Windsweep Farm

Life at Windsweep: Nestled in the gently rolling plains of northwestern Illinois, amidst the green, lush acres of waving grains is Windsweep farm. Windsweep is a small acreage that has been in the Sheaffer family for 70 years. Here, livestock are raised by hand, with each animal receiving individual attention from birth. The animals enjoy grazing and frolicking in their pastures all spring, summer, and fall. During the winter they are free to roam the surrounding fields or lounge in the bedded barn. The livestock are raised with no added hormones or antibiotics. The only time an animal will receive antibiotic treatment is on the rare occasion that such a treatment is necessary for recovery. Nine milking cows reside at Windsweep that provide rich, wholesome milk and dairy products to the Sheaffer family and friends and also milk for calves at the farm. Seven beef cows also live at the farm that raise purely grass and milk-fed calves. At Windsweep we raise our own hay for the animals and also grow corn and soybeans. in the spring maple sap is collected and boiled into maple syrup. In addition, a large garden provides a variety of produce and black walnut trees yield an ample amount of nuts for the taking. Our Pasture-raised and Grass-fed Beef The beef raised on Windsweep farm is lean, natural beef that you can purchase the old- fashioned way. You may choose a quarter, half, or whole beef and can have it made into nearly anything you desire; whether it be thick steaks, tender roasts, juicy hamburger, or sandwich meat. The local butcher fixes it your way, with minimal processing, wrapped in old-style white butcher paper. For those with smaller freezers or appetites, individual cuts are also available. One will find that the authentic beef flavor, natural tenderness, and rich color accentuate this beef's excellent quality. Available in quarter, halves, wholes, variety beef bundles and individual cuts Our Raw Milk Dairy A small herd of dairy cows resides at Windsweep Farm whose wholesome milk provides nourishment to local families. The Sheaffers also enjoy their milk as do the calves, cats, and pigs that live at the farm. The dairy herd consists of a variety of dairy breeds including Holstein, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Ayrshire, and Jersey. The milk from our cows does not undergo any processing, which helps it retain its healthful, naturally occurring enzymes and antibodies. The Sheaffers make butter, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream with the cows' milk. You can too! Have fun experimenting with healthy milk from happy cows in Illinois! Our Milk-Fed Pork The pigs at Windsweep are raised on a natural diet that contains homegrown grain, and adequate protien, minerals and vitamins. They also love to chow down on extra milk from our dairy cows, which for them, not only is a treat but also 'does a body good'! They recieve no added hormones or antibiotics. The hogs have access to an outside run where they can root, as pigs like to do. Available in halves and wholes Our Cage-Free Eggs The happy hens at Windsweep are housed in group coops where they can scratch, flap their wings and nest in the nest box of their choice. They are fed home grown feeds and lay eggs everyday. The large brown eggs have thick shells and hearty yellow yokes. Eggs are available daily at the farm. Our Humanely Raised Chickens Every spring and fall we raise meat chickens in a portable pen. Chickens can be bought at the farm or can be custom cut if ordered ahead. To order email or call us Be Windsweep Farm's fan on Facebook