What's better than enjoying a beautiful fall day on a farm? Not much!! Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has again proclaimed the start of the fall agritourism season. In this Deep Roots Radio chat, Sheila Everhart describes the huge range of activities waiting for visitors to Wisconsin farms. Everhart is the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association, a nonprofit that helps the public connect with the fun, food, learning and activities offered by hundreds of farms across the state. Their website is an easy way to find farms by location, activities offered, and by name. So many of these farms, regardless of size, combine old-style charm with new tech to make your visit even more enjoyable.I hope you enjoy this interview.Sylvia
It's summer. You want to go for a hike in the woods, or stroll in the meadow. Maybe you love to garden. And wouldn't it be fun to run across the grass with your dog? But the ticks! It's not just about the fact that they bite, but that they may transfer disease. In this Deep Roots Radio interview, PJ Liesch, Director of the Insect Diagnostic Lab at the U of Wisc fills us in. He also gives great pointers on how to avoid tick bites. A couple of the resources he mentions: University of Rhode Island, TickEncounterUniversity of Wisconsin, www.thetickapp.com I hope you enjoy this interview.Sylvia Burgos Toftness
I love that thunk when my passport gets another stamp proving foreign travel. Now that badge of adventure is happening in Wisconsin when people travel to farms for food, fun, and education excitement. In this Deep Roots Radio interview, Sheila Everhart, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association, invites us to use our smart phones to find and use Digital Passports that can help us plan on-farm fun, and become eligible for prizes as we visit the farms. Enjoy the interview, and download your digital passport.Sylvia Burgos Toftness
Twelve regenerative, small family farms are on the map for your self-guided tour of the Apple River Farm Tour, July 11, 2026, from 10AM to 4PM. Think mushrooms, sheep, lambs, furry Highland cattle, chickens, fresh veggies and fruit, and so much more. This Deep Roots Radio chat with tour director Debbie Elmer gives the details. "Bring your coolers, cash and cameras," stresses Debbie. The website and social pages give full descriptions of the farms and maps that are easy to follow.Capture the best of summer and make a point to put this tour on your calendar.Enjoy the interview.Sylvia Burgos Toftness
Sometimes you just can't predict when you'll bump into a thriving textile business. Black Cat Stitchery is one of those. Just 18 months in its new storefront, the small space is an expression of quality, creativity and warm welcome. While the store front boasts shelves of needlepoint and cross-stitch linens, original patterns, and must-have notions, the backroom is where owners Theresa Curry and Brian Stugelmayar transform neutral bolts of European linens into hand-dyed fabric for an international market. Each yard is hand-dyed on the premises using environmentally-anchored processes. Enjoy this Deep Roots Radio in-studio chat, and mark your calendars to visit this charming and highly sophisticated shop.Sylvia Burgos Toftness