the entire family helps, including daughters Laura and Jackie, son Andrew, and the grandkids.
They will take the seeds and make sunflower oil, moisturizers, and lip gloss. The oil is excellent for skin because it’ s packed with Vitamin E.
The couple also keeps bees on the property, offering products made with their honey, including candles and soap. And they also sell and rent beehives that can be kept at the farm, which is a great way for those who live in the city to have access to fresh, local honey.
In the cooler months of autumn, Jay even holds beekeeping classes for kids and adults. They suit up in protective gear, and he demonstrates the art of caring for bees, and visitors get to sample the honey.
At one time, the family also raised alpacas, but it was a bit too time consuming. However, they continue to make socks from the wool of alpaca, Angora sheep, and yak!“ They take the wool from the yak’ s underbelly, and it’ s my favorite! They make the softest, warmest socks,” explains Leslee.
There is also a farmstand near the entrance to Schwirian Farm where locals can purchase products based on the honor system.
Many people go to the farm for photographs. On Pet Day, people take pictures of their pets amid the sunflowers. Others photograph their proposals and have gender reveal parties, and two couples even chose the farm for their weddings.“ One groom was from Kansas, where the sunflower is the state flower— he was so proud to have their wedding here,” says Leslee.
Professional photographers pay a fee to go to the farm for 10 days, with as many clients as they want to photograph.
One of the most rewarding things for the Schwirians is to see all the families with their children. Most kids today have very little opportunity to experience a real farm.
Jay and Leslee Schwirian with their three children and grandkids.
“ That’ s why we do what we do,” says Leslee.“ We have people from all walks of life come to visit. We want to support our community.”
For information, visit schwirianfarm. com. n
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