Carolyn's Country Cousins Pumpkin Patch

About Us:

Carolyn's Country Cousins is owned and operated by Carolyn and Buddy Raasch.

The farm includes approximately 60 acres planted in pumpkins, corn, and soybeans, plus another 20 acres set aside for pumpkin entertainment and farm fun.

For many years, the Raasch family grew fresh vegetables and sold them at area farmers' markets. As they talked with their customers, they learned that many families no longer had ties to rural America some were three or four generations removed from their relatives that actually lived on a farm. There seemed to be a longing to reconnect with the farm, or to at least visit a farm and see what farm life might be like.

So in 1991, the Raasch opened their farm to the public with the first pumpkin patch.

Working with a class of college students from Baker University, and with the help of Missouri's Ag in the Classroom program, they developed curriculum materials to assist teachers in teaching their students about agriculture. Today's curriculum now offers several different tours, and all the teacher resources are provided on CD.

In 2009, Carolyn's Country Cousins was recognized by the North America Farmers' Direct Marketing Association (NAFDMA) with two awards, one for the Excellence in School Tours Program, and the other for the Excellence in Promotional Innovation, for the Teacher's Resources CD. The awards were voted on by their peers throughout the U.S. and Canada.