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
FarmHER Laura Adams raises cattle in Georgia, overcoming family tragedy with the help of Farm Dog of the Year, Skippy.
FarmHER Christina Woerner McInnis is revolutionizing soil health in Alabama with SoilKit, a cutting-edge tool.
Listen to Alex’s Dirt Diaries episode today on all podcast platforms or tune into Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147 to listen, weekends at 5 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET.

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:

Jack Hubbard, with the Center for the Environment and Welfare, shares context and perspective on the controversial letter about Prop 12 circulating in Washington and how a review shows it misled the public.
From tariff talks in Europe to SCOTUS uncertainty and rising farm losses, analysts say policy and global supply will shape grain markets in the year ahead.
While row crops are expected to see softer impacts, analysts say severe weather of this magnitude will not be as kind to cattle producers.
Cape Cod FarmHER Chloe Starr dives into the world of shellfish farming at one of the few oyster & clam hatcheries in the U.S.
University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold joined us to discuss seasonal affective disorder, winter mental health, and practical strategies for maintaining well-being in rural communities.
FWSSR Communications Director Matt Brockman discusses the event’s competitions, safety preparations, and family-friendly activities during the opening weekend.
From Junior Heifer Shows to Mustang Magic competitions, the 23-day event brings together 4-H and FFA participants, livestock enthusiasts, and families to celebrate North Texas’ rich Western heritage.