Posted March 4, 2005
Seaquist Orchards is named a finalist for Outstanding Farm Market of the Year
Seaquist Orchards, a cherry grower, processor and farm market from Sister Bay, Wis., was honored as a finalist for the Outstanding Farm Market of the Year by the North American Farmers' Direct Marketing Association (NAFDMA). Dale and Kristen Seaquist accepted the award at NAFDMA's annual conference held in February 2005 in Boston, Mass.

"The Seaquist family is extremely honored to have been nominated for this award," says Kristen Seaquist. "This award has inspired us to continue to do our best in marketing the farm and farm products to our customers, and to strive to become even more qualified to bear the title of Farm Market of the Year finalist."

Dale and Kristen have been members of NAFDMA for many years. "NAFDMA has helped our market grow consistently over the past 20 years, as we have gleaned innovative ideas from the conference, along with learning from and sharing with our fellow farm marketers from across North America," says Kristen. "NAFDMA has helped us become the leader in the farm marketing segment of the tourist industry in Door County, Wisconsin."

Seaquist Orchards began more than 100 years ago in Door County. The family was a leader in the cooperative efforts to develop processing facilities that allowed fruit to be sold in forms other than fresh. Door County cherries soon were sold nationwide, and Door County became known as Cherryland USA.

Dale's father, John, planted his first orchard in about 1912. The Door County fruit industry reached its peak during the 50s and 60s. Dale developed one of the first mechanical cherry harvesting machines. It dramatically reduced the cost of harvesting and helped the Seaquist family prosper in cherry growing. While others left the cherry business, the Seaquists have grown.

Seaquist Orchards grows about 600 acres of cherries, 30 acres of apples and a few acres of raspberries, apricots and pears. Most of these cherries are processed at Seaquist Processing, where about 70 percent of the state's 15 million pounds of cherries are processed. The Seaquists sell fresh, hand-picked cherries to consumers at their farm market. Most of the apples they grow are sold through the farm market. Dale and son Jim are partners in Seaquist Orchards. Dale's wife, Kristin, manages the farm market. Jim's wife, Robin, manages the business office. Son Zach works with Dale on equipment maintenance, fruit harvesting and readying Seaquist Processing for the busy harvest season.

Seaquist Orchards Farm Market sits 7 miles from the tip of the Door County Peninsula, surrounded by the waters of Green Bay and Lake Michigan. It's a popular tourist area that draws more than a million visitors each year. Many customers return every year to Door County—and to Seaquist Orchards.

Each year, NAFDMA members nominate their peers for Outstanding Farm Market of the Year. The past three award winners judge the finalists. Judging criteria include:
1. Success as a result of farm direct marketing based on customer count/growth per year, average sales per customer and growth in annual income.
2. Willingness to share business-related ideas and information based on presentations at conferences, member networking and newsworthy articles.
3. Creative merchandising techniques, such as indoor and outdoor signage and displays, and news articles, press releases, newsletters, and brochures.
4. Creative and successful marketing ideas, their best or most unique product lines/value added tie-ins and new product uses.
5. Their farm identity, which sets them apart from competition.     
6. Involvement with NAFDMA and other farm-related organizations.

The North American Farmers' Direct Marketing Association is the leading farm direct marketing association in the world. It promotes and fosters the growth of farm direct marketing throughout North America. Its members support their family farms by selling millions of dollars worth of farm-grown produce directly to consumers at farm stands, farmers' markets, pick-your-own farms, consumer-supported agriculture, agritourism venues, and other ever-growing innovations in direct producer-to-consumer agricultural marketing methods. NAFDMA's next convention will be held in Texas from Jan. 9-16, 2006. Find out more about the organization at www.nafdma.com.


Dale and Kris Seaquist In The News
One of the most prestigious awards for anyone working in the cherry industry was awarded to Dale and Kristin Seaquist for the year 2001. Named the National Cherry Industry Couple of the Year, Dale, Kristin and their family traveled to Traverse City, Michigan, where they were honored during the National Cherry Festival. The award is based on dedication to the field, use of cherries in products and marketing, and significant contributions to research and development on the fruit. Dale has devoted a lifetime to the cherry industry and its organizations, recognizing the importance of working for the good of the industry. It’s easy to see Dale’s enthusiasm for cherries as he says, "The beauty of this fruit is that it has a wonderful flavor, incredible health benefits, and a real versatility that we just keep discovering new things about." The Seaquists are thankful to have been honored for something that is such a natural part of their lives.

Seaquists named 2001 Cherry Industry Couple of the Year
by Mike Wentela
http://datcp.state.wi.us/press_release/result.jsp?prid=868

Wisconsin Made
http://www.wisconsinfood.com/seaquist/

Tart cherry season is getting under way in Door County
By Nancy Lichtenwald
For The Post-Crescent http://www.wisinfo.com/postcrescent/news/archive/life_11196122.shtml

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Online
Wisconsin Eats: A sampling of recipes
featuring the Seaquist Cherry Pie
http://www.jsonline.com/entree/cooking/jul02/59300.asp