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:

U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to share why Ames is uniquely positioned to support expanded USDA operations.
Iowa land values dropped 3% year-over-year. Sen. Chuck Grassley said this discomforting pattern is a harbinger of crisis for farmers, as seen in the 1980s.
Prepare for tighter cash flow, delayed capital buys, and policy-driven risk management this fall.
Jed Bower, the incoming president of the National Corn Growers Association, joined us for his sector’s perspective on the ongoing government shutdown.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent last week said an announcement would be made on Tuesday. However, that self-imposed deadline has now passed.
Delaware FarmHER Katie Evans turns “ugly” produce into delicious treats through her nationally recognized brand, The Frozen Farmer