Mandy Onesti: From housewife to farm stand recommendation in Wittenberg!

Mandy Onesti: From housewife to farm stand recommendation in Wittenberg!

Wittenberg, Wisconsin is home to many stories that touch the heart and strengthen the local community. One such story is that of Mandy Onesti, a remarkable woman who, with skill and passion, managed to turn her love of farming into a thriving business. Amid the challenges that the last few years have brought, she has found a niche that enriches not only her own life, but also that of her neighbors.

Originally a housewife, Mandy started making goat milk products to earn her family some extra money. In 2017 she founded the Cedar Creek Ranch, where she not only sells soaps and candles, but also actively does homesteading, i.e. things like canning, gardening and raising livestock. She raises cattle and sells fresh products not only in person but also online. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for local food skyrocketed, which helped Mandy sell 2.5 head of cattle within a month.

The reopening of the farm stand

In 2025, Mandy took another step: She closed her shop attached to the family barn and is now opening a farm stand in an old, abandoned truck. This innovative approach is not only sustainable, but also reflects a trend that can be observed in many regions - the return to local food supplies and the creation of short transport routes for fresh products. Mandy runs her farm stand on the honor system, which means customers show trust and pay independently.

Just in the last two weeks, she has sold over 50 dozen eggs – a sign of strong demand for her fresh products. In addition to eggs, her stand also offers honey, candles, soaps and preserved goods. This diversity is not only a benefit for customers, but also supports the local economy Studies show: Small farms like Mandy’s are crucial to the regional food supply.

Community and sustainability

Mandy is not only an entrepreneur, but also a mother of four children and also works at a nearby meat processing plant. She also puts her active role in the community through her Facebook page, where she inspires and teaches others. “We have to support each other,” she emphasizes, revealing how important the close community is for her success. Mandy is a shining example of how small farms can not only provide fresh food, but also boost local economies and help the environment.

The role of small farms in agriculture should not be underestimated. They are often pioneers in organic farming and promote sustainability by avoiding harmful pesticides and using natural fertilizers. Consumers have the opportunity to secure the existence of such farms and make a positive contribution to the environment by purchasing regional products.

As Mandy Onesti's success shows, small farms can not only write a personal life story, but also form an essential part of the regional economic cycle. The trend towards sustainability and buying local food is becoming increasingly important, especially in times of social upheaval. It is therefore to be hoped that initiative and innovation will continue to be highly valued by local farmers.