“The landscape of any farm is the owner’s portrait of himself.” – Aldo Leopold.
Where to Find Farm Fresh Foods
If you are looking for farm-fresh foods near you, here are some links that may help.
Wisconsin Farm Fresh Atlas – farms, markets, restaurants, stores – View Website
Local Dirt – find a farm – View Website
Local Harvest – local farms & events – View Website
Milwaukee County Winter Farmers Market – View Website
Wisconsin Farmers Market Association – find a market – View Website
Featured Farms
The following is a list of some local area farms. There are many benefits of pastured-raised or grass-fed meats and dairy. When working for the Oconomowoc Lake Club, we increased our local food purchases by 500% in 6 years. But it is much more than just dollars; it’s building relationships.
“Once you start, you never want to go back.” -JK.
Buying directly from farms helps in many ways. Farmers typically get 10-30% of the retail dollar; by buying directly from them, they receive 100%. That same money then recirculates 3 to 5 times in the local community. Instead of receiving farm gate prices or commodity prices, farms are paid a just and sustainable price for their food. Farmers are willing to grow unique and diverse foods for us. Some of our best food is grown just down the road, not halfway around the world. Farmers’ markets are one of the best ways to scout for new farmers but remember not all farmers go to farmer markets. Farmers can often lead you to other farmers.
“Finding a new farmer or locally grown food is like finding a new treasure.” -JK.
ÆppelTreow Winery & Distillery
Contact: Charles or Melissa McGonegal
Biographical Info
ÆppelTreow Winery & Distillery is a producer of small batch cider, perry and spirits.
Cider and Perry? We use the pre-Prohibition meaning of ‘cider’, so we’re talking about fermented or ‘hard’ cider. Perry is the pear analogue to cider. We use lots of different kinds of apples and pears in our products. Some modern. Some heirloom – no longer grown for stores. We make a range of styles: sparkling, draft, still/table, and fortified/dessert. Within a style, we lean to the dry end – but also have some medium-sweet offerings.
We are also a distillery. We use Wisconsin grown crops and wood to make whiskey and brandies. Distilled spirits may be powerful, but they are also flexible. They are nice neat (straight up), and even more fun in cocktails. We encourage people to mix our products up and add their own creative touch.
“Once you start, you never want to go back.”
Chef Jack