Skip navigation - go directly to content.   eatwild   The #1 Site for Grass-fed Food & Facts

 

Home
Shop for Local Grassfed Meat,
Eggs & Dairy
Shop the Eatwild Store for Books
& Kitchen Tools
News
Grass-Fed Basics
Food Safety
Healthier Animals
Environmental Benefits
Benefits for Farmers
Health Benefits
Links
Free Essays
Meet Jo Robinson
Producers' Corner
How to Donate
Scientific References
Contact

  
   
Tell a Friend
 

 

 

 

Pastured Products Directory - Illinois

 

View LARGER MAP

Find a farm or ranch near you on our Eatwild Illinois map, or scroll through the alphabetical list below.

Find local stores, restaurants, and markets that feature grass-fed products on our Illinois Beyond the Farm page.

 

Share |


The following farms and ranches have certified that they meet Eatwild's criteria for producing grassfed meat, eggs and dairy products. Contact them directly for additional information or to buy their products:


At Afterthought Farms we find it is more important to know where our food comes from than how much it costs. We take great pride in working very hard to provide the safest and best food available.

We have a very small herd of French Alpine Dairy Goats. In keeping our herd small we can provide individual attention and the best care possible. We can guarantee that the RAW goat milk we get is absolutely the safest and best available. We also keep a small flock of Welsummer and Cuckoo Maran Chickens. These girls provide us with the safest and prettiest eggs available. We pasture raise chickens to guarantee the best tasting chicken you'll ever have. There growth is supplemented by Illinois Grown Organic Feed. They are processed at a USDA inspected facility. This guarantees a level of food safety you can't find in your "big box store."

We know exactly what all of our animals eat from day one so you know you are getting the safest, tastiest food available in the area. We also have fresh, chemical-free produce available. Our farm is small and our quantities are limited so please call for availability. Also we love visitors so please call and we'll show you around.

Afterthought Farms, Vicki Boliard, 882 North 1700 East Road, Owaneco IL 62555. (217) 824-7833.
E-mail: vicb66@gmail.com.


AT THE ANDERSON FARM, we raise the most luscious, lip-smackin’ lamb you’ve ever sunk your teeth into.

Grassfed lamb
Sure is tasty
Keeps you slim
In your waistie!

Our lambs are raised naturally on mother’s milk and quality, rotationally-grazed pastures. That’s why they taste so good! And no, we don’t use artificial hormones, steroids or antibiotics.

TO HELP YOU PLAN, a bundle of whole lamb typically includes:
1 package leg of lamb,
2 packages rack of lamb,
4 packages lamb chops,
2 packages lamb ribs,
4 packages lamb cubes (stew or kabobs),
3 packages ground lamb,
2 packages lamb steaks,
2 packages lamb shanks (osso bucco),
1 package sweetmeats (tongue, heart, kidneys)
1 package lamb liver.

IS THE MEAT GOVERNMENT INSPECTED? Yes. Freezer lamb is USDA inspected, cut, double-wrapped, frozen and sold as a bundle.

HOW MUCH STORAGE SPACE DO I NEED? A typical refrigerator freezer compartment can store 2 or 3 lamb bundles. Each bundle requires less than 1 ½ cubic feet of space.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? Freezer lamb sells for $7.99 per pound. Each bundle weighs approximately 25–35 pounds. Due to market fluctuations, prices are subject to change without notice.

WE ARE ENVIRO-FRIENDLY and just plain friendly. We love it when folks stop over for a farm tour and buy a lamb. Our farm borders highway 61 just 30-40 minutes from Davenport, Iowa and Rock Island, Illinois.

WHEN IS LAMB AVAILABLE? We try to have lamb ready all year but sometimes we sell out. It’s best to call or email before you come.

WOOL AND TANNED SHEEPSKINS: We have raw wool, washed wool, carded wool and hand spun yarn available. Call for prices.

Anderson Farm, Mark and Kari Anderson, 1575 Underwood Avenue; Muscatine, Iowa 52761. Call (563) 264 2209 or (563) 554 1401 (cell).
E-mail: mark@grassfedrecipes.com  Website: http://www.grassfedrecipes.com


Barrington Natural Farms is a diversified family farm providing our Chicago-area customers with clean, locally grown, healthy grass-fed Angus beef, pastured chicken, free-range eggs, and organic fruits and heirloom vegetables.

All of our livestock are raised on pasture, eating what nature intended—ryegrass, timothy grass, meadow fescue, clover, and alfalfa in the pasture, with the chicken’s pasture forage diet supplemented with certified organic grains and surplus garden fruits and vegetables.

We practice sustainable agriculture and management-intensive grazing, rotating our livestock to fresh pasture daily during the spring, summer, and fall months, and providing stockpiled forages supplemented with grass and alfalfa hay during the winter months. We don't use any chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, hormones, or antibiotics on our land or in our animals. Our products are not yet certified organic, but we practice or exceed most organic certification requirements.

We offer direct sales from the farm on many Saturdays from 9am – 1pm or by appointment during the week, and will deliver in the Chicago area for larger orders. Please visit our website for more information about our farming practices, pricing & ordering info, upcoming “farm days,” or just to sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Barrington Natural Farms, Cliff McConville or Konda Dees, 7 Crawling Stone Road, Barrington Hills IL 60010. (847) 387-3568.
E-mail: cliff@bn-farms.com. Website: http://www.barrington-natural-farms.com.


Bauer Custom Meats is a family owned and run business in northern Illinois, centrally located between Chicago, Peoria, La Salle/Peru, Rockford, and the Quad Cities. We serve all of northern Illinois, eastern Iowa, and even some folks in southern Michigan, Minnesota, and Indiana. We raise grass fed and finished whole and half lamb and beef year-round. We also offer pastured chicken (whole) and pork (whole and half) raised on locally produced grain and forage.

We believe in the humane treatment of animals allowed to live similarly as they would in nature, not crowded in a feedlot and fed unnaturally high levels of grains and concentrates. Our animals are never treated or implanted with hormones, or fed antibiotics to unnaturally increase rate of weight gain. We use an inspected meat processor nearby and butcher to your specifications.

Bauer Custom Meats, Anthony or Sandy Bauer, PO Box 237, Mineral IL  61344. (309) 288-5110.
E-mail: info@bauercustommeats.com  Website: http://www.bauercustommeats.com


Broad Branch Farm is run by Anita and Brian Poeppel with help from our three young daughters, Lucy, Susannah, and Laura. We are a small diversified family farm trying to grow the best, cleanest food possible, for ourselves and for you. We are not a Certified Organic farm, but all purchased inputs are Certified Organic, and we never use antibiotics, growth hormones, herbicides, pesticides, or artificial fertilizers.

We raise grass finished beef, pastured chickens and eggs, vegetables, and in 2009 pastured pork. Cattle spend their whole lives outside except for extreme weather events eating green growing pasture, stockpiled dormant pasture, or Certified Organic hay, depending on the season. We use management intensive grazing to ensure the highest quality pasture, and also for the health and sustainability of the land. The cattle are grown to about 26 months to ensure fully finished, juicy, flavorful meat.

Laying and broiler chickens are raised on the farm from 2 day old chicks in our brooder house, and begin grazing once they can tolerate the weather. Every chicken enjoys fresh pasture in a rotational grazing system. All purchased chicken feed is Certified Organic. Our pastured eggs and broilers are exceptional in flavor and nutrition.

We offer our beef, chickens, pork, eggs and vegetables through our CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program. This is a subscription which customers sign up for and receive weekly, bi-weekly or monthly deliveries. Visit our website for details.

Broad Branch Farm, Ltd., Anita and Brian Poeppel, RR 1 Box 44, Wyoming IL 61491. (309) 695-2051.
E-mail: brian@njoycorn.net. Website: http://www.broadbranchfarm.com.


