Own Part of
One of the Last Great Family Farms
7.8 acres in Sun Prairie that could easily become a parking lot. Join 7,000 founding families working together to keep it a family farm for generations to enjoy.
A Farm Owned by the Community. For the Community.
Most farms like this one are gone. Sold to developers. Turned into subdivisions. Paved over. The Bloomin’ Farm Cooperative exists to make sure that doesn’t happen here.
The cooperative model puts ownership in the hands of 7,000 founding families. Not one investor. Not a corporation. A community of people who believe this land is worth protecting. And who share in the farm’s future profits as a result.
This is what it means to be a founding member. You’re not just a customer who visits in the spring. You’re one of the people who made sure there’s still something here to visit.
Built to Outlast Any One Owner
A cooperative is governed by its members. Not a board of outside investors. Not a single owner making every decision. The people who believe in the farm help shape its future.
The Bloomin’ Farm Cooperative is guided by seven principles adopted by the International Cooperative Alliance – a global framework built around democratic control, shared economic benefit and concern for the communities cooperatives serve.
It’s a model with deep roots in Wisconsin. And it’s a structure that gives this farm the best chance of still being here 100 years from now.
The Farm is Already Growing Its Membership
We’re on our way to the first 1,000 pledges. And a steering committee is being recruited from those pledges. This group of committed members will develop the governance framework, establish cooperative by-laws and organize the election of a nine-member Board of Directors.
On December 21, when 7,000 pledges are confirmed, Stan will sell the farm to the cooperative. And its operations will be funded for the first two years. For $500, you can help ensure this 7.8 acres is owned by the community for the next 100 years.
What Guides Every Decision We Make
The Cooperative is built on a globally recognized framework for cooperative governance
Voluntary Membership
Open to anyone who shares the mission. Founding membership is capped at 7,000.
Democratic Control
Every member has an equal voice. One family. One share. One vote.
Member Economic Participation
Members share in the financial success of the farm through an annual dividend paid every September 21.
Autonomy and Independence
The cooperative is controlled entirely by its members, free from outside investor influence.
Education and Information
Members stay informed about how the cooperative operates, how decisions are made and how the farm is performing.
Cooperation Among Cooperatives
When possible, we work alongside fellow cooperatives in the products we sell and serve.
Concern for Community
This farm exists to serve Sun Prairie and the surrounding region. Keeping it here for the next 100 years is the whole point.
Why They Said Yes
Mike Schuster
Pledged Member
“My wife brought our kids here for years when stopping in for fresh produce. It’s truly a treasure and blessing to have it right here in the community. We want to keep it here for future generations.”
Kalvin Barrett
53rd Sheriff of Dane County
“I believe in Stan. I believe in his vision.”
Vicky Weier
Pledged Member
I’m excited to keep The Bloomin’ Farm a cooperative where families can enjoy a rural experience in the heart of Sun Prairie.
Become One of the Founding Families
This is how we work collectively as a community to ensure this 7.8 acres of Sun Prairie stays a working family farm for the next 100 years. Pledge to become a member today. And learn how to complete your $500 ownership investment. Including what makes this investment no-risk should the miracle of 7,000 members by December 21 not be realized.