Michael Zydowicz
After her mother became ill, Tricia Bross, then a graduate student at Clarkson University, found a new interest in the link between diet and health. This interest led her to become friends with a group of organic farmers who taught her the benefits of eating organic foods.
Later that year, when Bross began to face health issues herself, she decided to convert to an organic diet, and found that her health improved dramatically. When she returned to school in the fall, she reverted to her old eating habits, and the health issues returned. Bross was amazed by the difference, and immediately returned to her organic diet with the conviction to begin her own organic farm.
After four years of being an apprentice on organic farms, Bross struck out on her own in 1990, founding Luna Circle Farm. She and her partner borrowed land from a friend and started their organic farm with only a "rake, shovel, hoe, and hard work." After the first year, though, her partner decided to leave the business, and left Bross as the sole owner and manager. As the business grew, it went through several periods of change, including four different farm locations.
Her farm is currently located in Rio, Wis. and is certified organic by the Midwest Organic Services Association. In order to keep in contact with her customers, Bross publishes a weekly e-newsletter, The Radish Buncher, that covers such topics as the groundwater destruction caused by traditional farming and the benefits of eating organic.
The Luna Circle Farm stand is located on Mifflin Street at the
