Meet Your Farmer: Mary Dirty Face Farm

In 2009 Rachel Henderson and Anton Ptak planted the first seeds of Mary Dirty Face Farm on 5 ½ acres of a 60 acre former dairy farm located in Dunn County Wisconsin. Mary Dirty Face Farm is now a diversified orchard producing table grapes, currents, raspberries, and thirteen apple varieties. Look for currents and raspberries in July and early August, plums in August, and apples in late August, September, and early October.

Anton and Rachel became interested in perennial fruit production after traveling and working at an orchard in Argentina several years ago. Both completed a one year Farm Beginnings program that included business planning and hands on training. They practice sustainable farming practices with a focus on diversity and holistic approaches to risk management.

Fun Facts:

– All of the electrical needs for the farm are met through solar power and water is caught through rainwater collection systems.

– Mary Dirty Face Farm is named after local lore about a Native American woman who was given this name. She was married involuntary to an executive from the local lumber company, however she refused to have anything to do with him.

-Cecil is Rachel and Anton’s young son and up-and-coming orchardist!

Find Mary Dirty Face Farm most Saturdays July- October at the Fulton Farmers Market.