The Mid-West Farm Report will be featuring each finalist over the next few weeks.
Glacial Lake Cranberries, one of the oldest cranberry farms in Wisconsin, is celebrating its 151st year of commercial cranberry production. Owned and operated by Mary Brazeau Brown, this historic farm continues to thrive, thanks to its strong commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and conservation efforts. The founders established the farm in 1873, and it has since expanded into a 2,600-acre operation, complemented by an additional 3,000 acres of forested land managed through a forestry management plan.
“My grandfather bought into the farm in 1923 when he was the attorney for the original owners. He saw great value not only in the cranberry production but also in the surrounding support land of uplands, forest, and the reservoir,” said Brown. “I feel blessed that he made that decision.”
Brown emphasizes the importance of sustainability, a value passed down through generations at Glacial Lake Cranberries. “We didn’t inherit the land from our ancestors; we are borrowing it from our children. That’s how I’ve always felt about the property,” she said.
The cranberry industry has undergone significant changes since Brown took over the farm. “There have been many improvements, especially in mechanical harvesting,” she noted. “However, the complementary relationship between the cranberry bogs and surrounding areas has always remained constant.”
This year’s cranberry crop is showing promise, but Brown remains cautious. “In agriculture, there is no normal, and the outcome is always weather-dependent,” she said. “I don’t usually comment on the harvest until everything is in by November. No matter what the outcome, we are thankful for what we get.”
Glacial Lake Cranberries takes a holistic approach to farming, understanding the interconnectedness of the land, water, and crops. or over 40 years, the farm has actively engaged in conservation efforts, maintaining a healthy ecosystem that supports both cranberry production and wildlife. One notable practice involves using controlled burns to manage the wetlands. “Periodic burns help keep woody vegetation at bay and maintain the health of our wetlands,” Brown explained. “It’s a beautiful process that reminds us of the historic prairie fires.”
In addition to managing their cranberry production, the farm has taken steps to enhance habitats for wildlife. “We work closely with NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) to plant pollinator habitats and transitional areas, which have been wonderful for our native pollinators,” Brown said. She also shared the farm’s efforts in establishing a purple martin colony, which has become a thriving and exciting addition to their conservation work.
Being a finalist for the Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award is a great honor for Brown and her family. “It’s humbling to be recognized for the good work that supports a strong land ethic. We do our best with what we’ve been given to steward, and we hope it makes a difference,” she said.
Brown encourages other farmers to take a broader view of their land and actions. “We often focus so much on what’s immediately in front of us that we forget the bigger picture. I believe that being mindful of the larger impact of our actions is an important lesson for all of us.”
With 151 years of history and a strong commitment to both agriculture and conservation, Glacial Lake Cranberries remains a pillar in the cranberry industry. “It has been an absolute privilege to steward this property, and I’ve never taken it for granted,” said Brown. “I’m grateful to have our children involved and to see them also embrace this broader vision for the future.”
