Four Winds Farm is not only a destination for events and gatherings, it is a working farm with a focus on permaculture.
In 2017, MaryAnn McKenzie purchased Four Winds Farm with the dream of creating a diverse, permaculture farm that was easily accessible to an urban populace.
The farm is home to a variety of ecological features including prairies, remnant oak savannahs, mixed hardwood forests, hay fields, intermittent wetlands, and pastures. Sheep, chickens, and beehives have been introduced. A chestnut tree crop is in the early stages of planting and a demonstration orchard, containing apple, pear and plum trees is in its second year. In fall of 2022, we were excited to be on the forefront of agricultural advancements with the planting of fourteen acres of kernza, a perennial wheatgrass.
What is permaculture?
Permaculture is the philosophy of creating a space through whole systems thinking, focusing on natural ecosystems that provide regenerative agriculture, rewilding, and resilience. “Permaculture is a philosophy of working with, rather than against nature” according to David Holmgren, who helped originally coin the term.
Four Winds Farm’s permaculture design focuses on native Wisconsin ecosystems and community social aspects to create a permanent culture of sustainable environmental design.
Hop Yard
First established in 2018, Four Winds Farm grows, harvests, and sells a variety of hops through the Wisconsin Hop Exchange and to local breweries. Currently under cultivation are Centennial, Crystal, Chinook, Vista, Santiam and Comet. Each year, we improve our hands-on process and experiment with growing new varieties in this ever-changing industry. Our hop fields are on display along S. Fish Hatchery Road between Lacy Road and County Road M. Visitors to our Pizza on the Farm nights are also welcome to wander through the hopyards, a unique experience.
Sheep Pastures
Fourteen sheep joined Four Winds in 2022. Grazing in grass pastures to the north of our barn, our 5 Tunis and 9 Cheviots were chosen for their dual purpose in providing meat as well as wool and for their easy keeper characteristics. A sheep barn was built to support the flock and provide indoor shelter when needed as we experiment with rotational grazing. The ewes were bred this fall, and we are looking forward to our first lambing season Spring of 2023. Wool products from the yearly shearing are in development.
Chicken Coop
We have 8 free-range chickens that call Four Winds Farm home. These chickens produce organic and delicious eggs sold directly from the farm throughout the year. Another flock will join the sheep on their pastures in the spring with a new mobile coop on site.
Garden
Located directly outside of our demonstration kitchen, we grow herbs and vegetables used in the kitchen, at our Pizza on the Farm nights, and in our jarred creations. Our farm stand sells a variety of produce throughout the growing season.
multi-functional gathering space
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