Sixth generation operation hosts Racine farm breakfast
By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer
Malchine Farms, of Wind Lake, is about as old as the State of Wisconsin.
The multi-generational farm has been in the same family since 1854, just six years after Wisconsin became incorporated as a state, and has evolved from having several varieties of livestock to becoming a cash crop farm.
While the farm carries a rich family tradition, with sixth generation brothers Kevin and Mike Malchine overseeing daily operations, Malchine Farms will finally host the annual Racine County Breakfast on the Farm scheduled for Saturday, June 25, from 7 until 11 a.m.
Malchine Farms, 27402 Malchine Road, Waterford, sprawls nearly 2,000 acres and primarily consists of soybeans and corn with a few cattle.
“Our farm operation has journeyed through horse drawn plows to the GPS guided technology of today,” according to a historical snapshot provided by the family. “Malchine Farms has given our family nearly 170 years of livelihood and yielded great memories along with adventures for kids and a lifestyle based on hard work, tenacity, optimism, self-sufficiency, family, faith, and community.”
Mike Malchine’s son, Ryan, will represent the seventh generation to work on the land.
Breakfast on the farm
As for the breakfast, visitors will receive a hearty farm meal consisting of eggs, sausage, milk and ice cream at a cost of $8 for adults while children under 3 eat free.
Additionally, while people savor a breakfast, activities include children’s games, a petting zoo, live music and more.
Kevin Malchine said he and his family looks forward to hosting thousands of visitors, especially since Malchine Farms was initially scheduled to serve as the venue in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic sidelined the plans for two years.
“We originally were supposed to have it in 2020, so this is the year that it comes down to us having it,” Kevin said. “I think we are a great location to have people come and visit our farm.”
Racine County Breakfast on the Farm held its last full-fledged event in 2019 at Jasperson Sod Farm.
Kevin, meanwhile, said helping visitors understand the true functions of farming on Saturday stands out above the rest.
“It is a great thing to have people come to our farm to help them understand what a working farm looks like today,” he said. “We are just stewards of the land, we are environmentally conscious and there are a lot of misnomers out there about how farms are run. It is a good opportunity for people to get a real clear picture.”
Eager to learn
Kevin, meanwhile, acknowledged each farm carries a different experience hosting Racine County Breakfast on the Farm.
Kevin said what he has seen from past events is visitors are always eager to learn more about farming.
“I find it refreshing that people are eager to learn what farming is about today,” he said. “To me, that is the most exciting part.”
Racine County Breakfast on the Farm is run by a committee with help of community volunteers.
Based on Kevin’s past experiences, the committee and volunteers will produce a phenomenal Racine County Breakfast on the Farm.
“I am looking forward to the production and committee that does this,” he said. “They do a really good job of coordinating it and I am in awe of how they put this whole thing on.”
Racine County Breakfast on the Farm will offer onsite parking, according to its Facebook page, which recommended visitors to take Kramer Road off of Highway 36 and turn north on Division Road.
The event also has remote parking at the Norway Town Hall, 6419 Heg Park Road, and Norway Lutheran Church, 6321 Heg Park Road, Wind Lake.
To read the full version of this story, see the June 23 editions of the Burlington Standard Press, Waterford Post or Westine Report.
If you go…
What: Racine County Breakfast on the Farm
When: Saturday, June 25, from 7 to 11 a.m.
Where: Malchine Farms, 27402 Malchine Rd., Waterford
Menu: Eggs, sausage, milk and ice cream
Cost: $8; children younger than 3 eat free
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