by Molly Oberg, Co-Owner of Meyer Produce It was the end of June, and I was just one month into my first summer season of working on the farm. Ben and I were newlyweds, and we were both working under Jeff Meyer – the owner of the farm at the time. We were taking a […]
Harden Bison Ranch – An In-Depth Look
I happen upon quite a few conversations every Saturday while making my rounds through the Winter Market. Most of those conversations are centered on local foods and what I appreciate most is that our local foodies are always interested in learning more about the products they are purchasing. The beauty of shopping at farmers markets, […]
What is the Black Oaks Center?
by Akin Carter, Co-Founder, Black Oaks Center Hello, my name is Akin Carter. I’m a 24-year-old regenerative farmer and co-founder of Black Oaks Center (BOC). BOC is a 501(c)3 founded in 2006 that focuses on facilitating communities in navigating a climate uncertain, resource-constrained future. Our four skill-building tracks at the heart of BOC are: Sustainable […]
SARE is Here to Help Local Farmers
by Doug Gucker, State Co-coordinator, Illinois SARE Looking for the latest research information on sustainable farming? Needing a grant to fund needed farmer-driven research to solve a current problem in your sustainable food production? If you are, then the Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE) program is here to help you with timely research information […]
Champaign County Area Restaurant Week Promotes Local Restaurants & Suppliers
by Terri Reifsteck, Visit Champaign County The 5th Annual Champaign County Area Restaurant Week: Takeout Edition is back to make an impact on the local food industry during this nine-day celebration, from January 29–February 6, though it will look a little different. Beginning in 2017, the Champaign County Area Restaurant Week became a notable […]
COVID and Our Connection to Food
by Elliot Brinkman, Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network I remember the feeling well–it sat in the pit of my stomach, somewhere between dread and panic. I’m sure many of you felt it, too, when, in early spring, you arrived at the grocery store to find aisles packed with people, and once fully-stocked shelves decimated. […]