Cedar Valley Sustainable Farm is an old-fashioned family farm conveniently located in north central Illinois.

Our farm is a living system that thrives on responsible stewardship of our resources. We raise our animals in ways that nurture and respect their natures. Chickens, pigs, and beef cattle are fed high quality pastures and locally grown feeds; they don't need drugs, hormones or antibiotics.

Milk & Meadow Beef ™ is unique. Our calves are NOT weaned prematurely, are NOT altered (dehorned or castrated). They go to the butcher at 8-10 months of age to ensure a consistently lean, tender, delicately flavored product you can feel good about feeding your family.

Beef can be purchased as a whole, half, or mixed quarters. Pork is available in wholes or halves. We offer Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares that include a monthly assortment beef, pork, chicken and eggs. Shares are for a period of three, six, or twelve months and can be renewed around the calendar. An "every other month" delivery option is also available.  From June through October you can find our products at the Logan Square Farmers Market.

More information and share sign up is available at our website.

Cedar Valley Sustainable Farm, Jody & Beth Osmund, 1985 North 3609th Road, Ottawa IL 61350. (815) 431-9544.
E-mail: cdrvalleyfarm@gmail.com. Website: http://www.cedarvalleysustainable.com

Cedar Valley Sustainable Farm is committed to educating producers and consumers about the importance of local, healthy, environmentally friendly foods. We offer informational programs to local government, volunteer and civic groups, churches, and groups concerned about health and the environment. If you have a group of 10 or more people interested in learning more about local food production and Cedar Valley Sustainable Farm, please contact us to schedule a presentation.

Jody & Beth Osmund host field days at their farm and offer farmer training in pastured poultry at workshops and conferences in Illinois and Wisconsin. In 2007, Cedar Valley Sustainable Farm received a USDA grant to develop and present materials to encourage and teach other farmers how to sell sustainable meats directly to consumers. In 2008 & 2009 the Frontera Farmer awarded Cedar Valley Sustainable Farm grants to help them improve farm infrastructure to increase the farm's food production and improve animal handling and grazing rotation. In 2010, Jody will participate on a panel discussion "Let Them Eat Grass" at the Family Farmed Expo in Chicago; and Beth will present at the National Women in Agriculture Educators Conference in Baltimore, MD.


Dearing Country Farms is a small family farmstead located just 3 miles west of Bloomington, IL. We have raised-from-chicks, organically fed, cage-free, pastured laying hens that produce healthy, great tasting top quality eggs, as well as broilers and fryer chickens.

Through earth friendly and organic farming practices we grow and cultivate a wide variety of fruits, nuts, berries and vegetables. We have a small shop on our property where you can purchase all of our goods, and also sell through a variety of local grocery and specialty stores. In addition, we sell at the Downtown Bloomington Farmer’s Market every Saturday, June through October. 

logoWe follow the USDA National Organic Program Standards, but are not NOP certified; we are a member of Certified Naturally Grown. 

 

Dearing Country Farms, Brad Dearing, 16410 N 800 E., Bloomington IL 61705. (309) 963-4932.
E-mail: farms@dearingdesigns.com. Website: http://www.dearingcountryfarms.com.


The Dickman's family farm is located 1 hour southwest of Chicago. We have been operating our farm since 1960. During that time, we have learned the value of knowing what goes into your food. We pride ourselves in supplying our customers with top quality products.

Our chickens are moved onto fresh grass every day starting at two weeks of age and are processed at 6 weeks of age. Weights range from 3–6 pounds per our customer's requests. All of our feed is mixed weekly on the farm and contains no hormones, pesticides, antibiotics or animal by-products. Our pasture has been chemical-free since 1997.

Our fresh poultry products are available April through October and must be picked up at our farm or one of the Farmer’s Markets we attend. Fresh frozen products are available year-round. Our product line includes whole chicken, cut up chicken, bone in and boneless breast and various chicken sausages. We welcome visitors to inspect our facilities at any time during the production cycle. Please e-mail or call for specifics on hours, quantities, and availability.

Also available are fresh brown eggs with deep golden yolks. Our laying hens are free to roam on grass and scratch for bugs. The best tasting fresh pastured turkeys are available for Thanksgiving. Numbers are limited, so order early.

The Dickmans, JoAnn Dickman, 6480 S. 14000 West Road, Herscher IL 60941. (815) 426-2154.
E-mail: djdickman@netzero.net    Website: www.dickmans.net


Flying S is a family farm in East Central Illinois devoted to taking care of the land and animals. Intensive Grazing practices are used to produce naturally healthy grass fed beef.

Beef is generally sold by the half ($3.50/lb hanging) or quarter ($3.75/lb hanging), however a quarter can be split again to create an eighth ($4.25/lb hanging) for customers with small freezers.

Butchering dates are usually in January, July and October, however there is usually meat available for purchase throughout the year.

logo

Flying S beef is dry-aged for 14-21 days and is frozen in thick clear vacuum packages. With advance notice we can cut your steaks any thickness you like.

Flying S is approved by the American Grass Fed Association.

Whole Frozen Pastured Chickens available year-round! See our website for more details.

Attention Chicago customers: Save time and gasoline by picking up beef orders in Joliet, Orland Park and Glenview. Sample packs available year round at Family Health Chiropractic in Joliet, IL or Dr. Justin Gruby’s clinic in Glenview.

If you care about what you're eating call or email to order some natural grass-fed beef today. Thanks for supporting local farms!

We’re not certified organic, but you can come inspect us anytime!

Flying S Beef, Penny Shaw, 17594 E. 500th Avenue, Palestine IL 62451. (618) 586-2488.
E-mail: beef@flying-s.com. Website: http://www.flying-s.com.


Forest Hill Farm produces 100% grass fed, pasture raised, Angus Beef. We also offer grass fed lamb, pasture raised pork and poultry (chicken, turkey and duck).

Our hogs are pasture raised and milk fed. Our animals are antibiotic- and hormone-free; poultry and hogs are fed non-GMO grains.  

On Saturdays from May – October we are at the 8th Avenue and Downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa Farmers Markets, 7:30am until noon. From November – April we make monthly deliveries to northwest Illinois and Chicago; northeast Iowa; and southwest Wisconsin. Call or email for details.

Forest Hill Farm, Glenda Plozay, 16005 Country Road, St. Olaf, IA 52072. (563) 783-2670.
E-mail: foresthillfarm@netins.net. Website: http://www.foresthillfarmiowa.com.


Fresh Pasture Farms, LLC is family owned and operated. We currently offer wholesome pasture raised foods including eggs and poultry. Eggs are available Saturday mornings on the farm from 9 am - 1 pm, or by setting up an appointment. Poultry is available monthly (call for dates).

We provide fresh pasture daily to every animal. If fresh pasture is not available due to bad weather, grass hay will be given. We are not certified organic, however we practice a holistic approach to our farm and our animals, meaning we do not use commercial fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, hormones or antibiotics. If any animal is sick, we seek treatment with essential oils or other holistic methods.

We hope to soon be adding pastured pork as well as grass-fed beef.

Fresh Pasture Farms, Norman, Sandy & Wade Sutter, 1931 Kropp Road, Millstadt IL 62260.  (618) 719-1983.
E-mail: info@freshpasturefarms.com. Website: http://www.freshpasturefarms.com.


Gebhart Farms, Inc specializes in organically certified pastured poultry. We have broilersusda logo from four groups finished on pasture, from late June through Labor Day. Turkeys are available in time for Thanksgiving. A limited supply of eggs is being sold at the present time, with more anticipated in the future. "Replacement dairy heifers have been on pasture for two years. Some unsuitable cows may be available for meat.

This is a family-owned corporation located in the center of Illinois. The area is flat corn and soybean country. However, our farm is gently rolling and very green. It is a beautiful sight to see among the boring fields of corn or beans. All of the land on the Gebhart Farms has been certified organic by OCIA since 1996. Hogs are now fed and raised organic, and the loins from five head per week go to the famous "Chez Panisse" restaurant in Berkeley, California. The quality of our products is excellent."

