The Fromm Brothers played a pioneering role in the cultivation and commercialization of Wisconsin ginseng in the early 20th century. Their efforts helped transform Wisconsin into the leading producer of American ginseng (Panax Quinquefolius), a title it still holds today.
1. Who were the Fromm Brothers?
The Fromm brothers—Edward, John, Henry, and Theodore Fromm—were German-American entrepreneurs from Hamburg, Wisconsin (Marathon County). They are known for two major agricultural achievements:
- Revolutionizing Wisconsin ginseng farming
- Developing the silver fox fur industry
Their work in ginseng laid the foundation for Wisconsin’s dominance in the global ginseng market.
2. How the Fromm Brothers Shaped Wisconsin Ginseng
Pioneering Ginseng Farming
- In the early 1900s, the Fromm brothers recognized the high value of American ginseng in Chinese medicine.
- At the time, wild ginseng was being overharvested, leading to declining supplies.
- The brothers experimented with cultivating ginseng on their Marathon County farm using artificial shade structures to mimic forest conditions.
Soil & Shade Innovations
- Ginseng requires rich, well-drained soil and 70-80% shade to thrive.
- The Fromm brothers developed wood-lath shade structures, which allowed commercial-scale ginseng farming for the first time.
- Their methods significantly increased yields and consistency, setting the standard for modern ginseng cultivation.
Establishing Wisconsin as a Ginseng Leader
- By the 1920s, Wisconsin—especially Marathon County—became the leading producer of cultivated American ginseng.
- The Fromm brothers helped create a structured industry, making Wisconsin ginseng a recognized brand worldwide.
3. Ginseng & the Chinese Market
- The Fromm brothers focused on exporting ginseng to China, where it was used in traditional medicine, teas, and tonics.
- Wisconsin ginseng was preferred over Asian ginseng due to its “cooling” properties.
- Their high-quality, cultivated ginseng was in high demand, further solidifying Wisconsin’s dominance in the industry.
- By 1915, the Fromm’s expanded their ginseng farming to three acres, gradually becoming one of the largest ginseng producers in the country. Their approach to ginseng farming helped boost its popularity, especially in the American medicinal and health markets as ginseng was used for its believed benefits in boosting energy and overall wellness.
4. Legacy of the Fromm Brothers
- Ginseng Industry Growth – Their innovations led to Marathon County producing about 95% of U.S. ginseng today.
- Learning and Adaptation – The Fromm’s closely studied Asian ginseng cultivation techniques, adapting them to Wisconsin’s climate and soil conditions. They were on the first groups to successfully grow ginseng in the U.S. By carefully researching the right conditions – like soil type, shade levels, and growing seasons – they gradually perfected the cultivated process.
- Continued Global Demand – Wisconsin ginseng is still the gold standard in the Chinese herbal medicine market.
Even though the Fromm brothers later shifted focus to silver fox farming, their contributions to ginseng farming remain unmatched. Their pioneering work helped shape an industry worth millions today.
5. Unique Relation to the Ginseng & Herb Co-Op
- Our very own Vice General Manager, Jeff Lewis, began his ginseng career back in 1990 working for the Fromm Brothers.
- Jeff learned how the hard work of the 4 Fromm Brothers had paid off for the next several generations of Wisconsin Ginseng growers.
- Jeff and a few others helped start a ginseng auction house at the Fromm Brother’s warehouse.
- He also worked closely with many international buyer and grading companies.
- Jeff later went on to work for one of these well-established buying groups where he learned how to grade Ginseng over in Hong Kong.
- Those grading techniques are still used today and very beneficial for the Ginseng & Herb Co-Op (GHC).
