Platteville – Where Roots Run Deep

Platteville – Where Roots Run Deep

Air Date: 12/08/2018 - 12/09/2018

In this episode of Discover Wisconsin, hosts Mariah Haberman and Marie Justice learn about the importance of agriculture in the Platteville area. Not only do they take a look at how fresh farm ingredients are used and grown here, but they also explore how visitors can learn about and experience life on a farm.

Getting to meet the farmers that grow the food that you and your family eat is a pretty special thing, and there’s no better place to do it than the Platteville Farmers’ Market, where everything is homemade or homegrown. Visitors to the area can also get a behind the scenes look at how a farm work at Platteville’s Day on the Farm event, held every summer. And in the fall, Marie stops by Kieler Farms to help out during their busiest time of year, the corn silage harvest.

Meanwhile, Mariah samples some of the products that are grown, harvested and produced in the Platteville area. Just west of Platteville, the historic Potosi Brewing Company brews beer made with Wisconsin-grown ingredients. And if you’re on a road trip in Southwest Wisconsin, you’ve got to stop at Rural Route 1 Popcorn. With popcorn grown just down the road, they make every flavor you can think of. She also visits two beautiful wineries, tucked away in the hills of the Driftless Area: Spurgeon Vineyards and Winery and Sinnipee Valley Vineyard and Winery.

Platteville is also a hub for agriculture education and innovation at the University of Wisconsin Platteville. Here, Marie visits Pioneer Farm and learns how students and the public can take advantage of UW-Platteville’s many agriculture programs and learning opportunities.

Back in town, Mariah goes for a bike ride and takes in the beauty of Katie’s Garden, where she lends a green thumb planting flowers. The beautiful land around Platteville is also a haven for fishermen, who enjoy the peace and quiet of the nearby rivers and streams. To conclude their trip, Mariah and Marie come together at the Fall Harvest Table Dinner at Digman Farms to enjoy a delicious farm-to-table meal. There’s no doubt that Platteville’s farming roots run deep – and whether you’re looking to do some learning, tasting, or exploring, it’s all here ripe for the picking!