The products must be ordered ahead and picked up at the farm or at the slaughter house.

Gebhart Farms, Paul Gebhart, 2147 N 1400 E Road, Edinburg IL   62531. (217) 325-3250.
E-mail: gebhart@chipsnet.com

Top of Page


Golden Rose Livestock offers Black Angus beef and cross-bred lamb that graze naturally on our farm located in the Kishwaukee River Valley of northern Illinois. Our family has been raising grass-fed livestock and selling custom meats directly to our customers since 1971. Our customers come as far away as central Illinois, Chicago, Rockford and Milwaukee. References available upon request.

Black Angus beef is available in 1/4, 1/2 and whole shares. Lamb is available in 1/2 and whole shares. All is cut to your specifications, wrapped, frozen and labeled at two locally owned state inspected butcher shops. 

Our principles: At Golden Rose, we adhere to sustainable management practices through rotational grazing. Our animals are not crowded into feedlots, fed grain, antibiotics and animal byproducts, or implanted with growth hormones. We do not spray our pastures with herbicides and pesticides (just ask our resident honey bees!). Rather, our animals are raised in a stress free, humane manner and are always moving to the next pasture full of fresh grasses, native foliage and the occasional apple tree.

Please contact us and we will send you our newsletter that will have information about pricing, weight estimations, freezer space needed, processing and how you can order from us. 

Golden Rose Livestock, Rob McCormack, Woodstock IL 60098. (773) 818-6627.
E-mail: goldenroselivestock@yahoo.com.


Animal Welfare Approve Symbol

Hasselmann Family Farm offers all natural farm fresh eggs and Berkshire pork year round, as well as chicken and lamb in the summer and fall. We are small family farm located in beautiful NW Illinois.   

We firmly believe in using a pastoral approach to farming, meaning we strive to make sure all the livestock on our farm has a forage-based diet that is self harvested. Our goal is to produce healthy and happy animals that can express their true characteristics in a natural setting. They in turn provide us with delicious and nutritious meat and eggs. The proof is in the superior taste and flavor of our products. 

We are certified by Animal Welfare Approved. We use NO chemicals, antibiotics or growth hormones on our farm. Furthermore, we practice sustainable farming practices such as crop rotation, composting and pasture farrowing of our Berkshire sow herd.

Finally, we believe that America's small farms are one of its greatest assets and worth preserving. By providing safe, nutritious locally grown food we hope to have a positive impact on our community and the environment.

You may find our products each Saturday from 9am to 1pm at the Geneva Green Market in Geneva, IL. You may also find our products this winter at the Emptybottle Farmers Market (1035 N. Western Ave, Chicago) on Feb.27th from 12 to 5pm; the Portage Park Farmers Market (4100 N. Long Ave., Chicago) Feb 27 and March 27 from 10 to 2pm. In addition  we will have an exhibit March 11–12 at the Family Farmed Expo at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

We also have a buying club in Arlington Heights, IL. (contact Barb at 847.228.5020 for more information) and deliver fresh eggs and meat weekly to Chicago's NW suburbs, with a pick up location in Arlington Heights.

Hasselmann Family Farm, Scott Hasselmann, 28883 Brookville Road, Milledgeville IL  61051. (847) 525-3590.
E-mail: hasselmannfarm@gmail.com. Website: http://www.hasselmannfamilyfarm.com.


Herrmann Cattle Co. is owned and operated exclusively by our family, Jarred, Jaime, our daughter Addison, and our dog Zip. We Raise 100% Grass-fed beef from birth. Our cattle eat what's best for them so you can eat what's best for you.

Their diet consists of 100% lush green grass found in our pasture during warm months, and high quality hay grown and bailed by us during winter months. All of the beef we sell was born here at the farm from our own cows, and is hormone, steroid, and anti-biotic free. We try and have our calves born in January and February so that they have reached matured weights the following summer.

Beef is available in Whole, 3/4, 1/2, and 1/4 quantities. All the package sizes will include Steaks, Roasts, Hamburger Patties, and Ground Beef. (Other cuts and specialties available upon request.) We have pick-up and local delivery options available. Please visit our website or contact us with any questions you may have.

Herrmann Cattle Co., 3759 N Sleepy Hollow Road, Earlville IL 60518. (630) 234-1992.
E-mail: jarredherrmann@yahoo.com. Website: http://www.herrmanncattleco.com.


The Honored Prairie Fellowship of Family Farms represents a local group of like-minded farmers and artisans. We are working together to produce and market healthful pasture-raised foods that are a direct result of sustainable farming practices that honor the Creator's intended design of our land.

Products Offered:
 • Grass-fed Beef
 • Raw Milk Cheese
 • Free-Range Chicken, Pork, Turkey, Duck & More.

How & Where to Buy:
Our Farm-to-table distribution model works by taking online orders on our website (www.honoredprairie.com). We then deliver your order to an established Honored Prairie Buying Club pickup location. (View our Welcome Video to learn more about who we are and how to order.)

We are currently establishing pickup points in Chicago, Illinois & surrounding areas. Contact us about starting a buying club in your neighborhood!

Honored Prairie, Blaine Hitzfield, Chicago IL. (877) 997-9449.
E-mail: sales@honoredprairie.com. Website: http://www.honoredprairie.com.


Indian Creek Farm is a family farm located in west central Illinois offering grass-fed beef and pastured poultry. We are certified organic and raise 100% grass-fed Angus beef in a non-stressed, natural environment with clean air, clean water, plenty of sunshine and a natural diet of lush, nutritious grass.

We randomly submit beef samples for testing at Utah State University to quantify the higher levels of CLA and Omega 3’s in our beef. Our pastured chickens are raised in the healthiest way possible just like our cows and are moved to lush, nutrient-rich forage daily. We use no antibiotics or synthetic hormones. We pride ourselves on providing our customers with high quality meat that is healthy, nutritious, lean and rich tasting.

Indian Creek Farm, Jim and Mary Burrus, 2095 Arcadia Road, Jacksonville IL   62650. (217) 886-2552 or (217) 473-5529.
E-mail: indiancreek3@yahoo.com


Indian Valley Beef is located in the beautiful hills and valleys of Tiskilwa, Illinois. We are raising Australian Lowlines to supply your family with natural grass finished beef.

Our pastures are herbicide and pesticide free and animals are not given growth hormones or antibiotics. Our cattle roam free and are never confined to feedlots.

You may place an order by contacting us by phone or e-mail and have beef packaged to your specifications. Thanks.

Indian Valley Beef, Ron and Brenda Skaggs, 11705 IL Highway 40, Buda IL  61314. (309) 895-3581.
E-mail: coalcrk@yahoo.com. Website: http://www.indianvalleybeef.com.


The Inyart Farm

All products sold for this year. Will relist next year.


Irish Grove Farms was established in 1910 and has been home to five generations of the Flynn family. Our products include organically-managed hay, 100% grass-finished Murray Grey beef, pastured poultry (limited access) and pastured eggs, all of which are marketed directly to consumers. Please call Jackie for product availability and to be added to our product mailing list. 

Irish Grove Farms is situated in beautiful north-central Illinois, only 7 minutes south of the Wisconsin border. We are within easy driving distance of Galena, Rockford, Freeport, Chicago, and Madison, WI. 

Irish Grove Farms, Inc., Jackie Flynn-Batista, 9027 Best Road, Pecatonia, IL 61063. (815) 742-6781.
E-mail: comepifa@aol.com. Website: http://www.irishgrove.blogspot.com.


