Hello! My name is Dale Mize, I am a second-year Ph.D. student in the history department at UIUC, and this summer the Humanities Research Institute Summer Bridge Program and The Land Connection have partnered up to allow me to develop a project as a venue for farmers to share their stories and experiences.
Local Farms
Field Notes: Part One – Savannah Ridge Farms
While driving through the country roads just south of Indianola, there are some common sights: rows and rows of corn and soybeans, land so flat you can see the curvature of the earth, and perhaps an occasional coyote, turkey, or deer loitering in the fields. But, if you take those one-track dirt roads far enough, you may eventually come across an unusual creature snacking in the fields of eastern Illinois, yaks. At this point, you will know you have come across Savannah Ridge Farms, a first-generation family farm owned and operated by Ron Bailey and his two sons, Shane and Colin.
Field Notes: Part Three – Crider Farms
After a quick stint on the interstate, I take Exit 159 toward Gibson City and drive among the corn and soybeans for a bit. Before too long, just off Route 54, I find one branch of Crider Farms, the sheep operation. This branch of the farm is run by Chris Crider, his wife Erin, and their two boys.
Field Notes: Part Two – Cow Creek Organic Farm
Driving through vast farmlands and the occasional swamp, located near the start of the Middlefork River, and just southeast of Paxton, IL, I find Cow Creek Organic Farm. Cow Creek is a multi-generational family farm owned and operated by Jeff and Rita Glazik along with their four children: Will, Clayton, Dallas, and Abby.
Handmade Holiday Gifts
Local businesses have you covered if the holiday rush leaves you with little time to craft, cook, or finish high quality, handmade gifts. At TLC, we are excited to share our Handmade Holiday Shopping List for this week, as well as share the many amazing local gift purchasing opportunities available at the CU Winter Farmers Market.
Iron Meadows Flower Farm, A Photo Story
by Cay Diamond, Farmers Market & Outreach Manager This month I had the opportunity to visit Iron Meadows Flower Farm and get the scoop on their second season of growing! Jessica Eisenmann, owner of Iron Meadows, began selling flowers at the Champaign Farmers Market during our COVID season of 2020 and at that time fell […]
