CCCWC guests at the June 2024 meeting, held at the Lee Farm. The next CCCWC will be 6pm June 3rd in Rulland’s Coulee
Sydney Widell | Watershed Coordinator
Local producers, other community members, and staff from Vernon County’s Community Development Department will join us on 6pm June 3rd for our meeting at the Honesty Bar(n) in Rulland’s Coulee to share their experiences with value-added agriculture and to discuss ways they are bringing economic diversity and resilience to their farms.
For many in and around Coon Creek, practicing value-added agriculture is an important strategy for generating additional revenue and supporting the viability of their farms.
Wednesday’s meeting will feature free burgers from Patty Smashers, a farm-to-table burger truck run by Cashton-based Ryan and Sarah Urbanek. The Urbaneks will also speak about their business model as participants in Wednesday night’s conversation. They will be joined by Roland Geitz, who owns the Honesty Bar(n); Danika Wehling, who processes and sells products from her farm at Wehling’s Farm & Country Store and other local venues; and Larkin Breckel, Vernon County’s Community Development Coordinator, who will share resources for other producers interested in exploring value-added options.
While there are many definitions of value-added agriculture, it typically involves a farmer enhancing raw products in a way that expands their customer base and allows them to retain a greater proportion of revenue from selling the final product. Traditionally, value-added products have been understood as processed farm goods like eggs, honey, or baked goods. Increasingly, the term has also been used to describe agricultural experiences, such as “u-picks” or even farm stays.
We’re looking forward to facilitating a nuanced conversation about value-added practices, and connecting interested guests with resources for diversifying their own farm businesses, and other members who have made the shift themselves. The meeting will also feature an update on Monroe County’s Rulland’s Coulee stream gauge, and information about an opportunity for Vernon County farmers to access free solar panels.
The June 3rd CCCWC meeting will begin at 6pm at the Honesty Bar(n), located at 30663 Oakland Rd, Cashton. An agenda is linked here. The event is free and all are welcome.