We strive to leave the land better than how we found it by increasing biodiversity and building strong sustainable systems. We supply our local community, friends and family with the healthiest, best tasting food possible.

Since its start in 2015, the farm has secured multiple certifications, with a clear and continuing commitment to sustainable and organic practices. The Victory Garden Farm is USDA-Certified Organic through Midwest Organic Services Association, and certified Animal Welfare Approved through A Greener World.

Vanessa is an excellent role model to beginning farmers. At the height of the COVID pandemic, when many farmers were struggling to restructure to meet increased demand, Vanessa launched the first REKO ring in the state of Wisconsin as a way to partner with and support other local producers and feed her community. Her impact came full circle when she returned to Stateline Farm BeginningsⓇ as a farmer panelist and mentor to an aspiring farmer participant. Danielle Cantrell, founder of Ever Favor Farms, was Vanessa’s mentee during the 2021 Stateline Farm BeginningsⓇ program. Danielle says, “As a fellow first-generation BIPOC female farmer, I selected Vanessa as my mentor because I admired her determination and perseverance in building her farm from the ground up. Vanessa freely, generously, and enthusiastically offered her time, advice, and support to me during the mentorship, and continues to do so to this day. She embodies the spirit of community because she wants to see other farmers succeed.”

about the Award

The experiences kids have at camp have always been important, if not life changing. According to the American Camp Association, benefits of attending camp include increased self-identity, self-worth, self-esteem, leadership, and self-respect. ​At Angelic Organics Learning Center we go beyond getting kids off their screens and into the great outdoors. Our campers experience the rhythms of farm life- they learn how to take care of livestock, tend gardens, and prepare their own meals using freshly harvested produce.

Angelic Organics Learning Center has offered immersive farm experiences since 1999. Our  camps engage the head, heart and hands on Angelic Organics farm – one of the oldest and largest organic and biodynamic Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms in the region. ​Overnight campers get to stay at our Lodge, which sits on a limestone bluff surrounded by old oaks, overlooking the bends of Kinnikinnick Creek. The beautiful grounds invite exploration, wonder, creativity, and revitalization. Campers connect with nature from the woods to the farm fields.

My son loves the animals and respects what happens on the farm. He enjoyed the work as much as the fun. This is an awesome experience for him and he loves returning each year.

My granddaughter attended and she learned so much! The experience encouraged her to learn more about farming, where food comes from, and what organic means, just to name a few. For me, there is nothing that has made me happier in the last year and a half than picking up a kid with a dirty face, mud up to their knees, red cheeks from the sun and a huge smile on their face! Best experience ever.

[We love the] opportunity for our children to: learn about sustainable farming, have unique and enriching experiences, and have camp experiences that are outside and with animals. Our children have immensely enjoyed each and every camp at Angelic Organics Learning Center, so much so we have donated to the center to keep it going and available to all.

We may have struggled over the past few years through a dramatic expansion in facilities and programming, through drastic transition in staffing and leadership, and through a debilitating pandemic, but we sit at the cusp of the most promising year since I started in late 2019.  ​

Author

Jackie de Batista, Executive Director