FLYTE FAMILY FARM HISTORY
Family Tradition Continues
Twenty years ago Lee and Cheryl Flyte renewed the family tradition of marketing fresh vegetables. Cheryl’s maternal grandparents (Harry and Effie Humphrey) raised and sold vegetables and melons in Central Wisconsin, primarily on the square in Stevens Point more than 60 years ago. During the 1960’s, Cheryl’s parents (Duane and Orian Lipke) put in irrigation for their cash crops, which included vegetables, and melons for farmer’s market.
Today the Flyte’s, their children (Adam-23, Jessica-22, J.R.-20), and a handful of energetic employees grow and market over 120 acres of fresh market vegetables, strawberries, and melons. Sweet corn is the prominent crop and is sold at six retail markets in Adams, Coloma, and Plainfield. Adam (with wife Carrie) and Jessica offer truckside sales in Portage, Plover, and Necedah. All markets operate seven days a week mid-July through Labor Day or beyond. The Flyte Family Farm Markets are known for their same-day freshness and exceptional homegrown quality. The Flyte’s welcome your visit.FLYTE FAMILY FARM, TOO
AND GREENHOUSES
Coloma Young Farmers continue family
tradition of farm produce markets
Graduates of UW-Platteville with agriculture degrees, Adam and Carrie Flyte farm in partnership with his parents Lee and Cheryl near Coloma. The Flytes work together to raise 120 acres of vegetable crops, which are sold through retail and wholesale outlets. Adam and Carrie manage fresh vegetable markets in Portage and Plover while Lee and Cheryl operate roadside stands in Adams, Coloma, Plainfield, and Necedah.
The Flyte’s roadside markets offer a wide variety of produce such as sweet corn, muskmelons, peppers, cabbage, onions, eggplant, beets, cucumbers, tomatoes and popcorn.
Year-round Adam and Carrie raise hydroponic tomatoes in their greenhouses. Currently they have two greenhouses which house 800 plants each, they are planning on building a third greenhouse in the fall of 2000.
The diversity of their operation and their concentration on marketing and quality is reflected on their farm and at their market stands.
Aside from the family’s joint produce business, Adam and Carrie grow 470 acres of corn, soybeans, and canning crops. Adams runs a custom business planting, and harvesting for other area farmers. Adam also raises 120 Holstein steers, which are purchases at weaning and sold as finishers or finished on the farm.