Johnson Buffalo Farm is operated by Ryan Johnson. The Buffalo Farm began when we got our first two buffalo on September 11, 2001. We decided to name them the twin towers. Little did Ryan know that a year and a half later he would be serving in the Marine Corps in Iraq. Shortly after returning to the states he began breeding them and selling the meat to friends and acquaintances. Parents Dave and Suzy Johnson own the farm and help with the operation. The farm is located in Hoopeston, IL, about 50 miles northeast of Champaign, or 25 miles north of Danville.

Buffalo is America's original red meat. They are high in protein, low in cholesterol, calories and fat. Our buffalo are raised on high quality pastures and supplemented with hay in the winter. They are never given antibiotics or steroids, or implanted with growth hormones. No animal is confined to a building or feedlot.

The buffalo are taken off the farm to be processed and packaged at a licensed USDA inspected facility. The meat is frozen and sold in whole, half, quarter, or individual cuts. Please call in advance.

Johnson Buffalo Farm, Ryan Johnson, 425 N 6th Avenue, Hoopeston IL 60942. (217) 304-4965.
E-mail: johnson_farms2000@yahoo.com.


Joy-of-Illinois Farm is a small family farm that offers limited quantities of a wide variety of products including broiler chickens, geese, turkeys, eggs, lambs, ducks, and goat kids. Their animals are humanely raised on pasture and are free of synthetic hormones and antibiotics.

Joy-of-Illinois Farm, 1689 CR 400E, RR 3, Champaign IL  61822. (217) 863-2758.


Kate's Cottage Farm raises pastured poultry (classic broilers/fryers, heirloom chickens for slow cooking and heritage turkeys (pre-order please) at Thanksgiving). Our chickens and turkeys are humanely slaughtered and processed here on the farm. We offer eggs from pastured chickens in limited quantities. Look for soy-free chicken and eggs by August 2011.

Home-hatched chicks and one-day-old chicks from an Iowa hatchery are raised in "Salatin-style" pasture pens and moved to fresh grass daily. Small natural sized groupings, constant access to fresh, green growing pasture and fresh air and sunshine reduce stress on chickens allowing them to mature naturally. No pesticides, drugs or other chemicals are needed or used. All this, coupled with exercise and greens in the diet, substantially increase the nutritional value of our pasture poultry, particularly in Omega-3 Fatty Acids and in Vitamin A. When you eat one of our broilers or heirloom chickens, you'll remember what real chicken tastes like! We think it will be the best chicken you'll ever eat.

Kate's Cottage Farm sells pastured chicken and eggs on the farm and through the Good Earth Food Alliance CSA. We will deliver bulk orders to nearby areas. 

Limited quantities of 100% grass-fed goat and beef are also available.

Kate's Cottage Farm, Kate Potter, 120 N Cramer Road, Elmwood IL 61529. (309) 338-7876.
E-mail: potter_kate@hotmail.com.


Little Bit Farm is a small farm located in east central Illinois. Katahdin sheep roam the pasture along with their guardian donkeys and Haflinger horses. Free range chickens dash under fences and come and go as they please.

Fresh brown eggs are available in the cooler at the end of the drive, come early, they sell out quickly. Lambs are available to take to the processor of your choice in late summer and early fall.

No hormones or antibiotics are used. Pastures do not get treated with herbicides or pesticides.

Little Bit Farm, Kathie Lawrence, 1542 W Polk, Charleston IL 61920. (217) 348-1406.
E-mail: kathie@littlebitfarm.net. Website:http://www.littlebitfarm.net.


Live Springs Farm is a 610-acre biodynamic farm dedicated to enhancing agricultural land for the future. We strive to help revive rural landscapes and economies, produce healthy, wholesome food, practice humane animal husbandry and care, and be innovative and respectful in our farming practice. Currently we produce pasture-raised pork, free-range, pastured chicken and eggs, and 100% grassfed/grass finished beef, as well as certified organic grains, hay, and legumes which are also grown using biodynamic practices. 

Our pigs are raised outdoors for most of the year, grazing on pasture or harvesting nuts and acorns in the forest. We regularly move the pigs around the farm so that they have fresh grazing and ground. We raise both Berkshire and Large Black breed pigs which are heritage breeds known for their superior, flavorful pork. 

Our chickens are free-range on pasture. The broiler chickens are free to forage throughout the day with protection from predators at night. The laying hens travel around the farm in their "eggmobile," free to forage throughout the day with the eggmobile housing their nest boxes and roosts for evening protection. The chickens are all regularly rotated on pasture. Both the pigs and chickens receive grains in their diets which come primarily right from what we grow on the farm. 

Our cattle herd is a mix of Southpoll and the founding breeds of the Southpoll breed. We use management intensive grazing techniques, moving the cattle daily to fresh, mature forage. The cattle do not receive any grain at any stage of their life.

Where we can, we use multi-species grazing on pastures to further aid the health of the land and the animals. We do not use chemical dewormers, regularly administered antibiotics or growth hormones. Our meat is available through many outlets so contact us for the best option for you. All of our crops are certified organic and grown using a rotational system. 

Live Springs Farm, Alex Weber and Bobbi Sandwisch, RR 3, Box 167, Carrollton IL 62016. (217) 942-5060.
E-mail: customerservice@livespringsfarm.com. Website: http://www.livespringsfarm.com.


Meadow Haven Farm, in central Illinois about two hours west of Chicago, raises purely grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pastured organic chickens, organic eggs, organic pasture-raised hogs (sold by the 1/2 or whole), pastured goat meat and lamb, and organic pasture-raised turkeys on their certified organic pastures.

Allan Sexton, a retired holistic veterinarian with a life-long interest in nutrition and health, started the farm with wife Jeanne originally to provide good healthy food for their five children and growing number of grandchildren. They searched for the best farmland they could find for their idea of an organic farm that would raise grass-fed beef, pastured chickens and eggs, as well as Allan's large garden and orchard. They found it in Bureau County, Illinois. Jeremy and Cherie House joined them a few years later. Jeremy farmed and dairied with his father and Cherie was a junior high school physical education teacher and coach. They now live on the farm and have a young son to add to the population of well-nourished farmers here.

We are committed to the idea of food that is not only organic (free of chemical, pesticides, herbicides, etc.) but highly nutritious, rich in minerals, vitamins and other nutrients. We are constantly working to enhance and re-mineralize the soils that feed the plants that feed the animals that feed you, the consumer. We think of food as medicine and work toward that end.

Meadow Haven Farm, Allan or Jeanne Sexton, 6139 1700 N Avenue, Sheffield IL 61361. (815) 454-2320 or (815) 303-3646.
E-mail: dean1938@aol.com. Website: http://www.meadowhavenfarm.com.


Meadow Oaks Farm raises grassfed angus beef. 

Our cattle are grazed on pastures and fed hay in the winter after the grazing season is over. We do not use hormones, antibiotics or feed additives on our cattle or any chemicals or chemical fertilizers on our pastures or hayground. 

We sell, wholes, halves and split halves and also grassfed hamburger by the pound. The meat is processed at the Brook Locker, a small town, family-owned locker plant where individual attention is paid to each animal processed. They do a fine job. Our meat is lean, tender and fed right so it is flavorful and an excellent eating experience. We also charge a reasonable price for the meat; see our website freezer beef page for pricing details. 

We also have Registered Angus grazing genetics available for those who would like to produce their own grassfed beef.  I have been in the cattle business for over 30 years and would be happy to provide consulting services to anyone just starting out. We are not organically certified, but raise our cattle as if we were. 

We are located almost midway between Lafayette, Indiana and Chicago, Illinois.

Meadow Oaks Farm, Gregory Walker, 3635W 700S, Morocco IN 47963. (219) 869-0332.
E-mail: walker4@midwaynet.net. Website: http://www.meadowoaksangusgrassfedbeef.com.


