FarmHER’s family builds agritourism hotspot complete with a carnival!

Meet FarmHER Stephanie Stade Townsend, part of the second generation on Stade’s Farm & Market in McHenry, Illinois. The popular agritourism spot outside Chicago offers carnival attractions alongside their classic farmer’s market and u-pick produce and flower farm!

FarmHER Stephanie Stade Townsend has two main goals: to provide homegrown produce and beef to her community and to help execute her father’s vision to bring the carnival experience to their farm.

When you step onto Stade’s Farm & Market, you’re not just a visitor but part of the farming and the fun. While at Stade’s, you can pick your apples and green beans and then spin the 100-year-old carousel, slide down the giant slide, and shoot the pumpkin cannon!

Stephanie and her husband, Sean, are the second generation on the land. They helped her father continue to diversify the family operation by adding a direct-to-consumer beef program. From homegrown beef to pasture-raised eggs, Stephanie and Sean are dedicated to offering quality food to their customers.

As if that wasn’t enough excitement, Stephanie and Sean recently welcomed their newest addition, baby girl Tilly, making Stade’s not just a family business but a growing family itself.

Watch this all-new episode of FarmHER featuring Stephanie Stade Townsend when it premieres TONIGHT, Tuesday, October 8, at 9:00 PM ET only on RFD-TV. Catch encore airings on Fridays at 9:30 PM ET and Sundays at 10:00 PM ET.

Binge all episodes and past seasons of FarmHER and RanchHER on-demand at any time with your annual subscription to RFD-TV Now.

Related Stories
Joined by her parents and sisters, we go beyond Kirbe’s job hosting FarmHER + RanchHER to discover the person and story behind the show.
FarmHER Chris Nellis and her daughters navigate loss while carrying on a 300-year farm legacy, milking cows in upstate New York.
Cape Cod FarmHER Chloe Starr dives into the world of shellfish farming at one of the few oyster & clam hatcheries in the U.S.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
Midland County Livestock Association President Brandon Mitchell reflects on another strong year for the event, including a premium sale that once again topped the million-dollar mark.
The Midland County Junior Livestock Show in West Texas features a competitive steer showcase highlighting top-quality cattle and the accomplishments of driven youth exhibitors.