Growing a Community

Growing a Community

By: Sabrina White

     On the approach to the farm, a vivid, green grassy field filled with cows varying in size and color comes into view. These cows provide the resources for many products sold in the store, located on the farm. Beside these cows, are tall stalks of corn that stretch out for miles. The beautiful, blue skies cast their lingering light upon the cows and corn, inviting customers to stop and take a look. The sounds that reminisce on the farm feel calming to the ears with the faint chirping bugs, tractors propelling in the fields, and giggling children. Overall, it's a peaceful, home-like environment where anyone who comes here, feels at home," Sharon remarked. Denise, a sweet woman with a positive attitude and wide smile is the fourth owner of this farm. The farm originated from her great-grandfather back in 1955. Denise owns 22 acres of land which spreads out as far as the horizon, past the well-nourished corn stalks and pumpkin patch. 

    Along with the alluring scenery, another redeeming quality is the friendly staff that provides the needs and care of all their customers. This family-owned business has taken pride in its customer service and farming ability for years. Now they have regular customers daily who love and appreciate their hard work and efforts. One customer excitedly animated "Denise, I made you enchiladas." Denise responded with "I've been wanting to try these for so long, I can't wait to eat them!" Denise talks to her customers and creates bonds with them instantly, so it's no surprise that her customers repay her kindness with these thoughtful gifts. "It's not about the money, it's about a strong community built on care and trust," Denise said humbly. Denise built something out of nothing when initially starting on the farm. In the first year of her journey, she struggled to manage profit for the farm but after an extensive wait, they received an opportunity to get some business from a local fair.  This set the foundation for the farm business. It is an inspiration to see all this progress done in such a short time. 

   Some places on the farm that are highly recommended are the store, picnic area, and corn maze. Customers first notice the large wooden structures holding an assortment of neon yellow, orange, and white pumpkins outside the store. The pumpkins and their unique structures lure customers into the store to see what other fascinating items could be discovered. A walk through the wooden doors decorated with fall adornments would lead them to the entrance. As the customer enters, they can smell spices, produce, and freshly cut wood. "The things we get the most compliments on when a customer walks in, are the smells, visual presentation, and sights experienced during their stay," explained the manager. Vibrantly colored produce with textures of bumpy, smooth, and rigid can be spotted first. All products have signs signifying the price, name, and description, with eye-catching fonts and pictures. Fairy lights line the woodwork of the ceiling and follow the customer throughout the store. It feels magical just witnessing the lights glistening above their heads like stars. Past the produce, along the back wall, a customer could find many homemade goods from partnering businesses with Rohrbach's farm. Some may include bars of soap, candles, t-shirts, and jewelry. When passing this specific area, the smell of lavish vanilla, pumpkin pancakes, and maple-scented items bless the nose of the guest present. 

     

    Some countless activities and events are planned and prepared for everyone of all ages. From scenic, bumpy hayrides to corn pits and corn mazes anyone can have a fun time at Rohrbach's. The kids appreciate the small things incorporated in the picnic area such as the "Children's Garden," a dirt-based box with a wooden confinement surrounding it, with trucks and buckets to play with. This is a designated area for kids to play while parents can eat or sit down at the picnic tables surrounding the play area. Small child-sized tables and a small wooden house occupy the space as well. "If we're gonna be here all the time, I want it to be a place worth being" Denise assured.

 

Denise tries to educate customers on where they should buy their produce from. The sweet juicy peaches, the crisp crunchy apples, and the freshly picked berries are some of the noticeable fruits that attract customers. And not only will the food taste better but the money will all go back into the community. "One of our best sellers on the farm is the apple dumplings," Denise added. They sell the apple dumplings as fundraisers which also goes back into the farm and community. Her motto is "Even if the glass is half empty and it's rotten milk, we are gonna make banana bread." This gives you an outlook on the determined and strong-minded person she is, and what she has been able to accomplish with the rotten milk that she was given in life.