farm resides on 40 acres in beautiful Southwestern Wisconsin. It is filled with steep hills and valleys or "coulees." Chris Fenendael and Mark Kupper have been operating Creekside Farm for eight years. At Creekside Farm, you will find herbs, asparagus, strawberries, scallions, radishes, turnips, potatoes, summer squash, beans, okra, pumpkins, acorn and butternut squash. Arugula, baby salad greens, cut flowers and heirloom tomato sets are their specialties. At the Dane County Farmers Market on Saturdays, their colorful cut flower bouquets and the smell of their sweet strawberries draw attention from shoppers. Mark says the strawberries smell so sweet he can pick them in the dark!
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Mix Greens from Don's Produce in Arena.
Don's parents began operating a roadside market in the Arena area in the early 1960s. Don then followed suit and began his own business in 1971, while he was still in high school. Today, Don's Produce operates a hydroponic greenhouse that grows a variety of vegetables including tomatoes, potatoes, sweet corn, radishes, spinach, and onions. Don's produce is available at the Westside Community Market on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m and at the Wednesday and Saturday Dane County Farmers Markets.
Beets & Potatoes from Driftless Organics in Soldiers Grove
Joshua and Noah Engel are certified organic growers who produce marvelous potatoes, among other crops. Their potatoes are frequently on our menus for L'Etoile and Graze and you can find their produce at the Dane County Farmers Market on Saturdays.
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Apples & Pears from Ela Orchard in Rochester.
In 1920 Bob Willard's grandfather bought the land that is currently home to Ela Orchard. In 1978 he and his cousin Edwin became official active partners –the 3rd generation working this particular piece of land. Edwin and his family still live and work in the orchard as does Bob’s wife, Jane and his two children. There are apple trees at Ela Orchard that were planted in the 1940’s and are still producing. Currently, there are 20 acres of apples with 1200 trees producing 35 different varieties of apples and a few different kinds of pears, including the coveted Moonglow Pear. Apple varieties range from the older Snows and Russets to “standards” such as Red and Golden Delicious to newer scab-resistant varieties like the Gala, Liberty, and Jonafree. Ela Orchard often picks the apples later in the season than most orchards, increasing the flavor of the apples.
Organic Produce from Elderberry Hill Farm in Waunakee
Started in 2011, Elderberry Hill Farm in Waunakee is part of a new generation of farms focused on improving our local food system. Farmer, Eric Elderbrock has a firm dedication to sustainable farming, one, which we can relate. Our menu has highlighted many of their vegetables including cauliflower, fava beans, zucchini, and most recently eggplant.
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Highland Beef, naturally–raised at Fountain Prairie Farm in Fall River.
John and Dorothy Priske raise registered Highland cattle naturally, without growth hormones or antibiotics in their feed. The cattle are free to roam their lush pastures, directly harvesting the sun's energy to produce lean, flavorful beef. Small amounts of grain are added to the steers' diet to increase marbling in the meat. As members of the Quality Highland Beef Program, their steers are processed at the age of 14 - 36 months and the meat is allowed to age for a minimum of 14 days (although they prefer to allow 21 days). The Priskes began selling their Highland cattle at the Dane County Farmers' Market in 1987; you can still find them there every Saturday from late April to early November on Carroll Street in Madison, across from the Grace Episcopal Church.
Heirloom Vegetables from Maryellen & Roger Frey in Middleton.
Maryellen and Roger follow organic practices on their land in Middleton growing a wide variety of heirloom vegetables like asparagus, beans, beets, broccoli, carrots, corn (sweet), corn (Indian), cucumbers, garlic, gourds, greens, kohlrabi, lettuce, mushrooms, green onions, peppers, potatoes, pumpkins, rhubarb, spinach, winter squash, summer squash, and tomatoes. You can also find lots of fruit like cherries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, currants, elderberries, cantaloupe, and watermelon at their stand at the Dane County Farmers Market.
