100 acres hosted by Tara And Joe M.
Willow City Farm is made up of multiple small-scale diversified farm in Central Illinois. The farm does not just produce one or two products like a typical farm, instead it operates more like a homestead and produces a multitude of crops and livestock which support each other using permaculture and other organic methods.We understand that education is key, and we are constantly learning and sharing what we learn with others. Our form of agriculture is the science and art of sustainability.
Our philosophy is that farming practices should leave the soil, air, water, plant life, animals and people healthier – and happier. We are a proud micro farm (a.k.a. small family farm), farming under 100 acres.
Some years ago, I decided to purchase a small coop and a few chicks, and began to raise chicken in my backyard. It quickly went from a hobby, to a passion, to a way of life. In June of 2014, while attending a concert, I wrote that wanted to "Start a Farm" before I die. They say, if you have a goal, write it down and tell a friend. It was the push I needed. Within four months, I would make it happen.
I convinced my family that I wasn't TOTALLY crazy, and they allowed the move to a four-acre farm right in the middle of the city with my six children. (They knew I was crazy, but it could have been worse, right? Um, probably not.) With lots of hard work and effort, Willow City Farm began with a large flock of chicken and a few goats. We've now grown to alpaca, ducks, turkeys, sheep, cows, rabbits, dogs, pigs, horses, and a leopard gecko. It's always expanding. (I WILL find my zebra!!)
In January 2015, we purchased our first calf with the idea of providing our family with a freezer of beef. We quickly realized that it was something we wanted to provide to our customers, and our herd began. We now have over 60 head of cattle. Our stock is mostly Black Angus, with the exception of a few Hereford and Black Baldies, and our sweet Maine Anjou bottle baby, Louie.
Most of our cattle are raised on our "big farm" about 15 miles outside of Springfield. They are free to roam over 90 acres of lush pasture, and they are fed our own high quality grass and alfalfa. When requested by our customers, they are finished with high quality grain grown on our own farm. The big farm is also home to three of our six horses who help us sort cattle from time to time. We are happy to give tours at all Willow City Farm locations. Just call us to schedule an appointment. We have an open farm policy (as long as you steer clear from the paddocks holding our cattle - especially the bull pen) and you can even drive by and watch our cattle, alpaca, and horses graze from the side street of the property. You will most likely see us working in the pasture, so be sure and wave!
In 2016 we began our Test-A-Nest chicken rental program and private preschool tours. In the Spring of 2016 we participated in our first "pop-up" with a local bakery and have made it an ongoing even on the last Sunday of each month. In June of 2016 we took our farmstand on the road and began participating in the Illinois State Fair farmer's market on Thursday evenings and the Downtown Farmer's Market in Springfield on Saturday mornings.
In January of 2017 Willow City Farm opened up our first retail store, The "Willow City Farmstand" in Springfield, IL.
I am committed to raising a product we are proud to serve our family and yours. I am passionate about local foods, the success of local farms, and their families. I encourage everyone to #knowyourfarmer and #knowyourfood.