Agriculture Adventures

Meet our producers

closeup of young women with blonde hair and glasses in a striped shirt standing in greenhouse

Sola Gratia Farm

Urbana

At Sola Gratia Farm in Urbana, fresh produce is only part of what’s growing. Led by Executive Director Traci Barkley, Sola Gratia creates hands-on opportunities for people to connect with nature, learn where food comes from, and help make healthy food more accessible for everyone.
Learn more.

young women wearing overalls sitting on tractor and smiling

Delight Flower Farm

Champaign

Founded by first-generation farmer Maggie Taylor, Delight Flower Farm pairs thoughtful commercial flower production with inviting, hands-on experiences—encouraging visitors to explore the many ways flowers and herbs can enrich their lives beyond the vase. 
Learn more.

two men behind bar with one smiling at the viewer and one with his back turned

Silver Tree Spirits

Paxton

At Silver Tree Spirits, brothers Will and Dallas Glazik turn the grains grown on their fifth-generation family farm into deeply local, thoughtfully crafted spirits—connecting land, history, and community in every bottle. 
Learn more.

photo of older couple in hats smiling

Bane family meats

Sidney

For David and Susan Bane, pasture-raised farming is personal. They’ve built Bane Family Meats around thoughtful animal care, quality food, and a genuine connection to the land. Discover how this family farm near Sidney offers a deep, meaningful look at local agriculture. 
Learn more.

close-up image of man packing aluminum cans into a box

riggs Beer Company

Urbana

Just outside Urbana, family-owned Riggs Beer Company turns their farm-grown grains into crisp German-style beer—and turns strangers into neighbors. With the motto "customers equal community, Matt and Caroline Riggs are bringing the feel of a true German Biergarten to central Illinois.
Learn more.

woman wearing yellow sweatshirt standing outside and smiling

prairie fruits farm & creamery

Champaign

Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery is where award-winning goat cheese, pasture strolls, educational workshops, farm-to-table cuisine, and baby-goat joy come together. For Lauren and Jeff Brokish, it delivers a farm experience that feels like a mini vacation.
Learn more.

farmer in a hat holding a green pumpkin

The Great Pumpkin Patch

Arthur

Fifth-generation farmer Mac Condill invites visitors to slow down, wander, and rediscover a sense of curiosity—using pumpkins, squash, and gourds! Rooted in more than 165 years of family farming, the experience blends tradition with creativity at every turn. 
Learn more.

woman at apple orchard store counter, smiling and checking out a customer

okaw valley orchard

Sullivan

Ever heard of a Scruffy? Or a Ludicrisp? You will after a visit to Okaw Valley Orchard near Sullivan, where Jennifer and Mike Mitchell are passionate about their apples and how they're grown. You'll find your new favorite variety and leave with a warm cider doughnut…or two…or dozen).
Learn more.

young male farmer in ball cap, sweatshirt, and jeans standing in a pumpkin patch gazing into distance

negangard pumpkin patch

Sidney

Mitch Negangard has been growing and selling pumpkins since he could walk, and what he loves most are the traditions—and the way they tie generations together. Located near Sidney, Negangard Pumpkin Patch keeps it simple, affordable, and deeply local, with hundreds of pumpkin and gourd varieties grown the old-fashioned way. 
Learn more.

Amish man preparing a horse and buggy for a ride

green meadow farm

Arthur

Quiet mornings, working horses, simple food, and a slower pace—Green Meadow Farm in Arthur offers an easy way to experience what life feels like in Amish country. Owner and operator Merle Kaufman welcomes visitors for horse-and-buggy rides, and overnight stays where “unplugging” is more than a trend—it's just how things are.
Learn more.

 

 

CU on the Farm!

Sign up for our CU on the Farm Experience Pass to hit 15 Champaign-Urbana area farms—distillery tours, on-farm dinners, and u-pick fun. You’ll meet the growers behind our local food scene, savor farm-fresh flavor, and meet alpacas, reindeer, and goats! Get your pass now and make a whole season of it!

Farmers Markets 

With agriculture surrounding the Champaign-Urbana area, we have an abundance of opportunities to shop from area producers at our farmers markets. With a market happening nearly every day of the week during the growing season, you’ll always be stocked with fresh ingredients. Outdoor market season runs from May–October, but don't worry, the Champaign-Urbana Winter Farmers Market will keep you stocked indoors from November–April!

woman buying produce from an outdoor farmers market

Tuesday—Champaign Farmers Market in downtown Champaign, with over a dozen local growers and producers to help with that mid-week shopping 

Wednesday—Rantoul, Homer and Sullivan Farmers Markets

Thursday—Monticello Farmers Market and the University of Illinois Sustainable Student Farm

Friday—Mahomet Farmers Market

Saturday—Urbana’s Market at the Square, the largest market in the county, has over 70 vendors on site weekly with food trucks, entertainment and kids activities. Don’t miss the Arcola Market and Champaign-Urbana Winter Farmers Market from November–April.

 

Get Your Hands Dirty: Our Top Ideas in Agriculture

Life on a Pasture-Based Farm: Bane Family Meats

Life moves at a different pace at Bane Family meats near Sidney. David and Susan...

From Seedlings to Student Farmers: The Sustainable Student Farm

The Sustainable Student Farm serves as a hands-on classroom where vegetables bec...

A Recipe for Gathering: Cedar Oak Farms' Slow Dinners

At Cedar Oak Farms near Paxton, guests linger over candlelit tables inside a his...

Choose your own agriculture adventure.

Advanced Search

Advanced Filters

None available

back to top

Brilliant Stories →

Experience Guide →

We use cookies to ensure that you get the best experience on our website, although the cookies we use do not contain personally identifiable information. By continuing on this website or by clicking “ I Accept Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device. You can learn more about our privacy policy, how we use cookies, or how to disable cookies by clicking on the " Learn More " link at the end of this statement. Learn More.

I Accept Cookies I Decline Cookies