Willow City Farm

Willow City Farm is a 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 husband, Matt, that I wasn't TOTALLY crazy, and he allowed the move to a four-acre farm right in the middle of the city with our six children. (He 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 a Murray Gray, Hereford, and Angus bull. 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 of BOTH farms. 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! We are licensed by the Illinois Department of Agriculture to process our own poultry at the farm, grade and sell eggs to individuals as well as retail markets, and have a meat and poultry brokers license that allows us to sell retail cuts to individuals, retail markets, and restaurants. 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 October of 2016 we began our quest for a new farm with more acreage. (We're still looking! Know of something coming on the market with at least 4 bedrooms and 5-10 acres? Contact us!) In January of 2017 Willow City Farm opened up our first retail store, The "Willow City Farmstand" @ 731 South Durkin Drive in Springfield, IL. Click here for a list of our hours! In the fall of 2017 we began our Goats + Yoga @ Willow City Farm series. I encourage you to sign up for our email list so you can hear about what adventure I'm up to next. 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. - Tara Holcomb, Owner and Operator of Willow City Farm