Pears & Apples from Future Fruit Farm in Ridgeway.
Future Fruit Farm is a certified organic family farm located on the beautiful ridges overlooking the Wisconsin River Valley. Bob, Ellen and Selena Lane have chosen to specialize in and grow old-time and exotic varieties of fruit on their farm. The unusual and delicious apples and pears that they produce are harder to grow but well worth the effort! For over twenty-four years the Lanes have been testing varieties of apples, pears, and plums, attempting to perfect organic fruit growing methods and meet the challenges of climatic pressures. The Lane's value supporting local food supplies and their family farm is dedicated to sustainable agriculture. They begin harvesting fruit in late July and continue harvesting through October. You can find Future Fruit at the Westside Community Market on Saturdays, at the Dane County Farmer's Market on Saturdays, at Madison, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis natural food stores and Co-ops, and at the finest restaurants in Madison, Milwaukee, and Chicago.
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Micro-greens, Herbs, Radish & Flowers from Garden to Be in Mount Horeb.
Garden To Be Community Farm is located in the beautiful hills of Primrose Township, between Mt. Horeb and New Glarus. Scott Williams grows 3 acres of specialty vegetables for CSA Members, Madison restaurants, DCFM, Eastside Market and Home Grown Wisconsin in this picturesque setting. 2006 marks the first year that they are regular vendors at the Saturday Dane County Farmers Market. All of our products are certified Naturally Grown, an alternative to the USDA Organic certification, you can learn more about this certification by visiting their stand. They use very little machinery on the farm, which is only 30 minutes from the Market as they strive for energy efficiency in contributing to a localized food system.
Honey & Candles from Gentle Breeze Honey in Mount Horeb.
The owner, Eugene Woller, has been producing pure, natural, unfiltered Gentle Breeze Honey since 1965. The primary source of their honey is white clover, alfalfa, and basswood grown on Wisconsin's finest family-owned dairy farms. Gentle Breeze Honey markets pure, fancy white clover honey in a variety of sizes ranging from half-pints to five pounds. Bulk honey orders are also available upon request. Their specialty item is the old-fashioned honeycomb that Grandma remembers eating as a kid! A by-product of the honey production is bee's wax. Gentle Breeze Honey has utilized this resource in the production of lovely hand-made candles in a wide variety of styles and sizes. Pure bee's wax candles burn brightly with a delightful fragrance. They burn longer and cleaner than paraffin wax and seldom drip. Gentle Breeze also markets pure bee's wax in one-pound blocks. Check them out at the Dane County Farmers' Market where West Washington Avenue meets the Capitol Square!
Greens & Tomatoes from Gentlemen Farmers in Rio.
Dennis Haug operates this beautiful farm that produces a variety of vegetables throughout the summer season. You can find Dennis at his market stand on Saturdays at the Dane County Farmer's Market.
Apples & Radicchio from Green's Pleasant Spring Orchard in Stoughton.
Richard & Vivian Green have been farming on their 35 acres that lie just east of Madison since 1977. In addition to vegetables, Green's also harvests 65 varieties of apples each season. Our goal has always been to produce quality fruit and vegetables with food safety and the environment in mind. Richard & Vivian's goal has always been to produce quality fruit and vegetables with food safety and the environment in mind. You can find them at the Dane County Farmer's Market on Saturdays as well as the Westside Community Market.
Organic Mushrooms from Gourmet’s Delight in Eden.
Rich & John Floyd have been farming mushrooms with their families for 24 years. Together these brothers have mastered the art of growing chemical-free mushrooms, a significant feat in the produce world. Gourmet’s Delight raises their mushrooms in an indoor facility of about 20,000 square feet (not quite one and one-half football fields). Their wonderful mushrooms can be found at the Dane County Farmers' Market on Saturdays.
