MEQUON — In what they say is a story of passion and community spirit, Joe and Grace Kassander are continuing the legacy they started with Honey Creek Orchard. Nestled among the fields and orchards of 8210 Pioneer Road in Cedarburg, the couple has found their calling in farming and is now bringing their love for apples and the land to the beloved Nieman Markets, a fixture in the Mequon area for decades.
“We’re excited,” Grace Kassander told the News Graphic. “We are going to be tilling the soil and plan on restoring the barn. We love farming just like the Niemans did. I feel like farming is a generational thing, and we’re just trying to instill that into our children while preserving the land for the next generation.”
The Kassanders’ farming journey began in 2016 when they purchased their property in Cedarburg with no intention of farming — initially using it for hunting. But their connection to the land quickly grew deeper, and just a year later, they turned that property into what is now known as Honey Creek Orchard. With little farming experience but a strong desire to learn, they planted nearly 3,000 apple trees and embraced everything that comes with running an orchard.
“I feel like we’re very blessed because we started our own orchard just as a hobby,” Grace Kassander said, reflecting on their venture. “Joe loves the outdoors. He’s a horticulturist by trade, but he has a true passion for preserving the land and teaching our children hard work, life skills and a strong work ethic.”
When the two learned that Mequon’s historic Nieman Markets at the corner of Wauwatosa and Pioneer roads was closing after decades of serving the community, they saw an opportunity to not just expand their orchard, but also to preserve a piece of local history.
Nieman Markets, run by Harold and Deanie Nieman, offered apples, fresh produce and homemade jams and jellies for four generations. The Kassanders decided to take on the task of continuing its legacy after the Niemans made the difficult decision not to reopen this summer.
“So, we ended up buying the land because they had posted back in June,” Grace Kassander said. “I almost want to say we’re preserving the legacy of Harold and farming in general, because we’re going to practice regenerative farming on the property… We truly are just trying to restore nature while producing quality food.”
The Kassanders have big dreams for the property, as they plan to plant new trees, introduce pumpkins and restore the barn and main building to honor the history of the market while adding their own unique touch. With Honey Creek Orchard, the Kassanders are blending tradition with modern farming practices, creating something special that the entire community can cherish, Grace Kassander said. She said that their efforts to preserve the land, instill agricultural values in their children and embrace regenerative farming ensures that Honey Creek Orchard will not only carry forward the Nieman legacy, but also contribute to the future of local farming.