DEERFIELD, Wis. -- Hayrides, pumpkin picking and corn mazes could all become part of Dane County's history if the zoning board strictly enforces regulations.

The Schuster family of rural Deerfield family is hoping to continue its popular corn maze and tourist farm. But family members are concerned this is their last year of business.

"This is probably 60 to 70 percent of our income," said farm co-owner Don Schuster of Schuster's Playtime Farm.

The tourist farm on Highway 12/18 between Madison and Cambridge has been for business six years. Kids can see portly pot-bellied pigs and a century-old round barn -- the only one of its kind left in the county.

Video

Corn Mazes Violate Zoning Laws

The problem is that tourist farms such as the Schusters' are not included in zoning laws, and the county says the business is in violation. A county planning spokesman told News 3 that the farms were zoned for farming only -- not entertainment.

"It's really ridiculous when you think about it," Schuster said. "We've been doing farm tours in a non formal way for 150 years here in the county, in the state, in the country. We knew that some day we were going to have to do a conditional use permit."

But without a permit and no zoning rules that apply, the Schusters said they're playing a high stakes game of chicken with the county.

"We have asked numerous times if they're going to shut us down. They will not say publicly," Schuster said.

Publicly, a county official told News 3 that families will be able to enjoy the corn maze unless the county board decides to stalk the business.

Schuster and another agri-tourism business operator have been asked to join a subcommittee writing an amendment to the zoning laws.

The amendment would draw up regulations for such businesses.

The county official told News 3 that Dane County won't take further action until the amendment is drawn up and passed or until the county zoning board decides to enforce current zoning laws.

Want To Go? Hours, Directions, Costs

Contact Zoning Board