Community Support and Herd Health
- Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery
- Sep 29
- 7 min read
September 30th, 2025
This has been a week of meaningful connections at Prairie Fruits Farm—from the incredible community response to our Kickstarter campaign, to partnering with future veterinarians for essential herd health work, to launching a new food hub in Springfield. Each of these efforts strengthens the web of relationships that sustains local agriculture.
Kickstarter Update: We're Off to a Strong Start!
In just one week, we've reached 30% of our funding goal—we're ahead of pace! What makes this even more meaningful is that our support is coming directly from you, our local community. This truly is a community project.
The timing couldn't be better to share progress on the ground: the concrete has been poured and polished in our new visitor center! You can now walk into the space and really envision what it will become—a welcoming hub for workshops, farm products, and gathering.
Here's what we need: 83 more supporters like our first 30 backers to reach our goal. Every contribution, whether large or small, brings us closer to creating a space where neighbors, visitors, and future farmers can come together to learn, taste, and carry forward the traditions of sustainable agriculture.
Visit our Kickstarter campaign to be part of this community effort!
Working with Future Veterinarians
Last week brought one of our favorite annual collaborations: partnering with University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine students for our fall blood testing. Before breeding season begins, we test our entire herd for Johne's disease—an important biosecurity measure that keeps our goats healthy and our operation sound.
The students got hands-on experience drawing blood samples from our goats, learning proper handling techniques and disease prevention protocols. It's always rewarding to work with these future veterinarians, watching them develop confidence and skill while our goats (mostly) cooperate with the process!
This partnership exemplifies what makes our location so special. Having a world-class veterinary program nearby means access to cutting-edge care for our herd while providing invaluable real-world learning opportunities for students. It's the kind of win-win relationship that strengthens both agricultural education and animal welfare.
New Food Hub Opening in Springfield!
We're thrilled to announce the opening of Salt Fork Food Works Food Hub this Saturday, October 4th! Located at 308 E Adams Street in Springfield, this year-round hub brings together the best of our regional food community in one convenient location.
Salt Fork Food Works operates food hubs at both the Downtown Bloomington Farmers Market and the Old Capitol Farmers Market in Downtown Springfield. What makes these hubs special? They're open every Saturday morning, year-round—even when the markets close for the season. The Springfield location also opens on Wednesdays, giving you twice-weekly access to local food.
At the Springfield hub, we're partnering with Bland Family Farms from Jacksonville. Clint and Marcella Bland have been operating their certified organic farm since 2016, and you'll find their high-quality meat, eggs, and produce alongside Central Illinois Bakehouse artisan breads and pastries (including our famous croughnuts!), our award-winning Prairie Fruits cheese, and other Illinois-made products.
The hub also functions as a logistical hub for wholesale orders to restaurants, retailers, and institutions, and operates in partnership with The Farms of Illinois to expand access to fresh, regional food across central Illinois.
Hours: Wednesdays and Saturday mornings, 7 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: 308 E Adams Street, Springfield (conveniently located near the Old Capitol Farmers Market)
Stop by as we develop this new space and bring the farm-to-table experience to the Springfield community!
Note: Our Bloomington hub currently operates as Martinelli's Market – Bloomington and will transition to the Salt Fork Food Works Food Hub name by year's end.
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
Fall Celebration: Raclette Dinner - October 18th
Join us for an intimate evening celebrating raclette, the legendary Alpine cheese that has brought people together for centuries. We're honored to welcome cheesemaker Nik Basford from Leelanau Cheese Co. in Sutton Bay, Michigan, for this special collaboration dinner.
Chef Garron has crafted a multi-course menu showcasing raclette alongside vegetables, herbs, and fruits from our farm and neighboring producers. This dinner continues our tradition since 2008 of creating slow-food meals that highlight the best of Midwest agriculture.
About Raclette
Raclette is a semi-soft, washed-rind cow's milk cheese with exceptional melting characteristics. The name comes from the French "racler," meaning "to scrape"—traditionally, Alpine shepherds would melt it by evening fires and scrape the molten cheese over hot potatoes. This humble sustenance cheese has evolved into the perfect centerpiece for communal dining.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, October 18th
Seating Times: 4:30 PM | 6:30 PM | 8:30 PM
Price: $65 per person (18% service charge added)
Menu: Bread service with artisan cheeses and pickles, farmstead salad, entrée with pasture-raised meats and roasted vegetables, baked apples, and as many "scrapes" of melty raclette as you'd like!
Bar: Wine, craft cocktails, and beer available for purchase
This is a pre-fixed menu with no substitutions available. Reserve your seat on Tock for an evening of exceptional cheese and timeless Alpine tradition.
Don't forget—the next day brings our family-friendly Fall Farm Fest on Sunday with costumed goats, vendors, cider, and raclette sandwiches!
From supporting our building project to expanding access to local food through the Springfield food hub, everything we do at Prairie Fruits Farm connects back to strengthening the relationships between farmers, food, and community. Thank you for being part of this journey—whether you're backing our Kickstarter, visiting the new food hub, or joining us for dinner at Caprae.
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.
Volunteer Friday!
The first Friday of the month, we have our volunteer orientation at 4:30 pm and followed by a Volunteer Happy Hour at 5:30 pm. Interested in learning more... sign up for orientation here
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
We are excited to be opening Salt Fork Food Works Food Hub in Springfield this Saturday!
Chevre Flavor of the week is Apple!
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.
