MONROE — The Green County Master Gardeners will hold their monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28 at the Green County Justice Center multi-purpose rooms. Meetings usually include speakers or tours for learning and are open to the public to attend.
This month’s meeting will feature David Parr, of Parrfection Produce, speaking on “Local Produce & Wholesale Markets.” Parrfection Produce is a leading distributor of local produce throughout Wisconsin and the upper midwest. They currently service grocers, hospitals, schools, restaurants and distributors throughout the region. Discussions will include how they achieved their current business and their plans for the future.
Parrfection Produce was started by David Parr in 2009 as a result of his lifelong passion for quality local produce and family farms. His grandparents encouraged his interest in agriculture from an early age, giving him a miniature hoe and rake set and $25 for seeds when he was 5. Because of his enthusiasm and success at growing vegetables, he accidentally grew too many peas and radishes and they would go to waste. By the time he was 16, David found a better use for the extra vegetables – he started selling his produce at the local farmers’ market in downtown Monroe. He began talking with local restaurants to see if they wanted to buy his available vegetables. The orders for produce increased quickly, so David began buying local fruits and vegetables from other growers. At 19, David launched Parrfection Produce. He bought an abandoned building in Albany and set up a retail location selling locally grown fruits, vegetables and flowers. The orders for local produce continued to increase and he started selling to hospitals, schools, universities and grocery stores in Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa. Parrfection Produce continues to grow and provide both conventional and organic products. Most recently they are now supplying honey and maple syrup.
The Green County Master Gardeners Association meets on the fourth Thursday of the month from February through October. Association officers for 2019 include Tanna McKeon, President; Tammy Schulte, Vice President; Linda Boll, Secretary; and Lynn Lokken as Treasurer. Anyone interested in horticulture and gardening can join the association and don’t have to be a Master Gardener to be a member. For more information, contact Jackie McCarville, Green County UW-Extension at 608-328-9440.
