US (WI): The Tomato Patch has grown family business

An experiment in raising tomatoes on a porch during the winter led to a full-time business for the Strait family. The family now produces between 70,000 and 80,000 pounds of tomatoes each year in their five greenhouses at The Tomato Patch.

After they proved their “hobby” of raising tomatoes on their home’s porch could be done, even in the dead of Wisconsin winters, Dean and Rose Strait built their first greenhouse in 1988. The 30-by 60-foot greenhouse was built next to their home located at the north end of Melrose. Now, the family tends five greenhouses.

The Straits’ two daughters, Ann and Mary, were involved in the business since they were young and are now carrying on the business with their mother following Dean’s death in April.

Ann’s experience in the family business led her to make the business of raising tomatoes her career. As a college student, she enrolled in the University of Minnesota at Waseca, earning a degree in horticulture. As part of her education, she apprenticed with a tomato grower in Minnesota. Upon completing her schooling she returned home to help with the family business.

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