Middlebrook Farm, located east of Chicago, in Harbor County Michigan, was established in 1844. We purchased the 22-acre property in 2005. In December 2007, we left the city to live on the farm full time. Our mission has been to return the land to the biodiversity of the past, and to raise happy, healthy animals using the pasture rotation method. With pregnant cows, a bull, steers, one llama, numerous cats and two bee hives, our lives are full.

We raise Lowline Angus for beef and breeding stock. We believe animals should be raised entirely on their natural diet. Our cattle graze pastures of grasses, clover and alfalfa. In winter, they eat lots of hay!. We use no chemicals on pasture, and our animals receive no added hormones or antibiotics.

Studies show that 100% grass-fed beef are lower in total fat and calories. It is higher in omega-3s, CLA, vitamin E and beta-carotene. Good things come from pasture salad mix!

Our beef is USDA inspected, processed and frozen in individual packages. It is priced per pound. We sell direct to you from our farm store.

We are happy to e-mail a price list. Call to pick up beef or to visit the farm. We deliver in the Chicago area. We'd like to introduce you to our "happy" cows!

Middlebrook Farm, Bob and Janet Schuttler, 6678 Forest Lawn Road, Three Oaks MI 49128. (269) 756-9778 or (269) 357-5162.
E-mail: janetschuttler@sbcglobal.net. Website: http://www.middlebrookfarm.net.


Mint Creek Farm is located 80 miles south of Chicago, an island of grass in the midst of corn and soybean fields. We produce grassfed lamb, beef, veal, goat, pork, turkey, chicken, and eggs on our 230 organically certified acres.

We rotationally graze our pastures to help build our soil, capture carbon, and prevent erosion. Grazing provides exercise and a nutritious diet for our livestock. We also feed kelp as a supplement to give our livestock a good balance of trace minerals. Our pigs and poultry are raised on pasture and fed soy-free, organic feed. We pay careful attention to the animals’ diet, and the result is consistently high-quality meat and eggs.

Most of our products are available year-round. We ship via UPS, and can deliver to anywhere in Chicagoland or the Kankakee area. We sell individual cuts of meat as well as whole and half animals. CSA shares (5 or 10 pounds of assorted meats per month) are also available. We go to many farmer’s markets in Chicagoland throughout the year. Visit our website for locations and times.

Mint Creek Farm, Harry Carr, 1693 E 3800N Road, Stelle, IL 60919. (815) 256-2202.
E-mail: hcarr@mintcreekfarm.com. Website: http://www.mintcreekfarm.com.


MooGrass Farms Inc. is a food coop in the western suburbs of Chicago. We have food pick-ups at 1620 Stoddard Avenue in Wheaton between 4-7pm. Please see our website for order deadlines and pick up dates. We offer grass fed raw dairy (sheeps milk and yogurt, goat milk, cow butter and cheese), grass fed beef, and pastured eggs. Our website will always have the latest product list.

We offer the highest quality grass-fed, hormone and antibiotic-free foods available. We maintain relationships with various farms that hold strict standards of quality. Organically raised animals are often grain finished, however, our animals are never fed antibiotics or hormones, and are always 100% grass fed. If MooGrass standards are not met, we will change suppliers to assure that our clients experience the same healthful quality they have come to expect. That's why we say "Mooove over organic, MooGrass Farms is here!"

MooGrass Farms, Inc., Kevin Kosiek, 1620 Stoddard Avenue, Wheaton, IL  60187. (877) 269-5789.
E-mail: mail@moograssfarms.com. Website: http://www.moograssfarms.com.


The Moore's family farm is located near Watseka, Illinois. Jim and Diann Moore and their two teenage sons own and operate their nearly 100 year old farm. The Moore's raise seasonal grassfed beef, lamb, goat and pasture-raised pork, chicken, and turkeys, and farm fresh brown eggs.

No animal is confined to a conventional building. Jim and his sons mix all of the feed for the animals on the farm, providing a nutritional, drug-free diet for each species. The poultry raised on the farm is purchased and delivered as day-old birds from hatcheries. All of the other animals are raised on the family farm from conception to processing age.

The animals currently raised on the farm include Bourbon Red Turkeys, Katahdin Sheep, Tamworth and Hereford Pigs, Nubian Goats, Cornish X Broilers, Buff Orpington and Black Australorp Hens, Broad-breasted White Turkeys, and a cross bred Angus, Hereford cow/calf herd. The different species are all taken off the farm to be processed, inspected, packaged, frozen and labeled in licensed facilities. You may obtain our family-raised products directly from the farm or contact us for other Central Illinois locations.

The Moore's, Jim and Diann Moore, 2013 N 1950 East Road, Watseka IL  60970. (815) 432-6238.
E-mail: Moore Family Farm


Muller's Lane Farm is a unique experience in the old homestead way of life. We are rich in tradition and still farm our hayfield using Belgian draft horses and steel-wheeled machinery. Our fresh (non-certified) organic produce and herbs are available at the Rock Falls Farmer's Market on Saturdays and always at the farm throughout the spring, summer, and fall.

While at the farm you can get a glimpse of the Milking Devon ox or a wide variety of rare heritage chickens, turkeys and geese strolling around the barnyard and acreage. The poultry is available from day-old chicks to ready-for-your-oven. We also offer pastured-poultry eggs (both brown and white) and honey.

Contact us to raise your grass-fed beef, pastured pork, free-ranged poultry or rabbit for your freezer. Products can be picked up at the farm or from the processor.

Muller's Lane Farm has fresh and dried herbs and vegetables for sale. Many of the herbs are used in our Farm Fresh Milk Soaps & Salves made by Cyndi. These soaps and salves are found in area stores, but can also be bought directly from the farm or through mail order. The apple orchards have been supplemented with cherry, plum and peach trees in addition to the grape vines. We hope to have our first cherries, plums and peaches in 2004! We are conveniently located just a few miles from the I-88/IL-40 interchange.

Muller's Lane Farm, Cyndi and Paul Muller, 9767 Hickory Hills Road, Rock Falls IL  61071. (815) 625-2607.
E-mail: mullerslanefarm@coiinc.com  Website: http://www.mullerslanefarm.com


The Nadig Family Farm is located one hour west of Chicago and 25 minutes west of Geneva/St. Charles—only minutes off of I-88 and only a half hour south of Rockford. We offer pasture finished beef, lamb, chicken, eggs and turkey.

Our livestock and land are cared for in synergy with natural design. Under this simple premise, the animals and pasture are allowed to flourish, producing ideal results. The food's flavor and quality are authentic homegrown and are not available at your local super mart.

The land is vibrant. The families that we feed are enriched and nourished. We would like the opportunity to serve you. Please e-mail or call for more information or pricing.

Note to fiber enthusiasts: We offer prepared fibers and yarns, including merino and angora.

Nadig LLC, John and Charlotte Nadig, 8105 South Malta Road, Dekalb, IL 60115. (815) 748-3782.
E-mail: nadigfamilyfarm@gmail.com. Website: http://www.nadigfamilyfarm.com.


Nature's Choice Farm is owned by Eric Sexton and his wife Samantha. We pride ourselves on raising animals naturally and on open pasture. Our beef is completely grass-fed and our animals are never given hormones or antibiotics. We also sell pasture-raised pork, chicken, eggs, and turkey.

Our products are available as individual cuts or bulk orders (1/4 beef, 1/2 pig) and can be purchased on the farm or at our listed farmers' markets. See our complete product line on our website.

We are grant recipients of the Frontera Farmers Foundation and continue to grow each year. This fall we will begin a CSA that will provide customers with a variety of meats year round.

Nature's Choice Farm, Eric and Samantha Sexton, 9445 E 5000 N, Grant Park IL 60940. (815) 472-2934.
E-mail: natureschoicefarm@yahoo.com. Website: http://www.natureschoicefarm.com.


