Building Dreams and Expanding Knowledge
- Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery
- Sep 23
- 7 min read
Updated: Sep 25
September 23nd, 2025
What an exciting week it's been at Prairie Fruits Farm! Between launching our Kickstarter campaign and investing in our herd's future through continuing education, we're moving full steam ahead on multiple fronts.
Thank You, Prairie Artist Market!
First, a huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the Prairie Artist Market last Sunday! The weather was absolutely perfect, the farm had such a wonderful energy, and it was incredible to see our community come together to support local artists and makers. Events like these remind us why we do what we do—creating spaces where creativity, agriculture, and community intersect.
Our Kickstarter Has Launched!
Many of you have probably noticed the construction activity during recent farm visits or heard about the Illinois state grant we received. Well, the moment has finally arrived—our Kickstarter campaign is officially live!
Thanks to the state grant and support from Farm Credit, the structure of our new visitor center is already taking shape. The grant covered the walls and roof, but now we need your help to transform this shell into a vibrant community space.
What We're Building
The new building will house:
A farm store showcasing our cheese, bread from Central Illinois Bakehouse, and products from neighboring farms
A classroom for hands-on workshops and learning experiences
ADA-accessible restrooms to welcome everyone to the farm
Why It Matters
This isn't just about retail space—it's about creating a hub where the stories behind our food come alive. Every item in the store will connect visitors to the hands and land that created it. The classroom will become a gathering place for cheesemaking workshops, orchard tastings, baking classes, and other experiences led by local artisans.
How You Can Help
We need the finishing touches that bring the space to life: coolers to keep food fresh, shelving to showcase local products, and sturdy tables for classroom activities. Your support through Kickstarter will help us stock the shelves, equip the space, and open doors to a place built for the entire community.
Visit our Kickstarter campaign to learn more and support the project!
Advancing Our Herd Through Education
While we're building for the future, we're also investing in the expertise that keeps our dairy operation thriving. This past weekend, our herd manager, Rose Rutzen, along with Megan Holliday and Maisie Dirden, attended a Goat Artificial Insemination Clinic at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College.
As Rose reported: "We spent several hours reviewing goat reproductive anatomy and discussing the pros and cons of using AI technology. The ability to rapidly improve genetics by introducing sires from all over the country that would otherwise be cost-prohibitive is incredibly exciting for our herd's future."
The team connected with goat producers from diverse backgrounds—meat goat breeders, Wisconsin homesteaders, and commercial dairymen from across the Midwest. Many were ADGA (American Dairy Goat Association) members, which provided valuable insights into registration processes and herd management strategies.
Hands-On Learning
After classroom instruction covering hormones and reproductive technologies used to manage frozen semen and synchronize breeding cycles, the team practiced transcervical AI techniques on Saanen and Sable goats provided by a local producer.
Looking Ahead
Rose is excited to put these new skills to work this breeding season, planning to AI four does to our senior herdsire Elvis before he moves on to improve LaManchas in another herd this October. The real excitement, though, lies in the future: "I have big plans and am incredibly excited to add some new Nubian lines to our herd next fall."
This investment in education reflects our commitment to continuous improvement and the highest standards of animal husbandry. By expanding our breeding capabilities, we're ensuring that Prairie Fruits Farm continues producing exceptional goats that contribute to both our cheese quality and the broader improvement of LaMancha and Nubian breeds.
Caprae's New Fall Menu
Chef Garron Sanchez is excited to launch his new fall menu this week! The seasonal offerings showcase both our farm's bounty and partnerships with local producers.
Highlights include:
From Our Farm: Brussels Salad with our chèvre, Curly Kale Salad featuring Prairie Fruits feta, and Braised Short Rib served over Janie's Mill polenta finished with chèvre and herb pistou.
Local Partnerships: Ginger Maple Glazed Pork Chop from Kilgus Farmstead, Mushroom Risotto made with Cahokia rice and finished with our chèvre frais, plus artisan breads from our partners.
The Merry Travelers Band will continue providing the perfect soundtrack under our pavilion from 5-8 PM, and our bar cart will be ready with small bites and drinks. Whether you prefer to listen from the patio while enjoying a full dinner or just grab a drink and soak in the music, Wednesday evenings at the farm continue to be something special. Reservations can be made here.
Fall Celebration Weekend: October 18-19
Don't forget to mark your calendars for our Fall Farm Celebration! Saturday brings our exclusive raclette dinner with cheesemaker Nik Basford from Leelanau Cheese Co., followed by our family-friendly Fall Farm Celebration on Sunday from 10am -2pm with costumed goats, vendors, cider, and raclette sandwiches. Tickets for the dinner can be purchased HERE
All About Raclette
For those unfamiliar with this Alpine treasure, raclette is a semi-soft, washed-rind cow's milk cheese with excellent melting characteristics and a silky texture. The name comes from the French "racler," meaning "to scrape"—traditionally, shepherds would melt it by the evening fire and scrape the molten cheese over hot potatoes and other mountain provisions. This humble herdsman's cheese was made for sustenance rather than market.