Lamb and Chicken from Grass is Greener in Monroe. This picturesque 130-acre farm is nestled in the hills of Southwestern Wisconsin and is run by Rich Horbaczewski and Jackie Gennett. They moved from the city in 2003 to run a sustainable organic farm raising lamb, chickens, eggs, various produce, and cut flowers. You can find their produce at the Dane County Farmers Market and the Northside Farmers Market.
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Organic Produce from Harmony Valley Farm in Viroqua.
Harmony Valley is a family owned, diversified farm with over 30 years of experience producing high quality, organic vegetables, and berries. Harmony Valley is located in an isolated valley in southwestern Wisconsin. Each Saturday from May to November you can find them at the Dane County Farmers Market, located on Mifflin Street, between Wisconsin and Pinckney. In addition, Harmony Valley Farm offers a CSA program, a weekly newsletter, and special events at the farm.
Peas & Potatoes from Heck's Market in Arena.
Gary & Cheryl Heck started Heck's Market in 1972 as a retail produce stand. Since then, they have put in a line of groceries and a greenhouse for their own plants and for retail plant sales. Pumpkins are their specialty. They display between 8,000 and 10,000 pumpkins on their farm from the third week in September through October. Heck's market grows a full line of fresh market produce with sweet corn, melons, strawberries, tomatoes, and pumpkins.
Squash & Pumpkins from Hermanson Pumpkin Patch.
If autumn conjures up thoughts of pumpkins, squash, Indian corn and gourds, Hermanson Pumpkin Patch is one place you'll want to visit. They have 32 varieties of pumpkins of all colors and sizes. You are welcome to pick your own pumpkin if you like, just pull a wagon into the field to pick, or choose a pumpkin in the yard. They also have small animals on view. They are located in Edgerton and are open the fourth week of September and all of October, 9am-6pm.
Edible Flowers and Herbs from Hickory Hill Farm in Loganville.
Hickory Hill Farm has belonged to the Kruse family since 1892. Harold and Carla, and son Richard grow all their greens, herbs, flowers, heirloom tomatoes, potatoes, and other vegetables organically and are approved by Natural Foods Associates of Wisconsin. One of Richard's 4-H projects brought a new taste to Hickory Hill Farms' selection, and you'll often find his red maple syrup next to the vegetables at the Dane County Farmers' Market.
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Pastured Poultry from JenEhr Family Farm in Sun Prairie.
Kay Jensen and Paul Erhart run JenEhr Family Farm, a diversified organic fruit and vegetable farm with additional land devoted to pastured chickens and turkeys. They raise 15 acres of organic vegetables, have three hoop houses for season extension and finish nearly 10,000 pastured poultry and 400 heritage turkeys. JenEhr produce and poultry are available through their CSA program, Madison and Milwaukee Farmers' Markets and several great restaurants in the midwest. They are located 17 miles east of Madison's Capitol Square. Paul and Kay provide great on-farm opportunities from strawberry picking to weekly CSA box pick up and farm tours. Look for the JenEhr stand at the Westside Community Market on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
European Vegetables from Jones Valley Farm in Spring Green.
Jones Valley Farm is owned and operated by Jean and Michael Martin.Their farm is nestled in picturesque Jones Valley near Spring Green, Wisconsin. On their own, Jean and Michael produce an array of vegetables and fruit including artichokes, broccoli romanesco, brussels sprouts, cardoon, carrots, cauliflower, celeriac, cipollini, cucumbers, eggplant, escarole, fava beans, garlic, greens, haricot verts, lettuce, okra, potatoes, radicchio, rapini, squash, tomatoes, turnips, strawberries, and watermelon that they sell at the Dane County Farmer's Market on Saturdays. Jones Valley Farm is certified organic by Midwest Organic Services Association.
Pastured Chicken from Jordandal Farm in Argyle.
