Borzynski's Farm & Floral Market
Kristin’s father and uncle are commercial farmers and are the largest cabbage growers in the United States. They also have farms in Georgia, Texas and Illinois. They grow 1,000 acres of sweet corn, 1,000 acres of mixed vegetables, 1,000 acres of peppers in addition to the cabbage. The Brozynskis purchased what is now the farm market in 1992. When it opened in June 1993, they though they would do June to October produce only. That changed quickly, and the market has continued to evolve.

Borzynski’s underwent a major reconstruction in 2006/2007. Some of the changes were suggested by John Stanley, who came to the farm in September 2006. Along with the remodel, the staff went through extensive training, the market was split into departments, and Kristin now holds monthly staff meetings. This market is primarily all about retail in its 12,000-square-foot store. Kristin does offer a touch of ag entertainment with a fall corn maze, music at the market on the first and third Sundays, and breakfast with Santa and live reindeer, for example.

Edwards Apple Orchard Inc.
With more than half of its visitors coming from Chicagoland 80 miles away, Edwards Apple Orchard is a destination for many city dwellers. Open for the fall season only, Ken and Barb Hall grow 45 acres of apples, 15 acres of pumpkins and 3 acres of raspberries. They also grow squash, ornamental corn and gourds, plus chrysanthemums. Ken and Barb have operated the 60-acre farm since 1990. Before then, Barb's parents, Betty and Robert Edwards Jr., ran the farm, which they in turn had purchased from Robert's parents. Robert and Betty started the transition from a dairy farm to apples and retail. Today, the Apple Barn is home to the cider mill, bakery, fudge kitchen and gift shop. Visitors come for the scenic, rural location, for plenty of pick-your-own apples and for the agritourism, including a children's play area, farm animal barn and farm implement museum.

The Elegant Farmer
Although The Elegant Farmer has been around since 1971, a roadside farm market operated on the site for at least three decades before that. The smiley face on the side of the barn is a local landmark. In early 2006, The Elegant Farmer got new owners: two former employees, John Bauer and Keith Schmidt, and John’s brother, Mike. John has worked in retail his entire life, and he’s worked at The Elegant Farmer since 2000. Keith has produce experience, and Mike brings his sales background to the mix.

The farm grows 13 varieties of apples on 35 acres, 15 acres of pumpkins and squash. They planted corn for the first time in 2007. They’re also thinking about adding attractions such as a corn maze to help them become more of a destination.
 

Eugster's Farm Market
Eugster’s Farm Market is a 340-acre farm located 20 minutes south of Madison. In addition to the farm market, the Eugsters have a 15-acre petting farm that features a peddle tractor area, huge sandbox, learning center, kiddy land and a fish & duck pond. The 9,500-square-foot Big Barn is the site of many events, including weddings and corporate parties. Note the incredible architecture of this building. Eugster’s has also raised elk for 12 years, and they also have white tail deer. They are known for their produce, especially sweet corn and muskmelon. Their 200 acres of vegetables and fruit are retailed at the farm, at farmers’ markets and at roadside markets in the summer for additional retail sales in and around Madison.

The Fuzzy Pig
The Fuzzy Pig, which has been open since 2004, is as interesting as its owner, Dick Kraus, who was born and raised on the farm. Essentially, it’s a dairy barn converted into three levels of shopping. With another building added for a small restaurant and old-fashioned malt shop. And a former marina relocated to the farm and converted into an antique mall with coffee shops, a small floral shop and false store fronts. All shoehorned onto the smallest amount of space possible because the surrounding farmland is “good black earth.”

At this stop, the story is in the details. How did The Fuzzy Pig get its name? (Hint: the pig was a cat) Is that really wallpaper peeling, or did Dick spackle in some paper bags for effect? What’s going on with those bricks, anyway? Creativity in the little details throughout The Fuzzy Pig is evident. Did we mention that Dick does all of the work himself, including designing and laying down the crushed quartz floors in the bathrooms in the new retail building?