MARKETPLACE
Fresh Journeys
Farmstands along the way: where roadside stops reveal the heart of Northeastern Wisconsin.
A summer drive through Wisconsin often yields a bonus: a humble farmstand tucked into a driveway, brimming with just-picked produce and the quiet pride of the people who grew it.
These roadside markets are more than convenient stops—they are reflections of a region rooted in agriculture, community, and care. Across Northeastern Wisconsin, several stands stand out for their commitment to quality, sustainability, and connection.
At Produce With Purpose in Kaukauna, that connection begins in the soil and extends into the kitchen. What started as a second-career calling has grown into a mission-driven farm focused on reducing waste, educating consumers, and creating fresh, ready-to-enjoy meals.
Meanwhile, multigenerational farms like Sunny Hill Farm in Green Bay continue to define the flavors of summer—sweet corn, strawberries, and traditions passed down over decades.
Further along the journey, farms like Waseda bring a regenerative approach to raising livestock—where cattle and chickens work in tandem with the land itself.
Their cattle begin life on Missouri pasture before finishing in Wisconsin, where richer soil supports nutrient-dense forage. Rotational grazing allows fields to recover, mimicking the natural movement of bison that once shaped these landscapes.
Chickens follow behind, naturally fertilizing and restoring the fields while producing eggs that reflect the vitality of their environment. It’s a closed-loop system where every element supports the next.
“When cows are grazing, they’re selecting from a diverse mix of plants,” explains owner Jeff Shefchik. “If you don’t move them, they’ll overgraze what they like best. Movement is everything.”
The farm is now expanding into large-scale organic egg production, with a new aviary system housing thousands of hens—each with access to open pasture, sunlight, and fresh air.
For the Shefchik family, the farm is also a place of shared work and learning. Their children help with chores, building a connection to the land that may shape the next generation.
Waseda Farms operates multiple retail locations across the region, bringing their products directly to the communities they serve.
From Amery to Wisconsin Rapids, farmstands across the state continue to nourish both people and local economies—offering not just food, but a deeper connection to where it comes from.