Eric and Carrie Johnson own Jordandal Farm and pasture raise chickens, turkeys, pigs, Highland cattle, and Icelandic sheep. Eric and Carrie rely on a sustainable philosophy of caring for the soil and returning elemental nutrients as much as possible. In addition to raising livestock, Eric and Carrie also grow potatoes, onions, garlic, and salad greens. You can find Jordandal at the Dane County Farmer's Market as well as the Westside Community Market.
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Kickapoo Coffee Roasters in Viroqua.
TJ Semanchin and Caleb Nicholes are the co-owners of Kickapoo who started roasting together in Viroqua, WI in 2005. They have a heavy local focus in that the majority of their product ships within 200 miles of their roastery. The essence of Kickapoo is their sustainability practice; besides their outstanding blends, this is why we love them. Kickapoo trades directly with small-scale sustainable producers to ensure both quality & ethics through fair trade beans. They often take trips to a specific origin to meet with the farmers themselves. L'Etoile currently offers their Mocha Java blend, Breakfast decaf, and a rotating single origin. We started offering single origin coffee to bridge the gap between restaurants and high esteemed coffee market. The Yirgacheffe that we are currently offering won a Good Food Award 2013. Graze offers blends as well as the Breakfast decaf. Both restaurants serve the espresso crema for all espresso drinks.
Krinke's Farm Market in Reeseville.
Krinke's was established in 1972 by DuWayne and Melva Krinke and they have been selling at the Dane County Farmers' Market for over 31 years! They specialize in rabbits and poultry: chickens, Muscovy ducks, and turkeys. They are also well known for their 5 varieties of popcorn!
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Lange Farm Meats in Platteville.
Rich Lange raises and sells certified organic beef, pork, chicken, and turkey. Lange Farm provides individual cuts, sides or quarters of beef and pork. They are state inspected and certified organic through Oregon Tilth. Their livestock are all raised with access to pasture and sunlight. They do not use herbicides or pesticides in their fields, or antibiotics or hormones on any livestock.
Proscuitto from La Quercia in Norwalk, Iowa.
Founded in 2005 by Herb & Kathy Eckhouse, La Quercia (pronounced La Kwair-cha with a slight roll of the r if you can do it) means the Oak in Italian. The Oak is a traditional symbol of the province of Parma in Italy and, through its acorns, has been associated with the history of prosciutto for 500 years. It is also the state tree of Iowa. The name unites Iowa, Parma, and prosciutto, and is a symbol of patience, persistence, integrity, and beauty. All values which guide Herb & Kathy Eckhouse in their curing processes.
Sweet Corn & Melons from Luck's Produce in Randolph.
Dan and Lorrie Luck specialize in raising sweet corn and fall decorative items. They raise the best tasting sweet corn varieties available; top quality corn has been the secret to their success. They hand pick all of their corn and before the customer sees it, the corn will have been hand sorted twice. Nothing but the best from the field ever makes it to their display at the Dane County Farmers Market. Gourds, squash and all sizes of pumpkins are also available.
Heirloom Produce from Luna Circle Farm in Rio.
Tricia Bross believes in walking lightly on the earth and so Luna Circle Farm is dedicated to the ideal of small-scale agriculture that fosters respect for the land that feeds us. Luna Circle Farm raises about 40 different vegetables and herbs, and all of the produce is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. Techniques such as rotating crops, using live mulches, growing cover crops, providing beneficial insect habitats, and saving their own seeds help move them toward a self-sustaining farm ecosystem. Luna Circle Farm can be found at the Dane County Farmers Market on Saturdays, on Mifflin Street, just a few stands from the corner of Mifflin and Pinckney Streets.
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Pheasants from MacFarlane Pheasants in Janesville.
Bill and Dori MacFarlane own and operate MacFarlane Pheasants. Since their founding in 1929, they have grown to be the largest pheasant farm in North America.
