Local Food Producers

Brunkow Cheese Co-op

Dodgeville, WI

Established in 1899, the Brunkow Cheese Co-op has been operated by the Geissbuhler family since 1929. This co-op is a source of pride for the surrounding community as Brunkow produces some of the finest cheeses in Wisconsin.

Harmony Valley

Viroqua, WI

Harmony Valley is an award-winning, family-owned, diversified farm with over 30 years of experience producing high quality, organic vegetables and berries. They are located in the isolated valley of southwestern Wisconsin.

Richard Dewilde, the owner of Harmony Valley, is best known for growing season-long, high quality salad mix, sauté greens and spinach. In the fall and winter months, the 400 member CSA farm specializes in root crops. The farm also raises high quality black angus cattle.

When asked about the relationship with CPW, Richard could almost not stop talking.

"In our world, CPW is our favorite wholesale account because they are timely and professional. But more than anything, they never nickel-and-dime us about price. They pay us a price that works for us. Unlike the conventional vegetable world, we are trying to take care of everybody, including our workers. If we had to offer rock-bottom prices, our workers couldn't have health insurance."

Richard went on about Rick Christianson, Produce Buyer for CPW, "we have worked together for over 20 years and it is a wonderful relationship. He knows what price works for the store and we can have a frank discussion about price. Unlike most buyers, who are out for themselves, with Rick it is a matter of trust. It is a working relationship, almost like he's trying to take care of us."

Pumphouse Creamery

Minneapolis, MN

Barb Zapalka began this labor of love in 2003. Each batch of Pumphouse Creamery ice cream is homemade using milk only from organic Minnesota farms. They produce their rich and premium ice cream straight from their South Minneapolis shop.

Cultural Revolution

Kalona, IA

A product of Kalona Organics, Cultural Revolution Organic Yogurt delivers a naturally sweet and creamy taste without all the sugar, carbs, calories and sodium of other yogurts. Made exclusively of organic whole milk and butterfat from local Amish dairy farmers.

Featherstone Farms

Rushford, MN

Featherstone Fruits and Vegetables is a 70-acre organic produce farm in the fertile Wiscoy Valley, about eight miles north of Rushford, MN. The farm is located on a 550-acre parcel of land owned by the Zephyr Valley Community Cooperative, a rural housing cooperative comprising 11 adults and 10 children, from which they rent land for growing vegetables. Featherstone farmers and their families are also residents and members of the Zephyr Co-op.

Jack and Jenni Hedin founded Featherstone in 1995. Since then, Featherstone has grown from an 8-acre farm with a 20 member CSA, to its current 70-acres and a CSA with over 150 members. With their presence in farmer's markets and food co-ops, Featherstone is a true leader in the local organic farming scene.

2007 Organic Farmers of the Year

Cedar Summit Farm

New Prague, MN

The Dave and Florence Minar Family of Cedar Summit Farm and Creamery in New Prague, MN, operate a 170-cow organic dairy farm on 200 owned and 270 rented acres. All five of the Minars' children, as well as their spouses, have roles in the operation.

The Minars' guiding philosophy is that "healthy land equals healthy animals and healthy people." Organic farming has helped them environmentally, economically and socially. It helps keep costs down and increases revenues. Most family members are trained in Holistic Management practices. Family retreats help keep communication open between family members and insure that all are involved when important decisions are made.

Dave and Florence are also highly active in their local community, serving with the Scott County Fair Board, Land Stewardship Project, Sustainable Farming Association and Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture.

The Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service presents an annual award to an outstanding organic farmer at the Upper Midwest Organic Farming Conference each year in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The Award is titled: MOSES Organic Farmer of the Year: An Organic Farmer Practicing Outstanding Land Stewardship.