Rural Side

Jefferson County’s rich agricultural history is vibrantly seen throughout the County through such well-known brands as Jones Dairy Farm & Jones Market (Fort Atkinson), Pickle-In-A-Pouch (Waterloo), Kraemer Wisconsin Cheese, (Watertown), and Crystal Farms (Lake Mills). All organizations have rich histories and connections to their communities, that sustain their reputations as industry leaders as well as major employers.

Jefferson County is also made up of local farms that help sustain some of the area’s premier farm-to-table experiences, including, Sprouting Acres and Cambridge Market Cafe in Cambridge, Brickhaus Café and Edgewater Supper Club in Jefferson. Don’t miss the unique dinner events at Milford Hills in Johnson Creek, where the chefs go out of their way to offer one-of-a-kind wild game menu options you won’t find anywhere else.

One of the ways Jefferson County showcases their proud agricultural heritage is by providing a multi-purpose event facility. The Jefferson County Fair Park is home to a variety of animal events each year including livestock shows, equestrian shows, the Jefferson County Fair and the Jefferson County Dairy Breakfast.

Fun on the Farm

Guests come to the farm to hand milk a cow and observe the herd of 230 cows being milked using the latest technology in dairy farming… robots! Enjoy a wagon ride in the fields and stroll through the barnyard to pet, hold, and feed farm animals. Group and school rates available.

A fun, safe atmosphere for kids and adults alike to learn and experience the joy of animals, by feeding, petting and holding some furry and feathered friends. Explore a corn maze, a pumpkin patch, a sunflower field, obstacle courses, 3-story elevator slides, and more!

Glacier Rock Farms teach children about life on the farm. Be it a day trip with the family or a bus trip with students and facility, they offer a beautiful setting to enjoy their petting zoo. Experience the farm and animals weekdays for schools and Sundays for the public.

Farm Fresh Food

You’ll find 12 acres of strawberries, two acres of raspberries, two acres of blueberries, one acre of asparagus, and about 20 acres of sweet corn! Be sure to stop at their farm store where you can buy all of this produce plus other goods including meats and bakery.

Known for their delicious homemade pies, Poyer’s offers seasonal items such as pumpkins, hanging flower baskets, wreaths, apples, cider, summer fruits, cheese, honey, homemade caramel apples, and more. Stop by and find a great gift or something special for yourself.

Features Amish Style natural and organic bulk foods, farm raised beef, produce, baked goods, rolled butter, homemade soap, canned goods, spices, honey, glutenfree products, and much more! Homemade Cashew Crunch and their Amish Fruitcakes made year-round.

Farms and Farmers Markets

Most of our communities offer markets where local farmers and artisans assemble to sell their fresh produce, plants, honey, baked goods and much more. Whether it’s a taste of the town or a unique piece of art, do indulge in what we have to offer. Check out times of operation on the next page and on our website at enjoyjeffersoncounty.com

Sometimes the best way to get to know farm life, is to check in with a farm family. Dettmann Dairy Farm in Johnson Creek has a large Facebook following and shares what it’s like living and working on a dairy farm. They were also a featured farm in the awardwinning exhibition, The Lands We Share, which showcases Wisconsin farm life and history and was curated by UW-Whitewater, UWMilwaukee, UW-Oshkosh, and UW-Madison.

Many local farms offer tours, such as Hoard’s Dairyman Farm in Fort Atkinson (which is the birthplace of the national Hoard’s Dairyman Magazine), Busy Barns Adventure Farm in Fort Atkinson, Hinchley’s Dairy Farm in Cambridge and Jelli’s Market in Helenville, where you can pick your own strawberries!

Landscaping Connections and Events

Ebert’s Greenhouse in Ixonia has packed greenhouses and offers tips and ideas on how to care for all your gardens year-round! They even have an amazing winter wonderland during the holidays.

Some of the County’s most creative landscapers can be found on Goat Island in Jefferson (located below the Rock River Dam). Several goats are seasonally brought to the downtown Jefferson island to help keep the grasses and weeds from overgrowing. They have become such a sought-after attraction for Jefferson, that they have developed an annual Goat Fest event in early August.

You’ll find over 70 exhibits at the annual Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival, in September at the Fair Park, including fiber arts classes, sheep shows, shearing demos, the Crook and Whistle Stock Dog Trial, newborn lambs, fleece shows, and sales. Plus educational clinics and workshops for shepherds of any age and experience. wisconsinsheepandwoolfestival.com

We hope you’ll find the many agritourism and agritainment options in Jefferson County worthwhile and tasty! We can’t wait to see you! Be sure to visit enjoyjeffersoncounty.com for the most up-to-date schedules on all events.

Area Farmers Markets

Farmstands, Farm Stores and Specialty Stores