Nature’s Pasture is a small family owned farm located in Auburndale, WI with a pick-up location in Frankfort, IL. We raise grass fed Black Angus beef cattle, pastured chicken, and turkey in a natural sustainable model. We are dedicated to the humane treatment of our animals. Our philosophy on the farm is to create an environmentally responsible operation that produces the best products possible. 

All of our cattle, chicken, and turkeys are rotated on a daily basis in order to give them fresh grass to eat and graze on. We pride ourselves in giving our animals the freedom to roam and graze naturally, just as nature intended. Nature’s Pasture does not believe in using any growth hormones, steroids, or antibiotics in any of our animals.

We offer grass fed Black Angus beef available for purchase by the whole, half, quarter, or individual cuts (burgers, ground steak, roasts, and filets). Pastured chicken and turkey is available frozen whole, although turkey is available only for Thanksgiving. 

We ship anywhere in the United States, but also have a pick-up option available on the website for pick-up at the farm, or at an alternate location in Frankfort, IL. 

Nature’s Pasture, Bob Weiss, 11435 Poplar Drive, Auburndale WI.  54412. (715) 952-4370.
E-mail thefarm@naturespasture.com.Website: http://www.naturespasture.com


logo1
logo2

Plum River Farm is located in the rolling hills of Jo Daviess County, in the northwest section of Illinois. Whole animals, sides and quarters of 100% grassfed beef can be reserved for later summer/fall pickup, and we try to maintain an adequate supply of individual cuts and 20-pound sampler boxes for those who would rather purchase smaller quantities throughout the year.

Our herefords and red angus are 100% grass fed and grass finished and are fed no antibiotics or hormones. They eat only grass and hay grown on our farm without pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers, though we are not certified as organic.

We ensure the health and well being of our animals and the quality of the resulting beef by following the stringent standards developed by Animal Welfare Approved and the American Grassfed Association, of which we are proud members.

Our animals are processed at a small, family-run facility located only 15 miles from our farm, where they are dispatched quickly and humanely by practices specified by Animal Welfare Approved.

Plum River Farm, Sonia Nelson and Conrad Iandola, 5886 S Loran Road, Pearl City IL 61062. (815) 443-9908 or (815) 291-7797.
E-mail: puregrassfedbeef@gmail.com. Website: http://www.plumriverfarm.com.


Q7Ranch is a Chicagoland local, family owned and operated producer of all natural grass fed beef. Located just 60 miles Northwest of downtown Chicago, our cattle graze on over 350 acres of beautiful lush native grass pastures with clear running streams and plenty of shade.

Quarter Circle Seven Ranch clients enjoy delicious, locally produced, hormone and antibiotic free beef delivered to their homes, businesses or health clubs or picked up at the ranch. Major carrier shipping is available for locations outside the Chicagoland area.

For our customers' convenience we sell our beef in any quantity, one piece thru one beef, with pricing that offers substantial savings versus Internet based providers. Our all-natural production practices include free range grazing on pastures free of herbicides, pesticides and commercial fertilizers with no hormones or antibiotics for the cattle. We handle our steers on horseback, the slow and easy, light contact way. Processing is done at a local USDA inspected facility where the individual cuts are vacuum packed and flash frozen.

Our family strives to deliver sustainable food and build sustainable relationships. We treat our animals with respect and we respect our clients for their wish to move towards more natural foods while leaving a smaller carbon footprint.

Visit us at www.Q7Ranch.com and Facebook. Better yet bring the kids out for a visit.

Q7 Ranch, Katie Rogers, 22106 Anthony Road, Marengo IL 60152. (815) 219-9356.
E-mail: Q7.Ranch@gmail.com. Website: http://www.Q7Ranch.com.


Rainbow Family Farm is a small, family owned and operated farm in central Illinois. We fully believe and adhere to the idea of feeding our livestock naturally, and caring for them in an environment free of any hormones, steroids, antibiotics, or any other synthetic substances. We utilize the concept of rotational grazing, to insure that our livestock are always getting the best, most luscious pastures, and to prevent overgrazing. We are licensed by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, and are working to receive Certified Organic status.

We offer pastured beef and lamb, farm fresh eggs from free-range hens, turkeys, geese and occasionally ducks. We also have a fantastic herd of Nubian dairy goats that produce some of the best milk and cheese in our area. We offer fresh clover honey, which is harvested each fall. In season, we also have various garden produce available. All products must be picked up at the farm. At this time, we are not able to ship products.

We occasionally have surplus livestock for sale, including Nubian wether kids, chicks of all breeds and varieties, goslings, and ducklings.

Farm tours are welcome and encouraged. Please call ahead to schedule your tour. Schools and clubs are welcome.

Rainbow Family Farm, Dale and Ann McKinney, 2626 S Lincoln Memorial Parkway, Decatur IL 62522. (217) 963-2312.
E-mail: rainbowfamilyfarm@earthlink.net. Website: http://www.rainbowfamilyfarm.net.


Sangamon Valley Cattle Co.

Real beef – Real tasty!

Buy farm-direct meats from Sangamon Valley Cattle Co., raised naturally on a 106-year-old family farm just minutes West of Springfield, IL

Our all-natural grass fed and grass finished beef cattle and lamb are selected to prosper on high quality forage, fresh air and sunshine without the need for artificial growth hormones, antibiotics or chemical additives. Pasture finishing by rotational grazing on lush grass-legume fields produces a superior quality meats naturally high in omega-3 fatty acids, CLA and vitamin E.

Pasture raised meats are healthier, tastier, more nutritious, more humane and environmentally responsible. Our animals never see a feed lot. We take pride in producing healthy foods from healthy animals … the old-fashioned way.

Get the excess corn out of your diet today! Select meat packages available almost anytime at our farm. Whole, half and split-half beef and lamb orders are available by reservation. Work one-on-one with our state-inspected processor to ensure you receive the cuts and package weights that best fit your needs. Delivery throughout Springfield and Central Illinois can be arranged if you need assistance.

Sangamon Valley Cattle Co., Frank and Stacy Bowman, 5128 Stagecoach Road, Pleasant Plains IL 62677. (217) 487-7664.
E-mail: info@svgrassfedbeef.com. Website: http://www.svgrassfedbeef.com.


Shoal Creek Farm produces pastured poultry according to Joel Salatin's methods. The chicks are kept in a brooder for the first three weeks and then are transferred to outdoor mobile pens for the remaining 5 weeks where they are fed "all natural feed ingredients."

The chickens are processed at a USDA inspected plant. Butchering dates range from late June to mid November.

Shoal Creek Farm, Floyd Johnson, 151 Johnson Lane, Raymond IL  62560. Phone and fax: (217) 229-3571; cell phone: (217) 725-1028.
E-mail: fjohnson@consolidated.net.


Sonrise Farms is located near Penfield, IL (approximately 25 miles northeast of Champaign-Urbana).The Hesterbergs began converting cropland into a natural pasture-based system in the 1900s. Today they offer pasture-raised chickens, turkeys, forage-finished Murray Grey beef and brown eggs from free-range hens.

Broiler chickens are available May through October and turkeys for Thanksgiving. All poultry is picked up fresh on the farm unless arrangements are made for freezing.

Their herd of Murray Grey beef cattle is rotated to fresh pasture every day of the growing season. No feed supplements, hormones or antibiotics are used. All beef sold to customers is born and raised on the farm using natural practices until going to slaughter. Beef is sold by halves, quarters or individual frozen cuts. Please check the farm website.

Sonrise Farms, Dan and Diane Hesterberg, 1330 East 3000 North Road, Penfield IL 61862. (217) 595-5603.
E-mail: dhesterberg@fbconnect.net  Website: http://www.sonrisefarms.net.


South Pork Ranch is a first generation small family farm located two hours south of Chicago and one hour north of Champaign. Our animals know what it is to feel earth under their feet and fresh air blowing through their hair...and feathers. Our dairy, beef and pork is certified organic by MOSA.

