Welcome to Summer! What a wild growing season it’s been so far. Cold, wet, windy, and late! We are running about two weeks behind normal. As it looks right now sweet corn will be ready approximately July 20th. We will also have broccoli, green beans, potatoes, onions, beets, kohlrabi, and cabbage by then—all grown right here on the Stade farm.

We’ve been open at our market on the farm since May 2nd. Asparagus and strawberries are done for the season. Thanks to all of you who joined us in our first pick-your-own strawberry patch. We had a lot of fun and hope you enjoyed the fresh strawberries. Next year we will have four acres instead of two and hope to have some other attractions for families to do during strawberry season.

In the meantime, while we are waiting for sweet corn, we will remain open at the farm with unique country gift items, potted and bedding plants, veggies that are ready to pick, and Michigan fruits. Please watch our web site to keep track of the countdown to sweet corn. This year we will be open at two locations – the new farm market on Miller Road (open now) and the McCullom Lake and Ringwood Road location that will open at the end of July.

We are planning a grand opening picnic at our new farm market at the farm on Sunday, July 20th. The day will begin with a contemporary Christian worship service at 10:00am. Billy’s of Spring Grove will be there offering up his delicious brats and Italian beef sandwiches and of course we’ll be steaming our famous sweet corn. There will be some attractions for children and we will offer narrative hayrides through our farm fields. There will be free admission and free parking. So come out on the 20th to see our newly decorated market and enjoy some of the season’s first sweet corn.

Every Sunday beginning with the picnic on July 20th, we will hold outdoor contemporary Christian worship services beginning at 10:00am. The services will include a variety of pastors, speakers, live music, testimonies, and most of all Christian fellowship. Free coffee and doughnuts will be provided. Bring your family and friends for an inspirational start to your day.


I’m really excited about this summer season. The crops are finally starting to look good after such a disappointing wet and cold spring. Many people enjoyed strawberry picking. It was really rewarding hearing the compliments and seeing the children search for the sweet red berries.

I can’t wait for July 20th. I hope to see lots of our friends at our first annual Grand Opening Picnic. I’ve always wanted to have an old-fashioned summer picnic at the farm. The best part for me will be the outdoor worship service in a beautiful country setting. Remember we’ll be having a worship service every Sunday through October 26th.

As always, we’ll do our best to provide our wonderful customers with fresh picked homegrown fruits and vegetables. If you have burning questions about Midwest agriculture or Stade’s Farm and Market, just e-mail us your questions and we will be glad to answer them. Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter! If you know of anyone that would like to receive these newsletters, please send us their e-mail address or mailing address. We’ll update you as the season progresses.