Dorothy Harms: Local Agritourism Expert, Community Leader, and Host at Valley Springs Farm
For more than four decades, Dorothy Harms has been a defining voice in local agritourism, hospitality, and rural community engagement. As co‑owner of Valley Springs Farm alongside her husband, Donald, Dorothy has transformed their fourth‑generation dairy farm into a welcoming destination where visitors can experience the beauty, flavor, and heritage of Wisconsin agriculture firsthand. Her deep knowledge of farming, food preservation, and rural culture has made her a respected authority for travelers seeking authentic, meaningful experiences rooted in the land.
Dorothy’s journey into agritourism began long before the term became popular. Her love of gardening and cooking sparked the earliest vision for what would eventually become their beloved bed and breakfast, welcoming the public to their farm. Every flower bed, orchard row, and vegetable patch on the farmstead reflects her dedication and joy. Guests who stroll through the gardens quickly discover that they are more than landscaping—they are living expressions of Dorothy’s creativity, care, and connection to the land.
A certified Master Food Preserver, Dorothy brings exceptional skill to canning, freezing, and transforming the farm’s seasonal bounty. She opens her kitchen to guests to learn hands-on Kitchen Heritage Skills -sharing the joy of making food from scratch and fellowship around the kitchen table. Her homemade jams and jellies, known as Dorothy’s Homemade Delights, have become guest favorites and a signature part of the Valley Springs Farm experience. Visitors often leave not only with memories of their stay, but with a jar of her handcrafted preserves—a sweet reminder of the farm’s warmth and hospitality.
Dorothy’s expertise extends far beyond the kitchen and garden. Alongside Donald, she has helped steward one of Sauk County’s most recognized dairy herds, earning multiple awards for high‑production Holsteins. Today, that same commitment to quality and animal care guides their growing herd of grass‑fed, grass‑finished beef cattle. Their approach blends tradition with innovation, offering visitors a firsthand look at sustainable, responsible farming practices and the opportunity to take home delicious grass-fed beef.
Community involvement has always been central to Dorothy’s life and work. She and Donald have served on agricultural cooperative boards, government committees, and as dedicated 4‑H leaders, shaping the next generation of rural youth. Their participation in the annual Hill & Valley Exploration Tour highlights their commitment to supporting local farms and rural businesses, inviting thousands of visitors to discover the richness of the Driftless region.
Dorothy’s leadership also extends to statewide advocacy. As a board member of the Wisconsin AgriTourism Association, she works to promote agritourism as a vital source of income and resilience for family farms. Her efforts with the Farmer Angel Network further demonstrate her dedication to rural well‑being, helping provide mental health resources and support for farm families.
Today, Dorothy Harms stands as a trusted guide for anyone seeking to understand, appreciate, and experience rural Wisconsin. Through her hospitality, her expertise, and her unwavering commitment to community, she has become a beloved ambassador for agritourism—welcoming visitors not just to Valley Springs Farm, but to a way of life rooted in care, connection, and the enduring spirit of family farming.