Sprouting Acres Farm & Staff

Sprouting Acres is an all natural Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm located twenty miles Southeast of Madison, WI. The locally owned, family run farm was created in 2004 to provide fresh local produce. Andy, the farm's founder, had been a professional chef in Madison and decided that he could longer watch millions of gallons of fuel being consumed to bring in produce that can be grown right here in Wisconsin. In addition to the reduction of fuel waste, Andy wanted to provide healthy food to the community by growing food naturally, without the use of damaging chemicals. At this time, Sprouting Acres follows the National Organic Standards but we are not yet certified; we are applying for our organic certification this summer.

The farm is located just south east of Madison on the property where Andy grew up. His parents bought the farm when they were first married and started a tree nursery. They also rented out some of the land for crops for a few years. Unlike a lot of farm land, these fields had not been sprayed annually or overly cultivated for the last 15-20 years. When Andy decided to transition into farming, he knew the property would be perfect due to the unique ecosystem the land had to offer compared to other farms. His family had already transitioned a lower plot back into wetlands/pond, which brings in beneficial birds and insects. Due to his family's tree nursery, the land is surrounded by large, wonderful trees which provide wind protection, shaded areas and a habitat for birds and other beneficial wild life.

The staff at Sprouting Acres value their relationship to its community and strives to provide outstanding produce to CSA members, restaurants, and farmers market customers. Each season, the staff at Sprouting Acres hosts a "Day at the Farm" to provide an opportunity for the members to get to know the farm and the farmers. A tour is provided as well as delicious snacks. At the visit, members are invited to help with the harvest as well. We also welcome our members to set up a visit to the farm at any time during the season.

The staff at Sprouting Acres is a wonderful crew. Andy Watson is the manager and head farmer of Sprouting Acres Community Farm. He has been dabbling in farming since 1995. Andy has a B.S. in Food Systems Technology from Wisconsin- Stout and has been working as a chef at various fine dining restaraunts in Madison and the Twin Cities since 1995. Throughout the year, Andy also teaches cooking classes and helps raise his beautiful son. With his background in cooking and his love for the outdoors, Andy easily makes the transition from the kitchen to the farm. Andy's wife, Kelly Bratt, is the flower cultivator and co-manager of the business. She is a Special Education Teacher as well and loves to dig in the dirt in the summer. Kelly and Andy also enjoy playing on the farm with their son, Wade. Jessie Stevens is Andy's farming companion on those long summer days and Sprouting Acres wouldn't be the same without her. She currently raises chickens, ducks, turkeys, pigs and bees which is a wonderful bonus for Sprouting Acres members. She is also the mother of a beautiful little girl..

Wade

In addition to the 3 amigos mentioned above, Sprouting Acres is also lucky to have many excellent workshares and contracted workers who help make the farm beautiful and bountiful. Sprouting Acres is a family farm and the farm would not be possible without the love, support, and hard work from all our families. Thank you all!