The Village Farmstead, a 14-acre organic operation situated in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, approximately 15 minutes south of downtown Milwaukee, exemplifies a distinctive approach to community-supported agriculture (CSA) and shared living. Owner Sara Krohn, who co-founded the farm about nine years ago, leads a household of four full-time residents who cultivate a wide array of produce and embrace an intentional communal lifestyle.
Krohn describes their arrangement as a "really intentional living situation," emphasizing its serious and adult nature rather than a 'party house.' This model integrates living and working, eliminating commutes for residents such as farmhand Alex Stromski, who has resided on the property for about a year. Stromski initially volunteered on the farm for three years before choosing to move into the shared residence, finding the environment to "just felt right" after repeatedly sharing meals with the group.
The farm's core mission, as articulated by Krohn, revolves around fostering community, changing the food system, and promoting healthy eating while enjoying the process. The Village Farmstead operates as a CSA, a strategic shift from its original practice of selling at farmers' markets. This change allows the farm to manage production efficiently, ensuring that perishable goods have a planned distribution channel through year-round customer subscriptions that provide weekly produce boxes when available.
Produce grown includes a diverse selection such as zucchini, cucumber, tomatoes, potatoes, onions, broccoli, carrots, radishes, turnips, lettuce, peppers, and eggplants. The farm's cultivation methods are primarily hands-on, with Krohn noting that they have set up the farm to use hand tools. This approach not only aligns with their operational philosophy but also simplifies the training process for volunteers, as it negates the need for instruction on heavy machinery.
Life at the Village Farmstead is structured around group collaboration. Residents follow chore rotations and make decisions together, including social considerations like informing the group before having a friend over for dinner. A significant perk of this communal living is the shared meal system, where each resident takes a turn cooking for the entire household, leading to the creation of "awesome food" according to Krohn.
Beyond the full-time residents, a group of weekly volunteers contributes to the farm's activities. Amanda John, who has volunteered for approximately a year, appreciates the opportunity to "zen out" and reconnect with the earth. In exchange for her assistance, John receives a box of produce each week, reflecting a shared sentiment among participants that values being involved with the dirt and the growing process.
The ultimate vision for the Village Farmstead is to continue growing quality food and providing a living environment for like-minded individuals. While the current three-bedroom house has historically accommodated as many as nine people, Krohn stated they are considering expanding residential options, potentially by constructing an outbuilding with additional residences. For now, the immediate focus remains on successfully completing the current harvest season.