West Bend, WI – On first blush the new Farm Store at Schmidt Century Farm offers a brighter shopping atmosphere, more space, and lots of opportunity to support local farmers. But on closer look you’ll find some nuggets of history from the sixth-generation farm, some signature pieces from the Schmidt family lineage, and some treasured touchstones that have been repurposed to help carry on the tradition of the importance of farm and family.
“Welcome to the new Farm Store,” said Deanna Schmidt, co-owner of the business with her husband Roger.
The new Farm Store sits smack in the middle of Schmidt Century Farm; a working farm that produces grass-fed Black Angus Beef, Duroc/Berkshire Pork and Poultry.
The Farm Store is a large, 2-story, red sided building with white trim. Guarding the entrance is an old cement garden goose nicknamed Gertie. “It belonged to my former mother-in-law and my daughter Vanessa painted it and now it sits at the entrance… kind of our mascot for the store,” said Deanna.
There are other sentimental pieces built into the store, including the old barn board windowsills. “Those came from a building we called the Puzzle Shop,” Deanna said. “We raised that tiny building that had plaster and lathe walls, south-facing windows, and an old chimney… to make room for the new Farm Store. We salvaged the wood and our friend Tim from church repurposed it in the windowsills and the molding around the floor.”
It was 2020 when Deanna and Roger initially opened the Farm Store in their one-car garage attached to the south side of their cream city brick house. Within five years, word spread about the local family store and its thick slices of packaged bacon and New York strip steaks. The couple, who have an open-door policy to farm life, outgrew their garage and invested in a new space.
Not only does the business itself show off the hard work of the family but check out the rustic framed watercolor by the entrance painted by Deanna’s friend Carrie. There’s also significance to the large historic photos of the farmhouse and the great grandfather’s portrait hanging in a vintage circular frame.
“John, the man in the painting, is the one who built our house in 1910,” said Deanna.
Another interesting piece of farm history is a hardcover ledger found in the attic of the historic 3-story home. The entries are written in cursive with a pencil. While the home dates to the early 1900s the large ledger details, by date, what appears to be every purchase and penny spent from 65 cents on truck repairs, to 2-pounds of butter for 82 cents, a trip to the A&P totaled $1.56, and a visit to the dentist was $1.
Dorothy Schmidt was fourth generation at the home after marrying Herbert, who inherited the farm from his dad Michael, after he retired. The couple lived there from 1972 – 2015. Dorothy recalled a clothesline out back along with a smoker and a cistern in the basement.
So, the next time you visit the Farm Store, enjoy the shopping… but also savor the stories of history as you spend a moment or two on Schmidt Century Farm.
West Bend, WI – The new Farm Store, 5485 St. Anthony Road, is open for business at Schmidt Century Farm in West Bend, WI. The easiest way to get there is STH 33 west to right on Aurora Road and then left on St. Anthony Road and the farm is at the top of the hill.
Open at 9 a.m. the new Farm Store features a much larger space with freezers stocked full of Grass-fed Black Angus Beef, Duroc/Berkshire Pork and Poultry. There are farm-fresh eggs and recently hatched chicks.
Special vendors include honey, garlic, Maple syrup, and locally made clothing.
Treat yourself to a day on the farm and come explore the Farm Store at Schmidt Century Farm.
Deanna, Roger, Vanessa, Rodee, and Harley would love to meet you.
West Bend, WI – A busy week ahead for the Schmidt family as it prepares to open their new Farm Store. But in the midst of moving and stacking and cleaning the family took time to lean into their faith and give thanks with a store blessing performed by Rev. Russ from St. Lawrence and Resurrection Catholic Church.
In a brief ceremony Rev. Russ blessed the store with holy water and read a verse about new beginnings and strength of foundation.
The new Farm Store, 5485 St. Anthony Road opens at 9 a.m. on Thursday. It features a huge shopping area, state-of-the-art commercial kitchen, heated tractor maintenance shop, and a large meeting space.
Come check it out. And as a special guest… newly hatched baby chicks.
West Bend, WI – The grand opening for the new Farm Store at Schmidt Century Farm, 5485 St. Anthony Road, is February 27, 28, and March 1.
Over the past year the Schmidt family has been working to expand their business and better serve the community.
Below is a sneak peek when the building was under construction. It has come so far, with a lot of hard work and painting, and will open at the end of February 2025.
Stop in Thursday, Friday, or Saturday and check out the progress.
West Bend, Wi – The new Farm Store at Schmidt Century Farm, 5485 St. Anthony Road, is nearly complete. Owner Deanna Schmidt guided a recent tour for a sneak peek inside.
The new Farm Store features a huge shopping area, a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen, heated tractor maintenance shop, and a large meeting space.
The radiant in-floor heat is up and running in the new Farm Store building. One more inspection and drywall will start with an announcement on a grand opening in the coming weeks.
Below is an article from 2024 about plans to add a new Farm Store at Schmidt Century Farm.
West Bend, WI – After much success with their family-owned Farm Store at Schmidt Century Farm, 5485 St. Anthony Road, Deanna and Roger Schmidt are investing in a new building.
Designs feature a cozy porch, open balcony, and a much larger space for the Farm Store.
Schmidt Century Farm has its own YouTube channel.
