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Wisconsin school farm concept discussed

A central Wisconsin specialty crop farmer wants to inspire new, young farmers.  Harold Altenburg of Wisconsin

Rapids says he’d like his farm to become a place where young people can work, learn, and even get paid as they experience agriculture opportunities in school.  Altenburg tells Brownfield the farm school would, “Change them from not knowing anything about agriculture or where their food comes from to participating in it.  It’s a real-world education.”

Gus Mancuso is a former high school principal and part of Incourage, the community group helping to make Altenburg’s vision into a reality.  He says the first thing they need is a full-time farmer who can manage day-to-day operations and work with the students and employees.  They are also recruiting potential board members.  “We just want to find someone that can work and get this thing launched, and as far as the non-profit board, it’s the same situation.  We talked about bringing people together that have a passion for this.”

Altenburg is 83-years-old and still manages the pick-your-own strawberry operation in the spring and summer followed by pumpkins, corn mazes, and family events in the fall.  He hopes to see the farm school become a reality. “When I pass away, they wouldn’t be able to get a smile off my face because it’s helping others, teaching others.”

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture and area schools are also involved in the farm school planning.

Harold Altenburg and Gus Mancuso talk about the farm school with Brownfield’s Larry Lee

The committee is actively seeking a full-time farmer-manager.  Interested candidates can contact Mancuso at [email protected].