Where We Grow:
Our farming home is Primrose Farm Park, a 1930s heritage dairy/livestock farm in St. Charles, IL, 40 miles west of downtown Chicago. We are their first “incubating” farmers. As such, we lease land and equipment, such as tractors and implements, from them. We grow on two acres and keep two in cover crop, which helps build the soil for future years of growing.
Our Growing Practices/Philosophy:
Sweet Home Organics grows produce using organic practices. This means food free of pesticides and genetically modified seeds (GMOs). We are “transitioning” to certified organic, as the land was previously (fall 2009) in conventional row crops. We strive to run our business with purpose, integrity, and generous hearts while being mindful of the Earth and others’ well being.
Meet the Farmers:
A sustainable, organic farm is a perfect blend of Rachel and Kim’s passions. Rachel strives for self-sufficiency and considers herself a steward of the Earth. Kim is a natural caretaker with a passion for sharing healthy, tasty food with her friends and family.
The idea of becoming sustainable farmers grew more realistic after taking a “Farm Dreams” class through the Angelic Organics Learning Center in spring 2008. Soon after, Kim quit her office job and worked at local organic farms. Through the Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT), they attended farm field days and completed the 2008-09 Stateline Farm Beginnings program, which helped them create their farm business plan. Kim and Rachel are incredibly grateful for all the help and encouragement they’ve gotten from friends, family and especially fellow farmers and mentors.
Both Rachel and Kim are avid DIYers. Rachel is a proud dumpster-diver who loves re-purposing items bound for the landfill. Click DIY Style to see a list of items that we could put to good use at the farm.
Building Community:
One of the things that appealed to us about having our own farm is building community. We look forward to connecting with our community through CSA memberships, farm stand visits, classes and Farm Events, and our “Get to Know Your Veggies” online videos. Click “Keep me connected!” to join our growing community.
