CRISP COUNTRY ACRES
The Visser family of "Crisp Country Acres"
A variety of products can be found at the Crisp Country Acres farm store.
THE COMMUNITY
In the heart of Hollands farming community lies an extensive multi-generational farm that has been in the Visser family since the 1858, when family patriarch Bartel VanderZwaag immigrated from the Netherlands. Mitch Visser and his wife Lindsey showed us around their property to give us an idea of how much land is utilized. Around 120 acres of land is farmed and harvested each year between the family. Named after Dutch immigrants while reading old farm maps, the county property name was simply "Crisp" hence the family farm name "Crisp Country Acres" holding true to it's heritage. Ranging from greenhouses, cattle and a farm store, the Visser family covers all the farm to table go-to needs.
Lettuce and leafy greens growing year-round in the greenhouses. The largest buyer of these mixes is local Brewing Company, Latitude 42.
THE SETUP
By using a series of Greenhouse systems warmed by donated scrap woods from businesses near by, Mitch and Lindsey are sure to care for plants until the produce is able to be planted in the fields with steady weather. The green house system also permits them to grow vegetables year-round to supply local retailers, and markets alike. For example, the ability to grow year round provides Latitude 42 Brewing Company with fresh salad greens, even in the coldest of winter months.
THE HEIGHTS
One aspect that caught our eye was the use of vertical hanging and irrigation systems for tomato plants. A series of weekly "clips" have been added to the main stalk of each plant to measure growth. as the plants grow in size, they are transferred to cooler greenhouses to begin the adjustment to outdoor planting. The 5th and final greenhouse is open to most of the elements before the plants are officially transferred to the fields.
THE FINALE
Overall, this extensive process involves a lot of care and attention to detail. Mitch, Lindsey, and the rest of the Visser family put their best foot forward to carry on a long prospering family tradition.
To learn more about the Visser family and Crisp Country Acres, click here!