About the Farmers
Don grew up on a hog, dairy and cash crop farm in Sun Prairie. The farmer’s love of the land and need to till the earth was deeply a part of him. Theresa knew early in their courtship that to love the man would mean to love the land. Don’s family farm couldn’t be purchased because it was growing houses so three years into wedded bliss the search for land began.
The search came to an abrupt halt when one life-altering day in 1990, Theresa drove by the Gangstad farm as she did every day on her way to work. That day, however, there was a For Sale sign on the front lawn! Three days later, the farm became the Schuster farm—a dream come true for Don and the beginning of whole new world for Theresa.
In the spring of 1994, after three years of varying ventures, including growing tobacco, and pot-bellied pig and miniature donkey breeding, Don planted 1/3 acre of pumpkins—the crop he grew himself as a youngster and sold door-to-door using his little red wagon. After several years of adding different fall produce and decorations, Theresa convinced a reluctant Don to build a hay wagon. School tours started that year and we have been too busy to ever look back!
Now in our 18th season, we are working more on the farm than off. Don concluded his time working at UW-Madison in June, except for teaching the occasional farm short-course class or consulting as an ag-economist on specialty projects. Theresa continues to love working part-time for Madison Schools as an occupational therapist.
Our three kids get more involved in the farm business every year. Hugh has advanced to doing “manly” work. He gets involved by desire and/or force in literally every project on the farm. Hugh has also successfully started a DJ business for gigs on and off the farm. Sarah is our saving grace in the farm kitchen. She is the namesake for our farm bakery–Sarah’s Sweet Shoppe & Bakery. Christian has taken over all the animal chores and will be a frontrunner in decision making in the concession stand. Our 2010 addition to the family, Herman the Schuster Farm spokesmouse spent early spring and summer overseeing his (& his ancestors home-the centennial round barn) being resided and reinforced so it may continue to be a landmark for many, many years to come!
We love our land, buildings, and the history it all represents. We’re excited to unveil the new and listen to our visitors reminisce about the old. Welcome to Schuster’s Playtime Farm!
