Agriculture Around Green Bay
Drive in any direction from Green Bay and you will quickly find yourself surrounded by farmland. Brown, Kewaunee, Door, and Outagamie counties form one of Wisconsin's most important agricultural regions, known especially for dairy production. The fertile soils, cool climate, and long farming traditions of Northeast Wisconsin support everything from large modern dairies to family-run cherry and apple orchards along the Door Peninsula.
Farming here is both heritage and big business. Local farms supply milk to world-famous cheese makers, grow feed crops for livestock, and provide fresh produce to farmers markets and grocery stores. Many farms have also become leaders in conservation, technology adoption, and community engagement.
How We Selected These Farming Companies
We considered farm reputation, innovation, environmental stewardship, community involvement, and contributions to the regional agricultural economy. The list includes dairies, orchards, and agricultural cooperatives that play key roles in Northeast Wisconsin.
The Top 10 Farming Companies Around Green Bay
1. Pagel's Ponderosa Dairy
Located in Kewaunee County, Pagel's Ponderosa Dairy is one of the largest and most recognized dairy operations in Wisconsin. The family-run farm is known for its advanced milking technology, nutrient management practices, and commitment to educating visitors about modern dairy farming.
2. Wayside Dairy
Wayside Dairy in Greenleaf, just south of Green Bay, is a multi-generation family dairy recognized for animal care and environmental stewardship. The farm has invested in conservation practices that protect soil and water quality.
3. Holsum Dairies
Holsum Dairies near Hilbert is known for its innovative use of anaerobic digesters, which convert manure into renewable energy. This approach reduces environmental impact while generating electricity for the local grid.
4. Kinnard Farms
Kinnard Farms in Casco is a large family-owned dairy that combines modern facilities with a strong focus on herd health and productivity. It supplies high-quality milk to regional cheese and dairy processors.
5. Dairy Dreams
Dairy Dreams, also in the Casco area, is a progressive dairy farm known for welcoming community members and sharing insights about dairy production. Its transparency helps build public trust in modern agriculture.
6. Seaquist Orchards
Located in Sister Bay on the Door Peninsula, Seaquist Orchards is one of the largest tart cherry growers in Wisconsin. Its farm market offers cherries, apples, pies, and preserves that attract visitors from Green Bay and beyond.
7. Lautenbach's Orchard Country
Lautenbach's Orchard Country in Fish Creek grows cherries, apples, and other fruit while producing wines and specialty foods. Its agritourism offerings make it a favorite destination for families exploring Door County.
8. Country Visions Cooperative
Country Visions Cooperative serves farmers across eastern Wisconsin with agronomy, feed, energy, and grain services. Its expertise helps local farms improve yields, manage inputs, and adopt precision agriculture tools.
9. Agropur
Agropur is a dairy cooperative with significant cheese-making operations in Northeast Wisconsin, including the Luxemburg area. Its partnership with local dairy farmers provides a stable market for milk and supports rural communities.
10. United Cooperative
United Cooperative provides agronomy, feed, grain marketing, and energy services to Wisconsin farmers. Its scale and services help family farms access modern technology and competitive markets.
Trends in Northeast Wisconsin Farming
Technology is transforming farms around Green Bay. Robotic milking systems, precision planting, drone scouting, and data-driven herd management are becoming common on progressive farms. Conservation practices such as cover crops, no-till farming, and nutrient management planning are expanding as farmers work to protect groundwater and Lake Michigan watersheds.
Agritourism and direct-to-consumer sales are also growing, with orchards, pumpkin patches, and farm markets attracting visitors who want to connect with local food sources.
How to Support Local Farming
Consumers can support Northeast Wisconsin agriculture by buying local cheese, milk, meat, and produce, visiting farm markets, and participating in farm tours and events such as dairy breakfasts. Businesses can source ingredients from regional farms and cooperatives, strengthening the local food system and rural economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is dairy so important around Green Bay?
Northeast Wisconsin's climate and soils are well suited to growing forage crops such as alfalfa and corn silage, which feed dairy herds. Combined with nearby cheese plants and processors, this creates a highly efficient dairy economy that supports thousands of rural jobs.
Can the public visit local farms?
Many farms host open houses, dairy breakfasts, and tours, especially during June Dairy Month. Orchards and farm markets on the Door Peninsula welcome visitors throughout the growing season.
How are farms protecting water quality?
Farmers are adopting cover crops, reduced tillage, manure management planning, and buffer strips to protect groundwater and surface water, often in partnership with conservation groups and researchers.
Final Thoughts
The farms surrounding Green Bay are innovative, resilient, and deeply connected to their communities. These ten farming companies represent the best of Northeast Wisconsin agriculture, combining tradition with modern technology to feed the region and beyond.
Local farms also contribute significantly to the Green Bay economy, supporting truck drivers, veterinarians, equipment dealers, and food processors.