Nestled near one of the highest points in Fond du Lac County, Airy Point Farms cultivates community. Since starting their farm business, Nicole and Derek Sippel have focused on connecting people through their diverse offerings but especially their flowers.
The Birth of a Dream
Growing up on a farm, Derek always knew that agriculture was his calling, even if he wasn’t sure exactly how that would look. Nicole, on the other hand, didn’t come from a farming background. Her passion for animals led her to go to school to become a veterinarian, where her and Derek’s circles overlapped on UW-Madison’s campus. After college, the couple moved to St. Cloud to farm with Derek’s parents, Earl and Yvonne. They now have two children, Mae (6) and Lucan (1).
In 2020, Nicole was looking to move to part time work at the vet clinic she worked at to spend more time with their young family. Nicole recalled making an off-hand comment one day about growing flowers and soon Derek was quickly writing a business plan, saying if you give him a reason to grow more things he will find a way. The couple started growing flowers and haven’t looked back.
Derek and Nicole complement each other well in this endeavor through his passion for growing things and her knack for artistic flower arrangements and marketing. Today, Nicole works full-time on the farm during the summer when the farm is busiest and part time at the vet clinic in the winter when things slow down on the farm.
A Farm for All Seasons
Airy Point Farms embraces diversity, offering everything from vibrant flowers and engaging workshops to a variety of farm-fresh products. When asked about their favorite aspects of the farm, Nicole and Derek’s enthusiasm was evident. Nicole loves “you-pick” events and teaching flower arranging, while Derek enjoys growing pumpkins and engaging directly with visitors.
The farm grows its community connections through a social media presence, subscription newsletter and word-of-mouth. Their journey into hosting events began in 2021 with a self-serve pumpkin stand, expanding in 2023 to include flower attractions like Dahlia Days and a sunflower field, enhancing the farm’s role in the community.
There also is a self-serve farm stand at Airy Point Farms which offers a variety of products that change with the
seasons. From mixed bouquets and farm-fresh eggs to garlic scapes and pumpkins, there’s always something fresh available. During the fall, when the farm stand is staffed, it features goods from other local businesses, such as baked goods, soaps, candles, apples, cider and Christmas trees. This seasonal collaboration enriches the farm’s offerings and strengthens ties with other local producers.
Cultivating Memories and Community
One of the most fulfilling aspects of their work for Nicole and Derek is being part of their customers’ special moments. Whether it’s a Mother’s Day bouquet, a wedding arrangement or the perfect pumpkin for Halloween, the products from Airy Point Farms are a part of many family celebrations. Unlike their earlier experience in dairy farming, which offered less direct consumer interaction, growing flowers and produce allows them to see the joy their work brings to others.
They also sell beef raised and processed within a mile of their farm. The positive feedback from customers who appreciate the quality and local sourcing of their meat is gratifying for the couple.
Looking ahead, Nicole and Derek hope their farm continues to be a place where people can connect with their food and their farmers. Nicole values having the community know their farmer and having people question what they think farming is because it might not look how they would expect.
A Farm Full of Promise
Reflecting on their journey, both Nicole and Derek are proud of the path they’ve taken. Derek always knew he would farm, but the direction his career took was unexpected. His advice to his younger self is simple: “Do what makes you happy and see where it leads you, you might be surprised.”
Nicole’s message to her younger self echoes a similar sentiment of adaptability and growth: “It’s okay to shift, it’s okay to flex. See where life takes you and grow with it.”
Farming is often a solitary pursuit, but for Nicole and Derek, being part of Farm Bureau provides a sense of community. Knowing there is an organization advocating for farmers’ interests and offering a platform to share both struggles and successes has been important.
Airy Point Farm, with its vibrant flowers, diverse events and close-knit family business, is a wonderful part of their community. It is a place where community and agriculture intertwine, and where the future is as bright and promising as the blooms in its fields. Nicole and Derek’s story is a reminder that with dedication and creativity, the seeds of an idea can grow into something wonderful.
Connect with Airy Point Farms
Story by Lynn Siekmann and originally appeared in the June | July 2024 Rural Route.
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