Today, raclette remains perfect for communal meals and entertaining. Simply top your favorite dish with thin slices, place under the broiler until golden and bubbly, and serve with pickled onions and gherkins. When aged, it develops characteristics similar to Gruyère and makes an excellent addition to cheese boards. With deep roots in the Alpine regions of Switzerland and France, raclette continues the centuries-old tradition of bringing people together around shared food.
From building community spaces to advancing our herd genetics, everything we do at Prairie Fruits Farm connects back to our commitment to excellence, sustainability, and bringing people closer to their food. Thank you for being part of this journey with us!
Christina Asklund
Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery
Upcoming Events
Farm Closed for Private Event - September 30th
We're honored to host dinner for over 250 guests attending the Illinois Public Transit Association's annual conference here in Champaign, September 29th - October 1st. Please note that the farm will be closed to the public Tuesday, September 30th to accommodate this special event.
Fall Farm Celebration
Join us with Cheesemaker Nik Basford from Leelanau Cheese Co for a Raclette Dinner at Caprae on Saturday, October 18th, followed by our family-friendly Fall Farm Celebration on Sunday from 10am -2pm with costumed goats, vendors, cider, and raclette sandwiches. This will be an exciting weekend!
Event Details:
Date: Saturday & Sunday, October 18th & 19th
Sunday Event Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery, 4410 N Lincoln Ave, Champaign, IL
Sunday Event Admission: FREE
Saturday Raclette Dinner Tickets HERE
Goats & Grooves presents...
Join us every Wednesday, under the pavilion from 5-8pm for an evening of incredible music. Holly Monet's soulful vocals and the band's unique musicianship always hit the spot.
Our bar cart will be open with small bites and craft drinks - the perfect way to unwind midweek with great music and farm vibes.
Date: Wednesday's September-October
Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery, 4410 N Lincoln Ave, Champaign, IL
Admission: FREE
Goat Hikes
Goat Hikes are led by our seasoned volunteers and knowledgeable staff. We'll explore the Eastern portion of our farm along the pasture and pond with plenty of scenic stops for photos. There is also an opportunity for everyone's favorite part of the hike... the running of the goats!
Event Details:
Tuesday's at 5:30pm
Saturday's at 9am
Location: Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery, 4410 N Lincoln Ave, Champaign, IL
Admission: Tickets can be purchased HERE
Weekly farm tours!
Join us every Friday at 3:00 PM for a behind-the-scenes tour of Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery—a working, regenerative dairy farm in the heart of the prairie.
Event Details:
- $10 per person
- 60-minute tour including cheese sampling
-Tours check in at the red barn
Tickets can be purchased here. Walk-ups are welcome based on space
Now accepting requests for private group tours throughout 2025-2026:
- $10 per person
- 60-minute tour including cheese sampling
- Groups of 10-25 people (larger groups by special request)
- Special rates for local K-12 schools and UIUC VetMed groups
Fill out our interest form here or email office@prairiefruitsfarm.com
Find Us at a Local Farmers' Market & Grocery
Summer is winding down with only 5 Saturdays left of the outdoor market season!
Chevre Flavor of the week is Tomato!
You can find us at the following Farmer Markets:
Every Tuesday till October
Downtown Champaign Plaza
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
The market is every Saturday, May- October.
Grossinger Motors Arena
7:30 AM - 12:00 PM
The market is every Saturday, May- October.
Lincoln Square Mall, Urbana
Saturdays 7:00 AM - 12 PM
The market is every Saturday & Wednesday, May- October.
Downtown Springfield
Wednesdays & Saturdays 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Find Our Cheese at These Retailers
Our award-winning cheeses are available at these fine retailers:
Martinelli's Market (Champaign)
Martinelli's Market (Bloomington)
Pekara Bakery and Bistro (Champaign)
Common Ground Food Coop (Urbana)
Harvest Market (Champaign)
Green Top Grocery (Bloomington)
Fresh Thyme Farmers Market (St Louis and Chicago Locations)
Prairie Food Co-op (Lombard, IL)
Rosewood Farms (Sugar Grove, IL)
Wild Onion Market (Chicago, serving the Rogers Park/West Ridge/Evanston and surrounding areas)
For wholesale inquiries, contact Christina at office@prairiefruitsfarm.com
Prairie Fruits Farm & Caprae Restaurant
Whether celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a casual evening out, Caprae welcomes you with our blend of farm-to-table cuisine and warm hospitality. Our cozy dining room and friendly staff create the perfect atmosphere for any gathering.
Hours & Service
Tuesday-Friday: 4-9 PM Dinner
Saturday: 9 AM-4 PM Brunch
4 PM-9 PM Dinner
Sunday: 9 AM-2 PM Brunch
(Bar open until 4 PM) Farm open till 4 PM
Bar service includes craft drinks, cheese plates, and gelato
Seating Options
Indoor dining room Outdoor patio (weather permitting)
Reservations are appreciated but not required - book through Tock.
Follow us on social media for specials and updates!
*During all open hours, guests can explore our marked trails, visit the goats, and enjoy meals or beverages in our pavilion or on the lawns. Our staff is always happy to chat about our farm, goats, and cheese-making process.
*Please note: No outside food or pets are allowed. All activities are weather-permitting.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at farm life during the seasons.
