5th Generation Potato Farmer
As a 5th-generation seed potato farmer, Eric Schroeder works closely with many family members on the farm. Schroeder’s dad and uncles are still heavily involved in the family business, passing down their knowledge to the next generation. Schroeder’s mom also works in the office on administrative tasks.
The potatoes grown on Schroeder Brother’s Farm will be shipped to other potato growers across the country who will use them for future crops. One component of producing seed potatoes includes cutting the seed in half or thirds so those pieces can be planted. As Schroeder says, “it takes one potato to make more potatoes.” Northern Wisconsin is isolated from commercial potato growers, ensuring the area is free from disease. In Wisconsin, harvest starts at the end of August and is usually finished by the third week of October. This year, the planting season was pushed back due to cold weather in the spring, meaning harvesting will go later into the year. Schroder Brother’s Farms is centrally located to ship almost anywhere in the country that grows potatoes.
One unique aspect of the community is that Schroeder’s sister-in-law runs a women’s boutique in town that also sells potatoes. The store is a popular stop-off location for tourists heading toward the Great Lakes. Schroeder Brother’s Farms is also home to its very own potato museum. At the potato museum, visitors can find antique farm equipment that is a great reminder of the advances in farming technology over the years.
Schroeder lives in Antigo, Wisconsin with his wife and two children as well as their network of extended family. When he’s not at the farm, he’s coaching his son’s hockey team or taking his daughter to gymnastics practice.
