FOUR HARVEST FOR ALL. Two area family farms came together to better serve their local customers and beyond. (Photos via Facebook)

Four Harvest Farm Company (108 Main St., Ridgeland) was founded on the principle of making local food easier for customers to access. The business was born in 2022 when two local farms pondered, “How about we do stuff together?”

Amber & Logan Dwyer from Havin Hills Rolling Acres and Marissa & Stephen Fortin from Spring Hill Family Farm, both family farms in Chetek, had been selling their meat directly to consumers for years. While all four farmers felt passionate about what they were doing, the logistics could be overwhelming at times.

Their paths crossed throughout the years, and the two couples became friends. Their business partnership grew out of a mutual desire to make the buying process easier for local consumers. When a building in downtown Ridgeland – about 25 miles north of Menomonie – became available, they saw the opportunity for a central pick-up location for customers who wanted local meat and other products.

The Dwyers (right) and Fortins (left).

Creating a separate business entity and storefront allows the farmers to have room to expand their customer reach. In addition to serving patrons who walk in, they also ship products nationwide. So far, the furthest they’ve shipped meat is to Washington State.

Four Harvest Farm Company is more than an outlet for the Dwyers and Fortins pastured-raised beef, pork, chicken, and turkey, though. The store also sells honey, maple syrup, goat soap, and ice cream from nearby producers. They strive to keep their offerings “hyper local” and maintain a narrow footprint.

A third farmer, Erin Link from EB Farmstead Ranch, based in Ridgeland, also plays an important role at the store. While Link is not an owner, Marissa describes her as “extremely involved.” Link was able to move her goat soap making operation out of her home and into the store. 

Leg Quarters.

Klemish Creamery ice cream.

Bacon.

Marissa explained that it can be a struggle for small farmers and producers to get their products to customers. People are good at raising animals and creating products, but marketing and distributing is a lot of work. Four Harvest Farm Company helps connect the dots between small producers and local customers, so more people can benefit. “We want everyone to win,” Marissa said.

The Ridgeland store accepts SNAP for eligible food purchases. “It’s a crucial part of our mission in making local food just as accessible as food produced far away,” Marissa said.

Learn more about Four Harvest Farm Company at fourharvestfarmco.com or call (715) 201-2757. Keep up with the biz on Facebook.