Our meat is available directly off our farm or at a number of grocery stores and restaurants (see Illinois Beyond the Farm for details). Grocery stores include: Crafthouse Market Goods and Green Grocer in Chicago, Dave's Supermarket in Fairbury, and Naturally Yours Grocer, in Normal. The following Chicago restaurants—Anteprima, The Bristol, Elysian Hotel In Fine Spirits, and Old Town Social—purchase our pork and make the most fabulous dishes / sausages / charcuterie. To visit them is to love them. Tell them we sent you!

Our farm store, The Spotted Wattle, is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10-5; Closed Thursdays and Sundays. Various cuts of frozen beef and pork, along with honey (from local bees on native grasses and flowers) and free-range eggs (in season) are available in the store. CALL FIRST to check availability if you are looking for a special cut of meat. Beef (100 % grass fed) and pork (on pasture with additional organic grain and milk) can also be purchased by the whole or half carcass. Call NOW to reserve as both products sell out very quickly and are in limited supply. Really, truthfully, 'tis a fact.

We are home to the critically endangered Red Wattle Hog. With less than 2000 Red Wattles known to be in existence in the WORLD we are proud to be raising this fine breed for consumption as well as for breeding. Red Wattle pork has a rich taste, a deep pink/red color and the perfect amount of melt-in-your-mouth fat. It is definitely NOT the other white meat. Our chefs swear by it. Our customers crave it. Some have been known to hide it from their own children.

South Pork Ranch LLC, Donna OShaughnessy and Keith Parrish, 32796 E 750 N Road, Chatsworth IL  60921. (815) 635-3414.
E-mail: opies99@gmail.com. Websites: http://www.south-pork-ranch.com and http://midlifefarmwife.blogspot.com/.


SS Backwards Longhorn Meats is a family owned and run business registered with the Illinois Department of Agriculture. We are located  in western Illinois, 45 miles south of Springfield. We serve all areas of Alton, Bethalto, Brighton, Godfrey, Jerseyville, Greenfield and more.

Beef can be purchased and shipped in single packages or 1/4, 1/2 or whole beef. We also sell our products at the Jerseyville (Tuesdays, 4-8pm), Brighton (Wednesdays, 4-8pm) and Alton (Saturdays, 8am-noon) farmers markets.
 
Longhorn beef is leaner than that of other breeds, it is also lower in saturated fats. The flavorful Longhorn beef has less cholesterol and calories than chicken. Including lean beef in a heart-healthy diet can positively impact blood cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that eating lean beef can help increase 'good' cholesterol and reduce 'bad' cholesterol in people with elevated cholesterol levels. Nutritional content of Longhorn beef (based on a 3.5oz serving): Calories–140, Protein– 25.5, Fat–3.7, and Cholesterol–61.5.

Want a healthy snack?  Try our Lean Beef Snack sticks available in teriyaki, jalapeno and regular flavors.

SS Backwards Longhorn Meats, 34716 Sanders Road, Medora IL 62063. (618) 729-2004.
E-mail: ssbackwards@yahoo.com. Website: http://www.ssbackwardslonghorns.com.


Stone Organic Pastures has organically-raised, all grassfed Angus beef available year round.

Stone Organic Pastures, Tim Stone, Champaign IL. (312) 715-7025.
E-mail: trstone@gmail.com. Website: http://www.freewebs.com/stoneorganicpastures3.


Tallgrass Beef is a pure, natural product of the Great American Prairie. Founded by Bill Kurtis—journalist, rancher, conservationist, and proud owner of The Red Buffalo Ranch in Sedan, Kansas—Tallgrass Beef Company is raising cattle that roam in the open and graze on natural grasses rich in nutrients and high in anti-oxidants. The result is beef that's rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, high in Vitamin E, higher in beneficial unsaturated fat, and lower in saturated fat and cholesterol. You can taste the difference.

Tallgrass works with independent, family-owned farms and ranches to raise cattle in their grass-fed, grass-finished program. Their beef is sold in restaurants, select specialty food and grocery stores, and through their website. Although their office is in Kansas, they are primarily marketing and selling in Illinois.

Tallgrass Beef Company, 107 East Main, Sedan KS 67361. (877) 822-8283.
E-mail: info@tallgrassbeef.com   Website: http://www.tallgrassbeef.com


Tallgrass Prairie Farms has been raising prime Angus cattle in Central Illinois for over 30 years.  We are dedicated to providing all-natural food products with no hormones or antibiotics and pride ourselves on having the most tender, lean, Omega-3 hearty cuts of meat available for our customers and their families. Our cattle are raised on Midwestern grass pastures and are hand-picked to ensure you’ll receive the very best quality of meat available.

Our cattle eat what mother nature provides….once you try grass fed meat you will be an instant convert.

We sell beef in whole, half, half of half (1/4) and individual packages and cuts. We also sell all natural salsa, jellies, BBQ and steak seasoning. We do ship and deliver. We also sell wholesale to retail establishments. Located in Central Illinois we are close to Indiana, Missouri, Iowa and can have items shipped or delivered for a fee.

Coming soon…Tallgrass Prairie “Prairie Chickens” and Eggs.

Tallgrass Prairie Farms, Jeff Canterbury & Kristen Evans, 18378 State Highway 97, Petersburg IL 62675. (217) 632-2220.
E-mail: kristen@tallgrassprairie.com. Website: http://www.tallgrassprairie.com.


Ted Kapper Farm sells all-natural, grass-fed beef. Our animals do not receive any grain.

We sell our beef in quarters or larger amounts. When our beef is processed (at a local USDA inspected plant) it is divided equally so every quarter has the same cuts.

Customers are welcome to tour the farm to see and learn about our farming practices. We believe that our products should be sold locally so we do not ship our product. It is for pick-up only at the farm.  

Ted Kapper Farm, Ted Kapper, 13147 West Eldorado, Niantic, IL 62551. (217) 620-3740.
E-mail: tlkapper@gmail.com.


Three Spring Farms is a new venture in 2011 by Andrew Bachmann, Jacob Bachmann and Bryan Meyers. The Bachmann brothers have loads of knowledge and experience: they are 4th generation farmers in the neighborhood with recent degrees in Agriculture from Missou. Meyers is a recent convert after an inspiring farm experience a few decades ago. Together they are raising grassfed beef and taking steps to protect and heal the farmland that they are working.

The Bachmanns have added to their previous knowledge by attending a grassfed grazing school in 2011, while Meyers perpetually bugs them with ideas gleaned from The Stockman Grassfarmer and other journals. We are simultaneously building our pastures and our grassfeeding skills. Initial work includes the building of a herd around some cows and calves that the Bachmanns have moved from their family farm up the road. The first year has seen the conversion of tilled fields to pasture and the development of plans to protect the ponds and streams by providing internal fencing and managed grazing. The grazing company is off to a strong start and has a small number of grassfed steers to offer at the end of the first year of operations.

We feed grass and hay only. We offer mineral supplements but absolutely no hormones and no antibiotics. The cattle are outside all the time and have had minimal health issues.

The beef will be sold direct to the consumer with options on how and where it will be processed. Will deliver to the St. Louis area and will discuss options outside that immediate region. Our farm is just across the river from Illinois, so it is a worthy consideration for those in Southern Illinois as well.

Three Spring Farms, Bryan Meyers, 1097 Perry County Road 330, Perryville MO 63775. (314) 918-0797.
E-mail: bryanmeyers46@yahoo.com. Website: http://www.localharvest.org/three-springs-farms-M49299?ul


usda logo

Trail's End Organic Farm, certified by Indiana Certified Organic, is located 4 miles west of Putnam, Illinois in the Crow Creek Valley. Our farm consists of 238 acres and has been in the Morse family for 89 years. The land has been chemical-free for twenty-one years. The farm is divided equally between cropland and pasture, with oak, walnut, and hickory timber. Crops include soybeans, popcorn, wheat, oats, and rye. Our son Matt plants a small field of garlic. We plan to raise turkeys for Thanksgiving 2010. 