Maple Syrup from McCluskey Brothers in Hillpoint
The McCluskey family has farmed the ridges, hills, and valleys of Shillelagh Glen Farms for four generations spanning 125 plus years. Their tradition of milking cows, raising beef, and "sugaring" or making maple syrup began in 1886 when their great-grandparents came to Shillelagh Glen Farms by way of Counties Donegal and Mayo, Ireland. Three brothers, Kevin, Patrick, and Brian, continue this tradition today. Late winter they are in the woods, tapping maple trees. They collect that sap and cook it down to 100% pure maple syrup.
Romanesco Broccoli, Cabbage & Cauliflower from Mammoth Produce in Randolph.
Ed and Diane Westra grew into the market business slowly, starting young with a tractor and a road corner. After they were married in 1976, they started to go to the Dane County Farmers' Market, when it was still being held in front of the City/County Building., with peppers, cabbage, and sweet corn. They have since stopped raising sweet corn, but have added broccoli, cauliflower, and eggplant. They changed their name from Ed's Produce to Mammoth Produce to reflect the finding of Wooly Mammoth bones on their farm in 1989 while digging an irrigation pond.
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Strawberries & Melons from Morren Fruits and Vegetables in Orfordville.
This small family farm is operated by Henry & Lisa Morren who are committed to sustainable agriculture. All of their produce meets or exceeds regional and national organic standards. Their many vegetables include delicious varieties of fresh potatoes, Asian eggplant, and French green beans. Their many fruits include apples, cherries, grapes, melons, peaches, pears, plums, raspberries, and strawberries. They can be found at the Dane County Farmers Market on Saturdays and at the Eastside Farmers Market on Tuesday evenings from 4-7 p.m. on Ingersoll Street.
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Beef Bones from Northwood Farm in Wonewoc.
Jim and Rebecca Goodman operate Northwood Farm, along with Jim's brother Francis Goodman. The farm is located in Wonewoc, northwest of Madison in Sauk County, and raises beef cattle. Their cattle are fed homegrown forage and pastured pending the season. They are certified organic and are not fed antibiotics, GMOs, or animal by-products. Jim and Rebecca have been vendors at the Dane County Farmers' Market for eight years, you can find them on the West Mifflin side of the square on Saturday mornings.
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Watercress & Hungarian Peppers from Pederson Produce in Stoughton.
The Pederson family has been participating in the Dane County Farmers Market for 24 years. Pederson Produce was started by the Pederson's son, who always seemed to have a green thumb. The entire family is involved in the operation, including two of the Pederson grandchildren. You should stop by the market in late-May to early-June to visit the Pederson family stand and pick up some of their organic peppers, watercress, and fresh honey.
Lamb from Pinn-Oak Ridge Farm in Delevan
Owners and operators Steve and Darlene Pinnow, have been direct marketing their gourmet lamb to restaurants, supermarkets, and the general public for 16 years. They tend to a flock of about 200 ewes that produce 350-400 lambs each year at their 180-acre property, which also includes their home and a federally-monitored processing plant they built five years ago.
Organic Produce from Crossroads Community Farm in Middleton.
Primrose Community Farm started in 2005 and has been growing a plethora of vegetables ever since. They are committed to using sustainable agricultural practices including developing ecological principles in managing their five-acre farm. "We don't really find a need for [synthetic chemicals] as we have found that our diverse system of producing many different types of crops as well as maintaining the health of the soil is the key aspect to farming successfully." You can find Primrose Community Farm produce at the Westside Community Market or by joining their CSA.
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Heirloom Vegetables & Herbs from Rainbow's End in Beaver Dam.
Sue and Todd Gronholz started Rainbow' End in 1993 and have been growing ever since. Their herb plants and fresh-cut herbs are available at the Dane County Farmers Market and at some grocery stores in town. Due to their small size, they have chosen not to become organically certified, however, they do follow the organic growing standards for everything they produce.
Ray's Hickory Nuts from Ray & Virgelia Pamperin in Juneau.
