Holiday Spirit & Gratitude: Farm Updates for the Season
- Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery
- Nov 19
- 5 min read
November 19th, 2025
The holiday season arrived faster than we expected, and our farm team has been working with the energy of Santa's elves to prepare for the weeks ahead. From winter field prep to breeding season milestones, November has been a month of transition and anticipation at Prairie Fruits Farm.
Around the Farm
Our landscape is settling into its winter rhythm. The farm team has harvested the final crops, tucked spring-blooming tulip and garlic bulbs into the earth, and begun preparing the land for its cold-weather rest. If you visit soon, peek at the East Garden along the grape vines—there's a new installation taking shape that we'll share more about in the coming weeks.
This month we bid farewell to our sunflower maze, which brought us tremendous joy throughout the season: those towering golden blooms, the exceptional honey our bees produced, the delightfully creepy haunted maze in October, and the wildlife it attracted. We're now transitioning those 10 acres into restored prairie—a decision that deepens our commitment to supporting native ecosystems and biodiversity.
Dairy & Breeding Season
Our dairy team has been focused entirely on breeding season and winter preparations. The numbers tell an encouraging story:
29 of 94 does confirmed pregnant
56 of 64 does bred and awaiting ultrasound confirmation
Only 9 does remaining to be bred this season
Second ultrasound round scheduled for December 11th
We've also reduced to once-daily milking as we gradually dry off the herd in preparation for winter rest and spring kidding.
Exceptional Fall Cheese
The creamery is producing some of the most exceptional cheese of the year right now. As our founder, Leslie Cooperband explained in a 2022 blog post about fall milk:
"Fall milk is unique. As the goats enter into late lactation and breeding, their milk volume goes down, but their milk solids (butterfat and protein) go up. The milk becomes richer and the cheese yield surges... The higher solids result in a denser, creamier chèvre. The flavor becomes less tangy and more 'milky.' The bloomy rind cheeses retain more moisture and ripen faster. Like fall itself, the milk embodies change."
This seasonal transformation creates cheeses with remarkable depth and creaminess—a perfect expression of this transitional time of year.
At Caprae Restaurant
Chef Garron's fall menu has been exceptionally well-received. The mushroom risotto paired with Ercole Bianco has become my personal favorite, showcasing the earthy richness of the season.
Friendsgiving at the Farm | November 19-23
Before the holiday rush begins, gather around our table for an intimate celebration. Chef Garron has crafted a four-course seasonal menu:
Shaved Brussels salad
Roasted acorn squash
Whole roasted chicken for your table
Maple pumpkin pot de crème
When: Wednesday–Saturday, November 19-23
Price: $60 per person
Details: Wine specials available all week, candlelit setting
Tables are filling quickly—reserve your spot for an evening of exceptional food and warm company.
Post-Thanksgiving Boozy Brunch | November 29-30
Need a respite from Black Friday chaos or family obligations? Join us for a special brunch featuring Silvertree Spirits from Paxton. We're setting up a fully loaded Bloody Mary bar with creative toppings, plus holiday-flavored mimosas. Consider it your well-deserved escape.
We'll also transform Caprae into a winter wonderland that weekend, officially launching Christmas on the farm. Make your Brunch Reservations now!
A Moment of Gratitude
As we move deeper into the holiday season, we want to pause and express our sincere appreciation. Thank you for following our journey—for dining at Caprae, for purchasing our cheese at the farmers market, for attending our events, and for sharing our story with friends and neighbors.
You are the heart of what makes this community vibrant. Your support allows us to continue stewarding this land, caring for our animals, and creating exceptional food.
With gratitude,
The Prairie Fruits Farm Team
Upcoming Events
Makers Tour 2025 | November 21-23
We're thrilled to participate in this year's Makers Tour alongside Sleepy Creek Vineyards, Treehive, Big Thorn Farm & Brewery, and Mad Goat Coffee.
How it works: Visit all 5 locations, spend $5 at each, complete your registration form, and you're entered to win a grand prize package valued at over $400.
Our hours: Thursday–Friday 4-9pm | Saturday 9am-9pm
Holiday Market Schedule
Farm Store: Open regular hours this week for cheese purchases.
Closed November 26-27
Saturday, November 22:
Bloomington Farmers Market at Grossinger Arena (9am-12pm)
Springfield Indoor Farmers Market at Union Station (8am-12pm)
Urbana Market at the Square (8am-12pm)
Martinelli's Pre-Order Sampling: Saturday, November 22, 10am-2pm (perfect for your charcuterie board needs)
Taco Tuesday + Wreath Making: November 25, 6pm workshop with Delight Flower Farm (tickets here)
Riggs German Christmas Market: December 12-14
Thanksgiving Hours: Closed November 26-27 | Regular hours resume November 28
Looking Ahead
Holiday Goat Photo Booth Returns | December 13-14
After the success of our Halloween goat costumes, we're bringing back the Holiday photo booth—this time with Santa and elf outfits. Perfect for holiday cards or simply when you need to smile. Open 11am-1pm both days, $5 per sitting.
Chef Garron's Winter Menu | Launching December 3rd
The menu is still under wraps, but we're eagerly anticipating what Chef Garron has crafted for the season.
New Year's Eve Celebration | December 31st
Caprae is planning a special prix fixe menu to close out 2025. More details coming soon.
Farm Tours
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 in the indoor market season till April! This week's Chevre flavor is Mushroom and Sage. Little Bloom, Angel Food, Feta, Arch Angel, Moonglo and Blushing Goat are available.
You can find us at the following Farmer Markets:
The market is Third Saturday, November 22nd & December 20th.
Grossinger Motors Arena
9 AM - 12:00 PM
CU Indoor Farmers Market
The market is every Saturday, November - April.
Lincoln Square Mall, Urbana
Saturdays 8 AM - 12 PM
Hours: The market is Third Saturday, November 22nd & December 20th.
Location: At the Union Station, Springfield
Can't make a farmers Market? We got you covered!
Find Our Cheese at These Retailers
Our award-winning cheeses are available at these fine retailers:
Martinelli's Market (Champaign)
Martinelli's Market (Bloomington)
Salt Fork Food Works Springfield Food Hub
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
Thanksgiving Hours: Closed November 26-27 | Regular hours resume November 28
Seating Options
Indoor dining room and 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.
