Join us on the 2004 Farm Tour

by Lynn Olson, Member Services Manager

Let someone else do the driving while you enjoy Wisconsin’s fall scenery on the Willy Street Co-op Annual Farm Tour. Spend a peaceful day, Sunday, October 24th from 9:00am-5:00pm, in Wisconsin’s western counties as we visit a cooperative orchard operation, a full-scale organic farm and a growing community food cooperative. This year, we’ll travel to Turkey Ridge Farm, Harmony Valley Farm and the Viroqua Co-op.

Turkey Ridge Organic Orchard
This cooperatively-owned apple orchard in Crawford County will be our first stop and our lunch destination. See over 7,000 organic trees planted on 290 acres of rolling countryside. Animals on the farm include sheep, pigs, chickens and ducks. Their co-op members will be on hand to conduct an orchard tour, hay ride and answer questions about this emerging fruit processing facility. Tucked in the middle of Wisconsin’s rich apple country, this farm will be of special interest to those who enjoy Turkey Ridge’s seasonal cider. Read all about Turkey Ridge Organic Orchard in this months’ Producer Profile (link to the left).

Harmony Valley Farm
This Viroqua farm produces hundreds of bushels and pallets of vegetables for Willy Street Co-op, and we’re excited to bring our members to the farm to witness a working sustainable farm. Cattle, chickens, horses and crops will dominate this part of the tour with 2002’s Farmers of the Year, Linda Halley and Richard DeWilde.

Viroqua Co-op
Before heading back to the city, we’ll visit Viroqua’s Co-op, poised for expansion with a new store. Viroqua Co-op is also a supporter of the first organic hot lunch program in Wisconsin through Pleasant Ridge Waldorf School.

If you’re interested in going
Cost is $10.00 for members and $12.00 for non-members. Free for children under 12 years of age accompanied by an adult. Lunch is provided. Pre-registration is required for all participants. Please register by the evening of Thursday, October 21st to secure a spot on the bus. More registrations can be taken for those using their own vehicles. Payment required at the time of registration. Yellow information sheets are available upon registration from Customer Service. Call 251-6776 or stop by the Customer Service desk.