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Farmers transition from livestock to raising fish and growing produce

Located on the shore of Lake Michigan, you wouldn’t believe what’s behind the door of a former milking parlor.

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quaponics provides stability, livelihood for Sheboygan farmers

Sixth generation farmer, Nate Calkins, used to work with cattle but now he spends his days handling a new ‘stock’ as co-owner of Lake Orchard Farm Aquaponics.
Sixth generation farmer, Nate Calkins, used to work with cattle but now he spends his days handling a new ‘stock’ as co-owner of Lake Orchard Farm Aquaponics. Amy Eckelberg

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Sixth generation farmer, Nate Calkins, used to work with cattle but now he spends his days handling a new ‘stock’ as co-owner of Lake Orchard Farm Aquaponics. Amy Eckelberg
Lois Demmin has worked for Lake Orchard Farm since 2011. She works in the greenhouse and jokingly calls herself the plant relocation specialist.
Lois Demmin has worked for Lake Orchard Farm since 2011. She works in the greenhouse and jokingly calls herself the plant relocation specialist. Amy Eckelberg

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Lois Demmin has worked for Lake Orchard Farm since 2011. She works in the greenhouse and jokingly calls herself the plant relocation specialist. Amy Eckelberg
Nate Calkins says that aquaponics attracted him due to its stability and sustainability.
Nate Calkins says that aquaponics attracted him due to its stability and sustainability. Amy Eckelberg

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Nate Calkins says that aquaponics attracted him due to its stability and sustainability. Amy Eckelberg
Tilapia swim in tanks where the heifers used to stand in Nate Calkins' former milking barn.
Tilapia swim in tanks where the heifers used to stand in Nate Calkins' former milking barn. Amy Eckelberg

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Tilapia swim in tanks where the heifers used to stand in Nate Calkins' former milking barn. Amy Eckelberg
The consistent growing conditions that water provides, gives Lake Orchard Farm’s produce intense flavor year-round.
The consistent growing conditions that water provides, gives Lake Orchard Farm’s produce intense flavor year-round. Amy Eckelberg

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The consistent growing conditions that water provides, gives Lake Orchard Farm’s produce intense flavor year-round. Amy Eckelberg
Customers can stop by during store hours to pick up fresh produce such as lettuce, spinach, micro-greens and kale.
Customers can stop by during store hours to pick up fresh produce such as lettuce, spinach, micro-greens and kale. Amy Eckelberg

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Customers can stop by during store hours to pick up fresh produce such as lettuce, spinach, micro-greens and kale. Amy Eckelberg
Besides aquaponics, Nate and Mary also have an event barn and manage a bed and breakfast.
Besides aquaponics, Nate and Mary also have an event barn and manage a bed and breakfast. Amy Eckelberg

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Besides aquaponics, Nate and Mary also have an event barn and manage a bed and breakfast. Amy Eckelberg

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    Sixth generation farmer, Nate Calkins, used to work with cattle but now he spends his days handling a new ‘stock’ as co-owner of Lake Orchard Farm Aquaponics.