Our USDA Certified Organic grass-fed cattle are a Scottish Highland/Black Angus cross which ensures lean and flavorful beef. Of course, we don’t use growth hormones or antibiotics. The cattle are not confined in a feedlot, but spend their time out on pasture with access to clean water and shelter. Through the winter months the cattle are fed hay. It takes approximately 20 months to raise a calf to market weight. 

The beef is sold by quarters, halves, or whole. The cattle are taken to a USDA certified-organic locker, Bittner’s Eureka Locker, Eureka, Illinois, for processing according to the customer’s cutting order. The employees at Eureka are very good at talking you through a cutting order, if you have never done one before.

The customer picks up their finished beef at the locker and pays the processing fee. Alternately, we can arrange delivery of your beef to you.

Trail's End Organic Farm, Janet Morse, 20001 195th North Avenue, Putnam IL 61560. (815) 437-2606.
E-mail: trailsend56@yahoo.com.


Tuthill Farm, a family farm in west central Illinois, offers local, clean, heritage pork.

Our heritage breed hogs are raised naturally outdoors where they root, eat grass and thrive, while enjoying humane treatment. Yes, they actually eat grass. Our delicious pork is a result of sunshine, fresh air and plenty of room to roam. The fact that we raise Large Black and Duroc hogs—both Heritage breeds known for their gourmet taste and pasturing ability—makes a big difference as well. Large Blacks are gaining popularity with restaurant chefs and home-chefs alike because they are a large, sweet-fleshed bacon-type pig famous for fine-grained, sweet-scented meat.

Our meat is processed in a local USDA inspected butcher shop. Our meat is available in bundles. Breeding stock is available.

Tuthill Farm meat is available online, local stores and is featured on the menus of local restaurants.

Tuthill Farm, Jonathan Tuttle, 3540 Payson Road, Quincy IL 62305. (217) 222-7689.
E-mail: info@tuthillfarm.com. Website: http://www.tuthillfarm.com.


Vincent Family Farm is centrally located just outside Springfield, IL. Products include pastured chickens and eggs, 100%  grass fed jersey milk cows, grass fed goats, grass fed and finished beef, acres of beyond organic produce (vegetables and fruit) We also make our own cheese, butter and soaps.

All of our animals are treated in a humane way. No antibiotics or hormones are used. We use a rotational grazing practice with all of our animals.

Vincent Family Farm, Todd Vincent, 8133 Hendrickson Road, Rochester, IL. 62563. (217) 306-4058.
E-mail: vincentfamilyfarm@gmail.com.


Walkup Heritage Farm & Gardens, Inc., located in Crystal Lake, IL. about about 50 miles northwest of Chicago, offers:

  • Pasture raised Poulet Rouge chickens and Heritage turkeys (White Holland and Midget White breeds). All poultry are fed certified organic feed from hatch. They are pastured on organic, (non-certified) land in moveable pens (tractors) that are moved 1 to 2 times per day. Slaughtering is done at a certified non-organic facility.
    .
  • Silver Rabbits (rare heritage breed) are available for live purchase only. Rabbits are used to help cultivate raised garden beds in Spring while confined in moveable cages with open bottoms and are given garden refuse other than Brassicas. They are kept in larger than required cages in Winter and when not in the tractors. 

  • Tennessee Fainting Goats, live purchase only. Goats are pastured except in Winter. They are fed grass hay in winter, no grains. They are kept in a large fenced area in Winter and at night with three sided shelters. Kids are raised by mothers with supplemented real goat milk from bottles for taming purposes.

  • Various Heritage Breeds of ducks and geese, live purchase only. Raised in large open
    pen with water for bathing. Fed certified organic feed from hatch. Fed frequently with garden refuse from organic garden and lawn cuttings and weedings. No chemicals have ever been applied to anything they are fed.

Goats are given necessary antibiotic treatments for most common diseases only and worming medication. Poultry and rabbits are not given antibiotics other than rarely for illnesses. No hormones of any kind are ever used.

Sales from farm only. CSAs for eggs and poultry products. Chicken eggs by CSA membership only; there is generally a waiting list. Duck and turkey eggs available for individual sale at farm in Spring and Summer. Chicken meat by CSA only. Turkey meat for sale individually for Thanksgiving based on advanced orders.

We also sell heirloom produce and fruit, honey, Shiitake mushrooms, heirloom vegetable starts and seeds and native plant plugs and seeds. No shipping. At farm purchase only.

Walkup Heritage Farm & Gardens, Inc., Michael J. Walkup, 5215 Walkup Road, Crystal Lake IL 60012. (815) 477-8978.
E-mail: mjwalkup@ameritech.net. Website: http://www.walkupheritagefarm.com.


Wallace Farms is the ultimate one-stop shop for conscientious consumers who insist on only the best foods to support their family’s health.

100% Grass-Fed Beef

•   We Believe……Cows were built to eat grass, not grain
•   We Believe……Soil health is pivotal to the quality grass that our cows thrive on
•   We Believe……Cattle should be rotated to fresh pasture daily
•   We Believe……High levels of CLA in grass-fed beef support a strong mind and body
•   We Believe……Our grass-fed beef is not only healthy, but tender and flavorful
•   We Believe……Grass-fed is Best

Fresh-Air Pork

•  We Believe……Pigs should have access to plenty of mud and sunshine
•  We Believe……Agriculture should be sustainable and diversified
•  We Believe……Healthy eating gives new meaning to family life

Free-Range Chicken & Turkey

•  We Believe……Poultry need access to green pasture, bugs and sun
•  We Believe……Small family farms can be resurrected by producing quality, artisanal foods
•  We Believe……Animals should remain free of antibiotics and growth hormones

Wild-Caught Seafood

•  We Believe……Seafood should always be sustainably fished – not farm-raised
•  We Believe……Cook Inlet waters are the best in the world

Wallace Farms utilizes the “Buying Club” approach, which allows our customers to pre-order a wide variety of foods. We currently offer pick-ups at the following locations:

ILLINOIS LOCATIONS: Chicago, IL (Downtown); Naperville, IL (Western Chicagoland) – NEW WAREHOUSE!; Wauconda, IL (NW Chicagoland).

IOWA LOCATIONS: Ankeny, IA; Ames, IA; Cedar Rapids, IA; Clive, IA; Des Moines, IA (Downtown); Johnston, IA; Iowa City, IA.

Wallace Farms, Inc., Naperville, IL. (515) 480-8763
E-mail: info@wallacefarms.com  Website: http://www.wallacefarms.com


 

Find a broken link, missing website, discontinued e-mail address, or disconnected phone number?
Please E-mail our Webmaster and help us keep Eatwild up-to-date!

Alabama | Alaska | All-Grass Dairies | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | DelawareDistrict of Columbia | Farms That Ship| Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming |
CANADA | All-Grass Dairies| Farms That Ship | International

 

Top of Page

 

 

image

Beyond the Farm
Illinois Restaurants, Stores, Markets & Buying Clubs that feature grass-fed products

 

spacer

Find great books & kitchen tools
in the Eatwild Store
Sales support Eatwild
& Jo Robinson's research

grass

Food Drying with an Attitude

book

Enjoy quality fruits & vegetables all year!


The
Grassfed Gourmet Cookbook

book

The 1st cookbook devoted to grass-fed
meat and dairy products


Get It Right with the

magnet

Don't Over-Do It! Magnet

Want real butter that's soft, spreadable, fresh and odor-free?

butterkeeper
Try a ceramic
butter keeper


Like restaurant-tender steaks?

jaccard

Try a Jaccard

 

Home | Grassfed Basics | Eatwild Store | Meet Jo | News | Articles | Food | Resources | Site Map | Contact | Support