When the Badger state was a patchwork of health safety, compliant and non-compliant counties and businesses due to COVID-19 it was difficult to know which grocery stores and restaurants were following the CDC's COVID-19 guidelines or if the patrons of said business would comply with any safety precautions until you stepped through the front door. That moment in time encouraged Wisconsinites to be more creative with where they sourced their food.

A fresher and safer bet might be outdoors visiting a roadside, farm stand instead. Wisconsin is 

not only a great state for outdoor recreational opportunities but so many options abound for fresh fruit 

and vegetables direct from our farmer's fields. Big agriculture, factory farms, bankruptcies, so many Wisconsin farmers are getting hit. Compounding the difficult market for smaller producers, mom and pop farms additionally faced from the 2019 economic downturn, tariffs, and shuttered farmer's markets due to the pandemic. But from every historic trauma comes resiliency, small farm cooperatives are sprouting up to lend and hand. And visiting a roadside farm stand is a great way to support local farms and keep your money 

in the community.

FROM THE FIELD TO YOUR TABLE

Buying your produce directly from a farmer's field is also a great way to teach your kids about 

the value of food and local agriculture's role in their lives.

Several farms in Southern Wisconsin offer fresh produce throughout the Summer and Fall.

Currently in season are: late corn, corn, kale, greens, squash, zucchini, tomatoes, broccoli, peppers, cauliflower, cabbage, onions, potatoes and of course a wide variety of apples.

And if your watching your wallet like so many American families have to do these days farm stand prices are more often reasonable and produce obviously fresher when compared to grocery chain bought varieties. 

Remember to wear a mask, wash your hands and keep socially distant when 

interacting with people outside your home. Roadside stands offer a quick way 

to stock up on all the produce essentials while staying safe and keeping local.. 

ROADSIDE FARMSTANDS AHEAD

There are countless roadside farm stands in Southern Wisconsin. Here are just a few to consider on your daytrip through the countryside.

Four Winds Farm

5735 Adams Road

Fitchburg, WI 53575

608-835-5834

This part event hosting part educational farm also has a great little farm stand at the entrance to their farm on Adams Road. Find seasonal vegetables at a pay-what-you-can price.

Richbeat Farms

For sale: Eggs, late produce if available

Shop here: Text Mary your order by the Wednesday before pick up- 608-338-5181 

Instructions: PayPal Or Venmo payment PayPal.me/Richardson9877

Vitruvian Farms

Pick-up: 2727 B U.S. 51, McFarland, WI, 53558

Phone: 608-302-4375

For sale: Microgreens, mushrooms, petite salad mix, yellow potatoes, and more

Shop here: https://vitruvianstore.company.site/

Zeimet Family Farm Stand

869 County Road A, Edgerton, WI!

The nicely presented farm stand sells what is in the garden the day you pull over roadside.