We're at that time of the year when a profusion of colors, smells, and textures permeate the Dane County Farmers' Market (DCFM).

Heirloom tomatoes, leafy vegetables in many hues of green, herbs, flowers, squash, melons, and more are there for your table. While all agree that this is turning out to be a tough growing season, the availability of such variety and quality of products affirms the skill and dedication of DCFM producers!

Kids to Kids Garage Sale 

The City of Madison Kids to Kids Garage Sale takes place this Saturday from 9:00 am until 12:00 Noon in the 100 block of Martin Luther King Blvd. The event poses no conflict with the DCFM. The market schedule, number of vendors, and access is unchanged because of the event.


See you at market.

 

 

 

Bill Lubing

Meet the Producer:
Hickory Hill Farm

Gretchen Kruse from Hickory Hill Farm
with their stone ground flour (North Carroll St.).
--Photo by Bill Lubing

   "This is a work in progress," says Gretchen Kruse of Hickory Hill Farm (North Carroll St.) An aquatic biologist by trade, Gretchen and her family recently returned from Idaho to the family farmstead in the Loganville area. She joins her brother Richard, who has been running the farm after taking over from parents Harold and Carla.

A handful of tiny tomatoes from Hickory Hill Farm --Photo by Bill Lubing

The roots grow deep at Hickory Hill Farm. The homestead was established in 1892. The farm was one of the first members of the DCFM. Now Gretchen and Richard have formed a partnership with sister Peggy (living in Alaska) to operate the farm.

"Our goal is to enjoy this place for the rest of our lives, give back to the land a little bit," she says. Oh, and she plans to carry on a tradition of innovation.

Well-known for bringing wild-gathered and unusual products to the DCFM,  Richard has also been raising vegetables on the farm for many years. His unique red maple syrup is a consistently popular item at the market. Gretchen's contribution in production promises to bring an even greater variety of products to the farm's offering.

Ask Gretchen or Richard how to use the grape leaves. --Photo by Bil Lubng

Gretchen's parents were early adopters of the Rodale method of organic farming. They are some of the first organic farmers at the DCFM. The farm continues to grow organically, certified by Natural Foods Associates of Wisconsin.

Hickory Hill Farm offers berries, grape leaves, sumac, and other wild-gathered items alongside tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and other staple produce.

Grains have been offered by the farm for a number of years. Stone ground flour from those grains has just been introduced. Also look for Keiffer lime leaves, banana leaves, and radish pods.

Produce from Hickory Hill Farm. --Photo by Bill Lubing

Hickory Hill Farm continues to evolve. Like their parents, the Kruse siblings mix a fascinating selection of tradition produce with the unusual and unique ...  banana leaves, in Wisconsin? We're waiting for the locally raised coconuts!

For More Information:
Business Name: Hickory Hill Farm
Owner Name: Kruse, Richard, Peggy, and Gretchen
S6555 Hwy 23, Loganville, WI 53943
County: Sauk
Phone: 608-727-2941 / 208-762-2328
Email:

Fresh Tomato Tart --Photo by spicyperspective

Don't forget the samples. We were intrigued with the jars of
pickled produces shown by Grass is Greener. A sample
taste of their pickled beets confirmed the home made
appeal of their pickled beets. (West Mifflin St.
at the Wisconsin Ave. Inlet)
--Photo by Bill Lubing

We strive to keep this list as accurate as possible. We probably  missed an item or two that is at the market or listed an item as available when it is not. Chances are that not all items mentioned or listed below will be at each market.  If you see an item at the market that is not listed here please email bill@dcfm.org so we may update the list. 

      

 

 

Return to 'In This Issue' Contents 

 

 

Cucumbers, tomatoes, okra and more from
San-Kor-Tea Herbs (North Carroll St.)
--Photo by Bill Lubing


 

Not too much to end with this week except grab an extra bag or two, throw the cooler in the back seat, and come do some serious shopping at this week's Dane County Farmers' Market!

 

Until next week.