Available at the Dane County Farmer’s Market, Ray's Green Market began in 1979 after Ray and Virgelia retired from dairy farming and built their home on 2 acres of land outside of Juneau, Wisconsin. Ray specializes in native Wisconsin nuts gathered in the fall and cracked throughout the year. Hickory Nuts are the best of the locally grown nuts, being both delicious and readily available.
Mushrooms from Ramsay Family Farm in Merrimac.
Jamie and Diane Ramsay have been selling their mushrooms for 18 years at the Dane County Farmers' Market. They love the social aspect of the market, being able to see their customers face to face. Find their market stand near Mifflin Street on Saturday mornings.
Pesto from Renaissance Farm in Spring Green.
Renaissance Farm is a family-owned grower, producer and manufacturer of organic herbs and vegetables based in Spring Green. Known best for their gourmet pestos, Renaissance Farm, Inc. also makes delectable bakery items, which are now sold under the "Village Bakery" name. Renaissance Farm works with land that is certified organic by the Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA) and all of their farming techniques are in accordance as well. Renaissance Farm was founded in 1984 by Mark and Mary Olson when Mark's passion for pesto got the best of him. He wanted to take his organic homegrown herbs from field to table; hence his line of all natural pesto was born.
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Salad Greens & Heirloom Tomatoes from Shooting Star Farm in Mineral Point.
Rink DaVee and Jenny Bonde grow wonderful heirloom vegetables, herbs and berries on their Certified Naturally Grown farm. If you are looking to try some of their products, you can find their farm stand at the Eastside Farmers Market on Tuesday evenings from 4 to 7 p.m on Ingersoll Street.
Spinach and Put-By Tomatoes from Snug Haven Farm in Belleville.
Snug Haven is owned and run by Judy Hageman & Bill Warner, who have been vendors at the Dane County Farmers Market since 1989. Bill Warner insists that February spinach is the best of the year. His motto: "Let it freeze!" Warner credits the spinach's stunning sweetness and lack of bitterness with the regular freezings it receives each night. He also admits that the farm's soil contributes its bit, suggesting that other growers are unlikely to match Snug Haven Farm's flavor.
Raspberries from Sow Little Farm in Madison.
Sow Little Farm produces fresh raspberries from early May through December for chefs and raspberry connoisseurs in Madison and its surrounding communities. Terry and Michael grow the raspberries in hoop houses using organic practices. No pesticides or herbicides are used, therefore it is not necessary to wash the berries. This allows the berries to attain their highest quality. All of their varieties are fantastically flavorful. Join their email list for notification of when berries are available.
Radishes & Spring Garlic from Sprouting Acres in Cambridge.
Andy Waston and his wife Kelly have been farming since 1995, however, not until 2004 were they able to own and operate their own vegetable farm. Andy & Kelly offer a bounty of vegetables to their CSA members and they are currently in the process of becoming certified organic.
Stenrud Greenhouse was started by Lynn and Phil Bednarek and Lynn has been selling at the Dane County Farmer's Market for over 20 years. Stenrud Greenhouse offers a wide variety of products. In the spring, you'll find many varieties of bedding plants, vegetable plants, and some perennials such as hostas and daisies. As we come into summer, you'll find fresh flower bouquets and fresh produce. As summer progresses, we harvest our everlastings and start to bring the dried arrangements that have been so popular over the years. Some of our produce includes Haricots Verts (specialty French fillet green beans), as well as many other types of beans, potatoes, heirloom tomatoes, grape and cherry tomatoes, soybeans, peas, several types of onions, fantastic leeks, fennel, zucchini, cucumbers, sweet and hot peppers, celeriac, swiss chard, rutabaga, and the list goes on. Our everlasting arrangements contain only materials we grow ourselves and all produce is Wisconsin grown!
Berries from Sylvan Disch in Monticello, WI.
Sylvan and Avis Disch run this farm in Monticello following organic growing standards. Their lovely produce can be found at the Dane County Farmers Market on Saturdays and the abundance is obvious. A stop at their stand and you will see the many varieties of fruit and vegetables, flowers and plants that they grow.
