Sopa Fairview Farms

A Visit to Sopa Fairview Farms: A Sunflower Haven in Amherst, Wisconsin

Nestled in the rolling hills of central Wisconsin, Sopa Fairview Farms in Amherst offers a delightful escape into nature’s beauty. This fourth-generation family farm has been a cornerstone of the community since 1893. While it once thrived as a dairy operation for over a century, the farm has since evolved, trading milking parlors for fields of vibrant sunflowers and cash crops. Today, it’s a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the simple joys of rural life, surrounded by golden blooms and the warmth of a family legacy.

A Legacy of Resilience and Adaptation

The Sopa family’s story is one of resilience. After 117 years of dairy farming came to an end in 2010, the farm didn’t fade into history—it adapted. Now in the hands of Bart Sopa, the farm has found new life as a cash-cropping operation with a special twist: sprawling sunflower fields that draw visitors from near and far. What began as a practical agricultural shift has blossomed into a community treasure, offering a space for people to connect with the land and each other.

Bart, often dubbed "the sunflower expert," has been planting sunflowers for over 15 years. His passion for these towering flowers is evident in the care he puts into the fields, which can span up to 45 acres in peak season. Harvested for oil and seeds, the sunflowers serve a dual purpose: they’re both a sustainable crop and a gift to the public, open for exploration and admiration.

The Sunflower Experience

Visiting Sopa Fairview Farms is like stepping into a living postcard, especially in late summer when the sunflowers reach their peak bloom. Typically budding around mid-August and hitting full glory by late August into September, the fields transform into a sea of yellow, dotted with heavy seed heads swaying in the breeze. There’s no admission fee—just a request to respect the crop and fellow visitors. A donation box sits quietly at the entrance, a gentle nudge to support the farm’s efforts to keep this tradition alive.

Wandering through the fields, you’ll find yourself surrounded by sunflowers that can tower over six feet tall, their faces following the sun’s arc across the sky until they mature and settle eastward. It’s a serene experience, punctuated by the hum of bees and the rustle of leaves. For those who want a memento, sunflower oil and seeds are often available for purchase right at the farm—a taste of Sopa Fairview to take home.

The farm’s laid-back charm extends beyond the flowers. Photographers flock here for the perfect shot, families meander through the rows, and locals share stories with newcomers. Bart’s philosophy is simple: “I just like sharing.” And share he does, turning a working farm into a place of joy and connection.

Beyond the Fields

Sopa Fairview Farms isn’t just about sunflowers. The family’s knack for diversification shines through in small, delightful details—like the shelled corn they sell in late fall ($10 for 50 pounds) or the sunflower seeds available directly from the farm. There’s a sense of seasonality here, a rhythm tied to the land. One day you might catch a stunning sunrise over the fields; the next, you could be marveling at a maple tree ablaze with fall color in the front yard.

The surrounding Amherst area adds to the appeal. With its quiet countryside, rolling hills, and nearby lakes, it’s an ideal spot for a day trip. Whether you’re driving from Stevens Point, Madison, or even further afield, the journey to Sopa Fairview Farms feels like a reward in itself.

Why It Matters

In a world that often moves too fast, Sopa Fairview Farms is a reminder to slow down. It’s a place where you can breathe deeply, feel the sun on your face, and lose yourself in the beauty of a sunflower field. Bart Sopa’s dedication to his family’s legacy and his willingness to open it to the public make this farm a hidden gem in Wisconsin’s heartland.

So, if you find yourself in central Wisconsin this summer—or any summer—make the trip to Amherst. Check the farm’s Facebook page for updates on bloom times, pack a camera, and prepare to be enchanted. Sopa Fairview Farms isn’t just a farm; it’s an experience—one that proves the best things in life, like a sunrise over a field of sunflowers, are free.