Julia Nunes, the 2020 Alice in Dairyland, will visit five farms in the Rock County Town of Plymouth on Thursday, October 8. State Rep. Don Vruwink organized the tour to highlight the diversity of agriculture in one of the towns he represents.
“The variety and vibrancy of agriculture across Wisconsin is truly amazing, and I am going to show Ms. Nunes some of what is going on in this part of the state,” Vruwink said.
Nunes succeeded Abigail Martin of Milton to become the 73rd Alice in Dairyland. Known as Wisconsin’s agricultural ambassador, Alice in Dairyland is a public relations professional in the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
For public health reasons, the tour is open to invited guests and media only. Face coverings and social distancing are required. The itinerary follows:
Pacesetter Alpacas, 11:30 am -12:25 pm
Dennis and Christy Pace
5546 W. Plymouth Church Rd
Beloit, WI 53511-9315
Located on 80 acres of rolling farmland in South Central Wisconsin, this family farm raises suri alpacas and sells items made from the wool, including yarns, gloves, sweaters, rugs, blankets and socks.
Cold Weather Grape Grower 12:35-1:35 pm
Bill and Ann Redmer
8705 W. Plymouth Church Rd
Orfordville, WI 53576-9529
The Redmers grow cold-weather grapes and raise turkeys and chickens on their 33 acre farm. They have 10 Icelandic sheep and sell the wool in a range from raw fleece to hand-spun yarn.
Field & Farm 1:40 – 2:45 pm
Ben and Meghan Snare
9834 W State Road 213
Beloit WI 53511-9404
The Snares raise organic vegetables, chickens and grass-fed beef. A covid-safe lunch will be served. The Snares host on-site events on the 10 acres they own and the six acres they lease.
O’Dool’s Dairy Goats 2:55 – 4 pm
Aaron and Kim Dooley
9349 W Stuart Rd
Orfordville, WI 53576-9575
The Dooleys have approximately 1,000 goats and milk 300 of them. They will begin milking around 3:45 pm. The Dooleys also have steers, horses, donkeys and chickens on their 85-acre farm.
Kersten Dairy Farm 4:20 – 5:30 pm
Dennis and Barb Kersten
4522 W Mineral Point Rd
Janesville, WI 53548-9305
The hosts of two annual Rock County Dairy Breakfasts, the Kerstens grow hay, corn and oats on 195 acres. The crops feed their 57 dairy cows and young stock. They raise a dozen beef steers a year. They will begin milking at 5 pm.
Vruwink represents parts of Rock, Walworth, Jefferson, and Dane counties, which include the communities of Whitewater, Milton, Edgerton, Footville, part of the Village of Oregon, and 15 surrounding townships.