Lamb from Sylvan Meadows in Viroqua.
Virginia & John Goeke run a sustainable biodiverse farm in the rolling hills of Vernon County. The Goeke's raise 100% grass-fed lamb in addition to beef and pork. Because the Goeke's strive to be sustainable they also sell a variety of yarns, sheepskins, knitted scarves, etc. You can find them on Saturdays at the Dane County Farmer's Market.
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Heirloom Vegetables from Tipi Produce in Evansville.
Tipi Produce grows 35 acres of certified organic vegetables. Their diverse crops include red peppers, tomatoes, sweet corn, melons, strawberries, lettuce, snap peas, carrots & more. Look for their produce in natural food stores and coops in Madison and Milwaukee.
Heirloom Vegetables from Tomato Mountain in Brooklyn.
Tomato Mountain Farm is a 12-acre certified organic farm located 20 miles south of Madison, Wisconsin. Chris Covelli and Christa Barfknecht grow a large variety of vegetables, greens, herbs, and berries ranging from basic staples to heirlooms and specialties. You can find their farm stand at the Westside Community Market on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Hazelnuts from Trufflebert Farms in Eugene, Oregon.
For more the two decades the staff at Trufflebert Farms have been producing award-winning hazelnuts without the use of pesticides. They are 100% certified organic. Trufflebert Farms' philosophy relies on treating the earth and their hazelnut trees with the utmost care to ensure that people are getting a 100% natural hazelnut product that tastes fantastic!
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Tomatoes from Voss Organics in Madison.
Located on Madison’s north side, Voss Organics runs on the passion of Mark and Michelle Voss who are committed to growing heirloom tomatoes by whatever means necessary! The Vosses grow tomatoes in their hoop-house and on approximately 3,000 square feet of their own MOSA-certified organic lawn; their heirloom seedlings and tomatoes benefit from a healthy, local growing cycle and an unusually short trip to the Madison markets. By re-engineering the use of the front and back yards, this city farm uses a plan designed to take full advantage of growing vertically to make up for a lack of horizontal space.
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Salsify from West Star Farm in Madison.
West Star Farm specializes in growing a wide array of organic plants, herbs, vegetables, and flowers; their main focus is the quality of all of their products. West Star Farm sells to markets, grocers, and restaurants all around the Midwest. You can occasionally find them at the Dane County Farmers Market on the Capitol Square and on Saturdays at the Westside Community Market throughout the growing season. Customers are also always welcome to visit and buy directly from the farm.
Apples from Weston's Antique Apple Orchards in New Berlin.
Weston's Orchards, the oldest active orchard in Waukesha, were established in 1935 by Harvey and Alice Weston. The family-operated orchards have supplied the public with historic apple varieties for over 60 years. The orchards cover 16 acres with more than 700 trees and over 100 varieties with dates varying from the Calville Blanc d'Hiver (1598), Gravenstien (1600) to the Wolf River (1881) and Pink Pearl(1944). Weston's Orchards work to conserve these antique apple varieties from extinction. The Old Church apple, for example, is grown solely on their farm.
Willow Creek Farm Purebred Berkshire Pork raised by the Rengers in Loganville.
Tony and Sue Renger and their three children live in the Baraboo Hills of southwestern Wisconsin, close to urban and rural customers who appreciate the Rengers’ humane pig husbandry. Their Willow Creek Farm (WCF) products are sold to chefs in Madison, at farmers markets, and in small-town delicatessens. At Willow Creek Farm, "we strive to form a relationship with consumers in order to make the food system more local, safe, and sustainable. We feel that by raising our hogs humanely and in a sustainable manner we are working with the natural rhythm of the seasons and the land. Growing the corn and wheat straw on our land and returning manure to the fields for fertilizer creates a circle of fertility that we believe is one of the foundations of good husbandry, both of our hogs and our land." -Tony and Sue Renger