Andrew and Mary Jo Borchardt discuss what it’s like in winter at their Five Green Acres homestead near Poynette, Wisc. Half their interview took place in front of their kitchen’s woodstove, the remainder in the barnyard.
When they bought their farm, it came with a small clutch of chickens, which they refer to as their “gateway drug” for farming. Now they have turkeys, ducks, sheep, pigs, and a jersey cow and calf. They raise bees, spin their own wool, and as of last year, started a commercial flower and floral design business, specializing in events and weddings.
Mary Jo majored in art in college, loves to make “everything” (her kids’ pajamas, beeswax candles, hand knits), and has always prioritized beauty — so this new direction is a perfect fit. For Andrew, valuing “good food” is what led him down the homesteading path.
“We get to eat our hard work,” he jokes.
Mary Jo and Andrew sell their yarn and flowers at the Eastside Farmers Market at Central Park in Madison during the growing season. Contact Mary Jo for details about her flower business at fivegreenacres@gmail.com.
Five Minutes on the Farm is on a monthly schedule during the winter months. To suggest a farm to cover, please email 5minsonthefarm@gmail.com.
