10 Vendors to Look for at Wisconsin Farmers’ Markets

Each year I dread their ending come fall, and excitedly anticipate their beginning come spring. I’m talking about fresh fruit, veggies, cheeses, flowers and crafts locally made and locally sold. Farmers’ markets…they’re back! Look for these great Something Special from Wisconsin™ businesses at Wisconsin farmers’ markets this summer.

1. Steppin’ Out Foods
   

Steppin’ Out Foods features two varieties of asparagus: a regular flavored kind called “Six Inch Spikes” and a spicy kind called “Red Hot Pumps”, as well as regular and spicy variations of green beans and “Mr. Hot Stuff Pepper Spread”, the perfect complement to crackers, beans and asparagus. Check ‘em out at the Waukesha Farmers’ Market, as well as Brookfield, Wauwatosa and Oconomowoc this summer.

2. Country Kettle Corn

For some delicious kettle corn, deep fried cheese curds, butterfly fries, funnel cakes and hush puppies, try Country Kettle Corn. They serve original, caramel, cheese, party mix and cinnamon kettle corn, along with freshly-squeezed lemonade at the Arlington, De Forest and Capitol View weekly Farmers’ Markets.

3. Savory Accents

Savory Accents specializes in chili pepper products, ranging from jalapeños to habaneros, all harvested and processed locally in Verona. Their variety of fresh chilies, along with hot pepper seasoning, spicy oils, hot sauces and vinaigrettes, are all available at the Dane County Farmers’ Market, which begins when the weather is a little less “chili”. 🙂
4. The Great American Pancake Company

This unique vendor can be found at the Cameron Park Farmers’ Market in gorgeous La Crosse. They sell (surprise, surprise) delicious waffle and pancake mixes ranging in flavor from buttermilk, cinnamon and chocolate chip cookie to gingerbread, chocolate fiesta and brown sugar oatmeal.

5. Hook’s Cheese Company Inc.

If you’ve not only been making cheese for 45 years but have also won local, national and international awards, your cheese is probably pretty darn good. Hook’s Cheese Company, based in Mineral Point, is at the Dane County Farmer’s Market every Saturday, selling their 50 varieties of award-winning cheeses. See ya there.

6. MainLea Cooking LLC

This business is impressive on its own, but factor in its 13-year-old owner and you’ll be wowed. Madison Taves loves to cook and has many food allergies, so she wants to provide others with high quality products that have helped with her allergies. Her products, such as Apricot Kernel Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Extra Virgin Avocado Oil, Organic Firewood Sea Salt and Organic Wish Fish Sea Salt, are all available every Saturday this summer at the Appleton Farmers’ Market.
7. Floppy Ear Farm LLC


This small goat farm in northeastern Wisconsin produces a variety of award-winning goat products, including handcrafted goat milk soaps, shampoos, lotions and body products. Find them this summer at the Port Washington, Green Bay On Broadway and Sheboygan Farmers’ Markets.

8. Alsum Sweetcorn


In the department of sweet corn, Alsum can’t be beat. Their varieties of frozen sweet corn range from white corn and yellow corn to a pepper medley or bicolor with jalapeños. Find Alsum Sweetcorn this summer at the Wednesday farmers’ market in Madison, or the Dane County Farmers’ Market each Saturday.

9. Valley View Emus


Valley View Emus offers a wide variety of emu oil beauty products, including hair care, skin care, pain rubs, lip care, pet care and handcrafted soaps. Find them at the Dane County Farmers’ Market this summer!

10. Falcon Foods


 
UW-River Falls students work to produce delicious cheeses, meats and premium ice cream. Check out the River Falls Farmers’ Market and take home some Falcon Foods.

Wisconsin is home to an eclectic assortment of products, and farmers’ markets give us the opportunity to shake the hand that feeds us. Stop and say hi to these great Something Special from Wisconsin™ businesses this summer, and share your purchases with us using #DiscoverWisconsin!

Something Special from Wisconsin™ is a trademarked program administered by the Division of Agricultural Development at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection since 1983. Every dollar spent on Something Special from Wisconsin™ products and services supports local farmers, food processors, entrepreneurs, our communities and livelihood, as well as the Wisconsin way of life. Something Special from Wisconsin™ products are unique and of the highest quality, making them perfect for gift-giving, special occasions and every day!

Kristen Finstad is a member of the Discover Wisconsin crew. Having grown up in River Falls, attending UW-Stevens Point and now living in Madison, she’s a Wisconsin girl through and through. Watch Discover Wisconsin TV Saturday mornings at 10 on Fox Sports Wisconsin. (Twitter: @DiscoverWI)