Farm film wins Emmy
By Wisconsin Counties Magazine
Uniquely Wisconsin won an Emmy at the 65th Annual Chicago/Midwest Emmy Awards in November 2023 for its video “Farm to Table Pizzas: The Little Red Barn,” featuring Marathon County’s Stoney Acres Farm, Athens.
The Uniquely Wisconsin brand, built upon generations of rich storytelling from Discover Wisconsin and created by Discover Mediaworks, highlights the stories of the people, the culture, and the history of our state, sprinkled in with a bit of economic development and tourism. To date, the Uniquely Wisconsin brand has reached over five million people by engaging with viewers, listeners and web browsers.
“At our foundation, we are storytellers and to be recognized at the 65th Annual Chicago/Midwest EmmyAwards is incredibly gratifying,” said Discover Mediaworks, Inc. President & CEO Mark C. Rose. “As a part of the Discover Mediaworks family of programming, the Uniquely Wisconsin brand is powerful and showcases the essence of our communities. Telling the story of ‘The Little Red Barn’ was an honor and to see it take home an Emmy is a testament to so many people involved in the farm, in the community and on our team.”
The Marathon County video was the top pick in the category of Outstanding Achievement for Lifestyle — Short and
See EMMY/ page 3 Emmy
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Long Form Content. The video is credited to Discover Mediaworks producer Regan Ernst and editor Portia Danis.
“Congratulations to Discover Wisconsin on winning an Emmy for their exceptional ‘Uniquely Wisconsin Stoney Acres’ short, a confirmation of their unparalleled storytelling and commitment to showcasing the beauty of Wisconsin,” said Tim White, executive director of the Wausau/Central Wisconsin Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The video tells the story of Stoney Acres, a family-owned farm that was once a traditional dairy farm. In 2006, Tony Schultz, the now-owner, farmer, and head chef at Stoney Acres, bought 80 acres of land from his parents and put his imagination and college education to work to become a part of Wisconsin’s local food movement.
Stoney Acres Farm is now known for its farm-to-table pizza experience that brings healthy organic food options to people throughout the area.
“Agriculture is a fundamental driver of Marathon County’s economy and plays a vital role across Wisconsin. The transformation of Stoney Acres, a multi-generational farm, into a dynamic community attraction has been truly remarkable,” said Marathon County Administrator Lance Leonhard. “We are thrilled that this Marathon County Uniquely Wisconsin story was recognized with this award.”
The Marathon County video was highlighted in a Uniquely Wisconsin broadcast episode, in a streaming docuseries, in social and digital media stories, and on the popular Discover Wisconsin podcast, “The Cabin.” Uniquely Wisconsin utilizes video, broadcast television, audio, podcasts, and social media to tell the stories of local communities. The stories highlight families, community groups/activities, community kindness, those in the service and hospitality industry, artists, and creators. Counties highlighted in the Uniquely Wisconsin brand thus far include: Adams, Green Lake, Kenosha, Price, Portage, Marathon, Monroe, Racine, Rock, Sauk, Sheboygan, Washington, and Wood, with additional counties coming on board for season three in the coming year.
“From the very beginning, the Uniquely Wisconsin brand has been about telling the amazing stories of the people and the culture of our state,” said Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann, who was instrumental in creating the brand alongside the WCA and Discover Mediaworks. “This Emmy win highlights just one of many wonderful stories. We are grateful for the recognition and excited to continue to share so much more.”
You can watch the video, “Farm to Table Pizzas: The Little Red Barn Marathon County,” at bit.ly/LittleRedBarn. Follow Uniquely Wisconsin on Discover Wisconsin’s Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Discover Mediaworks, Inc. brands include Discover Wisconsin, Uniquely Wisconsin, Into the Outdoors, and Boondock Nation. Learn more at discovermediaworks. com.
RECOGNITION - Marathon County Administrator Lance Leonhard, left, and county board chairman Kurt Gibbs, center, were recently honored at the Wisconsin Counties Association’s legislative conference for an award-winning Uniquely Wisconsin video about Stoney Acres Farm in Athens. Gibbs is shown holding the Emmy awarded to the film, “The Little Red Barn.” Also pictured is WCA president and CEO Mark O’Connell.
