At Schappacher Farms, you’re “not just picking pumpkins out of a bin or off the ground”, according to Bethany Schappacher, a co-owner of Schappacher Farms, located at 3068 OH-73 in Wilmington, Ohio.
Schappacher Farms started in 1994 when Butch Schappacher, another co-owner of the farm, was inspired to host his young daughter’s class for a field trip. The original farm, located in Mason, Ohio, operated successfully for over 20 years until Butch and his wife, Sherry, decided to sell the farm after Butch’s parents passed away. A few years later, the pair, along with their son, AJ, and daughter-in-law, Bethany, decided to purchase the property formerly known as ‘Oak Lawn Farm’ in Wilmington and restore it.
While casually looking for property, the four noticed the farm for sale and fell in love with the potential. After renovating the 1800’s era barn and adjusting the property to fit their agritourism needs, AJ and Bethany moved into the farmhouse on the property, fully embracing the farm-lifestyle with their young daughter.
Schappacher Farm is unique in that they don’t charge for admission. Butch stated, “I want them to come, enjoy the farm, and get a taste of ag, and not have to pay for that.” The farm features a hayride, corn maze, straw room, petting zoo, grain bin basketball, and giant straw slide. The petting zoo also features three Highland cows. Bethany emphasized that the farm was “not just providing a service or good” but providing “an experience”.
Most importantly, Schappacher Farms allow visitors to pick pumpkins directly off the vine. Butch mentioned that their farm has 30 to 40 varieties of pumpkins, including blue and white varieties. For Butch, farming is “a way of life”, and beyond his own pumpkin farm he still farms acreage in Mason for the Cincinnati Zoo that provides hay for all of their animals.
Listen to Schappacher Farms’ full story on episode 54 of the Real Change Podcast. Learn more at schappacherfarm.com.
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