We love biking! Whether it’s riding to and from the Co-op, on the Coon Prairie Trail to Westby, or a mountain bike at Sidie Hollow or Kickapoo Valley Reserve – we’re here to support and fuel bikers. We are so thankful to have a great organization like Vernon Trails in our community that is committed to developing and maintaining roadways, sustainable trails, and outdoor recreational opportunities for human-powered users. They are an incredible organization and are the ones responsible for donating the Dero Bicycle Fixit Station to the Co-op last Autumn. Now you can pump up your tires or make slight adjustments to your bike when you are here to shop or grab a bite to eat. Thank you, Vernon Trails!

You are invited to VFC Local Food Fest – come & celebrate all things local!

This all-day event is a replacement for our much loved P6 Tailgate Party. Since we have so much more space inside our store, we’ve moved the party indoors.

We’ll have a variety of local farmers and producers around the store offering free samples of their delicious products. There will be multiple free classes throughout the day in our Co-op Community Room as well as prize drawings! Family-friendly fun for everyone!

One plastic utensil, styrofoam container, or paper cup at a time — let’s first reduce, then reuse, and only then recycle!

We are truly lucky to be located right in the heart of the Driftless region, which has a wealth of local farmers and producers. One of the local producers we are grateful to have right in our neighborhood is Westby Co-op Creamery. They are one of the oldest dairy cooperatives in Wisconsin!

For the second time, VFC is putting a cheesy spin on March Madness by hosting Wisconsin Cheese Madness! We've identified eight delicious and unique Wisconsin cheeses from our cheese department and are matching them up head-to-head, March 16-March 30. Every Monday and Friday (2-5pm), as well as Saturday (11am-2pm), customers are invited to stop by VFC to try two cheeses and then vote for their favorite.

Local Producer Profile: GoMacro

Located on high ground near the Kickapoo River in Viola, Wisconsin, GoMacro is a local hometown success story. The company is owned and operated by mother and daughter team of Amelia Kirchoff and Jola Sonkin. Their MacroBars are a staple on our shelves and on the shelves of over 25,000 retailers across the country.

VFC CCF Grant Recipients

We are pleased to announce the recipients of our first-ever VFC Cooperative Community Fund (CCF) Grant!* Both of the organizations have projects that work with local food, the local food economy, and students. The Ferryville Farmers Market project focuses on mentoring students on the early stages of food production by way of planting, growing and selling food. The Youth Initiative High School students learn about the later stages of food production through entrepreneurial and culinary skills by running Food for Thought, a food truck business that also raises money for the school.

Congratulations to our Co-op Community!

Local Producer Profile: Organic Valley

October is Co-op Month! In celebration, we are featuring a local farmer-owned cooperative – Organic Valley! Organic Valley (CROPP Cooperative) has humble roots inVernon County that date way back to 1988 and extend through today. This year they celebrate their 30th Anniversary producing and selling high quality organic dairy products, eggs, meat and produce. They employ over 900 people, a majority of which work at their offices and production facilities in La Farge, Cashton and Chaseburg, as well as have over 2,000 farmer-owners across the United States.

VFC is a champion for Organic Valley products. We love to stock our favorite organic milk, meat and dairy products from OV, but it goes further than that. Organic Valley and VFC are partners in strengthening the cooperative model in our communities. We’ve served together on co-op projects, and through the years a variety of OV Staff Members served vital roles on the VFC Board of Directors.

All Seasons Dairy is just one of over 400 Organic Valley farmer-owners located in Wisconsin (of which 110 reside in Vernon County).

VFC Supports Future Organic Farmers

This past spring, the Wisconsin Future Farmers of America (FFA) Foundation awarded $26,780 in Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) Grants to a total of 48 Wisconsin FFA student-members. Through the SAE Program, students apply concepts learned in the classroom to real-world challenges and work experiences.

The 2017-18 Wisconsin FFA Foundation SAE Grants were awarded in five categories: dairy, grain production, livestock, organic agriculture, and start-up. Successful candidates were chosen based on the level and scope of their SAE in accordance with their age, future goals and plans for the program, as well as financial need.