Beyond the Fields
Small farms diversify operations through community partnerships and events.
Small local farmers redefine success with diversified operations that create deeper connections with their communities. Beyond sales to the co-op and local restaurants, some area farmers use Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs, workshops, events, and partnerships to build community and strengthen their farm businesses.
One prime example is Jillian Varney of Small Family Farm, who has run a CSA operation for nearly two decades. With 13 acres of over 40 varieties of vegetables, the farm provides weekly boxes of seasonal produce to its members. “We started our farm in the early years to become a CSA farm because we loved the idea of “Community Supported Agriculture”. What is more beautiful than that?” Jillian explains. CSA members receive not just fresh produce but also a Weekly Dig Newsletter filled with farm stories, photos, recipes, and reflections on the season, strengthening the bond between farmers and consumers.
Small Family Farm also offers a Worker Share Program, where community members can earn a CSA share by volunteering on the farm. This program invites people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in farming tasks like harvesting, weeding, and packing. Jillian highlights, “It’s a beautiful way to foster community. Many lasting friendships are formed in the fields.” By getting hands-on, worker share members become an integral part of the farm's story, creating a sense of ownership and connection to the food.
Tiffany Cade of Deep Rooted Organics, located near Westby, Wisconsin, embraces similar community-building efforts. Known for its diverse offerings, including microgreens, organic vegetables, and cut flowers, Deep Rooted Organics also hosts workshops and events to engage with the public. Tiffany's farm offers a spring planting workshop where attendees learn how to plant and care for annual bedding plants in the greenhouse. “It’s a good excuse to get your hands dirty and spend an afternoon in the warm greenhouse with some friends,” she says.
Deep Rooted Organics also partners with Pennycress Studio, a local floral farm and studio, to offer floral workshops, from flower arranging to dried flower design. These seasonal events allow attendees to experience the farm in a unique way, deepening their appreciation for locally grown flowers while fostering creativity.
One of Deep Rooted's unique events is the annual Tasty Tomato Festival. Here, community gathers at the farm to listen to music from local artists, enjoy farm tours and educational activities, and celebrate all things tomato!
Both farms, along with many others in the Driftless area, contribute to a resilient local food system by collaborating with the co-op and local restaurants. When they establish wholesale accounts with businesses that support local agriculture, they ensure their high-quality, organic products reach a wider audience. Tiffany reflects, “We take pride in sharing our passion through our workshops and events, as well as by supplying local markets with fresh produce.”
At the Viroqua Food Co+op, we proudly support farmers like Jillian and Tiffany, who transform their farms into multifaceted, community-centered enterprises. Their efforts, through CSA programs, workshops, and events, revitalize local foodways and connect consumers with the land that sustains them. Their innovative approach inspires us all, proving that farming is not just about growing food; it’s about fostering community and creating lasting connections.
A heartfelt thank you to all of our local farm partners who nourish our community in so many ways!
