and Jillain Malvitz planted their first patch of strawberries. Later that year, Jillain gave birth to Fred III. For the next 11 years, Fred and his family grew strawberries and sold them from their front lawn. For only $1 you could buy three quarts of strawberries! Fred and Mary both grew up on family farms and dreamed about raising their family the same way. Following their passion, they started a grade A dairy farm and grew pumpkins and sweet corn. They had four daughters, Amanda, Malinda, Lucinda and Kimberly. As their children grew older, Fred and Mary wanted to take the family on a vacation to Disney World. Taking advice from Grandpa Fred, the family planted their first half-acre of strawberries in 1987. Once again they started by selling strawberries on the picnic table in the front lawn and then later moved the store into their garage. Hiring a few neighborhood children, the Malvitzes worked as a family and slowly raised enough money to take a family vacation. Now, Malvitz Bay Farm's strawberry patch is over 5 acres and has also opened the patch to pick-your-owns. Amanda and Malinda both have children of their own and Lucinda and Kimberly are continuing their education. Every year the family comes together and works hard during strawberry season. You can find Malvitz Bay Farms strawberries in grocery stores from Green Bay all the way to the northern tip of Door County. Malvitz Bay Farms is a member of the Wisconsin Berry Growers Association and participates in their research by planting trial plants. This allows the family farm to keep up with the latest trends in produce and stay educated on growing food for the community, They grow many different varieties of strawberries and also grow raspberries, peas, asparagus, beans, sweet corn, squash, pumpkins and many other vegetables. In 2000, Fred and Mary added a state licensed, commercial kitchen to market Mary's famous homemade jam. Carrying out a family tradition, Mary created over 20 secret recipes and sells her jam all over the country! Malvitz Bay Farms greenhouse opens in early May. It is stocked with assorted flowers and vegetable plants. There is always a beautiful selection of hanging baskets ready for Mothers Day. Visitors await each year to see what flower theme Mary has chosen for the back porch. Striving to provide healthy and safe food for the community, the Malvitz family also raises range chickens. Unlike most commercial growers, Malvitz Bay Farms allow their chickens to range in movable pens outdoors that allows a diet of natural grasses and bugs. Grain feeds are supplemented to finish off their grazing diet. Malvitz Bay Farms, yes we are on Facebook. Become a fan and be the first to know what is in season!
