09/12/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/12/2024 10:22
With harvest and football seasons preparing to kick off in Wisconsin, nothing says fall quite like football-themed corn mazes. The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association are proud to recognize four of their members connecting the 2025 Draft with the state's agriculture industry.
"Just like the game of football, farming is a team effort for Wisconsin farm families. It is special to be approached by the 2025 Draft local organizing committee to include our farmers in their upcoming promotions," said WFBF President Brad Olson. "We are excited to see four farms kicking off 2025 Draft celebrations this fall through their corn mazes."
Farms included in the promotion are Feltz's Dairy Store of Stevens Point, Petals and Plows of Ripon, Polly's Pumpkin Patch of Chilton, and Porters Patch of Bonduel.
"We're excited to collaborate with these Wisconsin family farms to help build the excitement for the 2025 Draft in Green Bay," said Aaron Popkey, Packers director of public affairs and member of the Local Organizing Committee. "These unique mazes will celebrate our strong agricultural identity and honor the hard work and dedication of farmers around the state while also reminding fans of the special opportunity we have to showcase Wisconsin when the Draft comes to Green Bay."
Fall enthusiasts of all ages are encouraged to participate in the Maze Challenge sponsored by the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association and Gather Wisconsin.
"There are hundreds of corn mazes in Wisconsin, some of the best in the Midwest. Visitors navigating corn mazes engage all their senses, and use curiosity, problem-solving, and communication skills as they work to get out of the maze," said Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association Executive Director Sheila Everhart. "Most importantly, this immersive experience helps teach where corn is grown and provides an opportunity to connect with Wisconsin farms in a meaningful way."
To participate in the maze challenge, simply visit one of the corn mazes on WATA-member farms between September 19 and October 31 for a chance to win prizes by sharing a photo of your visit to Facebook or Instagram with the tag #WATAMAZE.
As the city of Stevens Point began to expand, the Feltz family saw an opportunity to make their farm a community destination. Ken and Jackie Feltz, along with their children Jake, Jared, and Taryn, own Feltz Family Farms and Dairy Store, which offers many dairy products, agricultural items and local specialty goods. The store features viewing windows into the robot barn that allow visitors to observe the cows being milked, while enjoying an ice cream cone or some delicious fresh cheese curds.
This fall, the Feltz's are excited to showcase the 2025 Draft as a part of its seasonal corn maze.
"It feels like such a natural fit to combine our dairy and cheese background with the rich tradition of football in Green Bay and throughout Wisconsin," said Jake Feltz. "Visitors can expect something for the whole family when they visit us."
Feltz's Dairy Store is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and from September 21 to October 26, Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feltz's Dairy Farm Store is located at 5796 Porter Drive, Stevens Point. The corn maze will open to the public on September 21. Learn more about Feltz's Dairy Store by visiting FeltzsDairyStore.com.
Owned by Wayne and JoAnn Kaufman, Petals and Plows is a special family-owned farm located near Ripon. With the help of their son Wade, the farm has a spring-to-fall greenhouse and a variety of fun fall activities. Wade's wife, Haley, manages the farm's social media and event planning. They also offer sweet corn, pumpkins, squas, and gourds that are fresh and ripe for picking.
This year, Petals and Plows' one-of-a-kind corn maze is commemorating the 2025 Draft.
"When people come out this fall, they can expect to find a good old family adventure on the farm," said Haley Kaufman. "There are lots of photo opportunities, pumpkins, mums, a playground for the kids to enjoy and more!"
Petals and Plows corn maze kicks off on September 7 and is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 9219 Kaufman Road, Ripon. Learn more about Petals and Plows by visiting PetalsAndPlows.com.
Polly's Pumpkin Patch is a small family farm and market owned by Gary Juckem and wife Polly Roland in northeast Wisconsin, just north of Chilton. The family history on the property started in 1889 when Gary's great grandparents bought the farm. Polly's Pumpkin Patch opened in 2003 when they bought the Juckem family farm.
In addition to its annual corn maze, Polly's Pumpkin Patch offers a huge selection of gourds and pumpkins, a farm store featuring everything from fresh pies to caramel apples, as well as their own apple cider donuts made daily.
"We are very happy to be chosen to have one of the 2025 Draft mazes and share in the excitement of the Draft coming to Green Bay!" said Polly Roland. "Families can make a day of it when visiting Polly's. Our 15-acre corn maze has over four miles of path split into two parts; a larger, harder part with games and a smaller, easier part for families."
Polly's Pumpkin Patch opens for the fall season on September 13 and is located at N4367 Highway 57, Chilton. Learn more about Polly's Pumpkin Patch and PollysPumpkinPatch.com.
Recognized as a Wisconsin century farm in 2013, Porter's Patch is all about specializing in growing memories and sharing traditions. The farm features 55 varieties of pumpkins to choose from in all shapes, colors and sizes. Porter's Patch Farmtoberfest includes fun for all ages, including a craft shed, scarecrow building, fall bouquet making, petting zoo, a variety of games, activities, food trucks, plenty of photo opportunities and more.
The Porter Family is excited to partner with the 2025 Draft in this year's corn maze that challenges participants to locate 32 NFL Scarecrow Players hidden throughout.
"[We] are very grateful and blessed to be a part of this big event and all the excitement that goes with it," said Troy Porter. "Fall is my favorite time of the year and it's very exciting to see all the smiling faces, hear all the giggles and laughter of all ages as they navigate around the farm enjoying Farmtoberfest Pumpkin Fun."
Porter's Patch Farmtoberfest will open its maze on September 20, with hours Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at W4314 State Highway 156, Bonduel, WI 54107. Learn more about Porter's Patch by visiting PortersPatch.com.
These participating farms are among the hundreds of agricultural tourism opportunities available across the state of Wisconsin this fall. To find a farm near you, visit the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association or Gather Wisconsin websites.