January may be cold outside, but the farm is warming up with exciting news and activities! From national recognition of our cheese to preparations for our busiest season of the year, there's so much happening in our little corner of the prairie. Between special events at Caprae, big updates in the creamery, and tiny hooves on the horizon, you won't want to miss what's coming up at Prairie Fruits Farm!
National Recognition!
We're thrilled to share some exciting news - our Little Bloom on the Prairie has been named one of Culture Magazine: The Word on Cheese's 60 Cheeses of the World! A huge congratulations to our head cheese maker, Kato Lindholm, for this well-deserved recognition.
We Can't wait to share more of this award-winning cheese when it returns this spring after kidding season!
Creamery News
Big changes are coming to our creamery next month! We're giving it some much-needed TLC with floor refinishing, wall updates, and the installation of a new chiller. These improvements will help us continue crafting the cheeses you love while making our workspace even better.
We're planning ahead for this temporary closure - our team is working hard to build up inventory so we can continue fulfilling cheese orders throughout February. You'll still be able to find your favorite cheeses at local markets and our retail partners. While this means we'll be working with limited production capabilities, we're committed to keeping your cheese boards stocked!
Caprae Happenings
It's a busy month at Caprae! We kick off CU Restaurant Week (January 24-February 1) tomorrow, where Chef Garron Sanchez is showcasing a special four-course menu. This special menu is available during our dinner service, Wednesday through Saturday from 4 PM to 9 PM. Grab your tickets on Tock while you can!
Champaign-Urbana Restaurant Week (January 24–February 1)
Join us for an exceptional four-course journey:
Amuse: Mushroom Toast featuring:
Thyme Biscuit base
Prairie Fruits Chèvre
Luna's Farm Oyster mushrooms
Frisée & Red Onion
Fines Herbs
First Course: Blackened Shrimp Salad with:
Toasted Sunflower Seeds
Shaved Jalapeño
Sola Gratia Farm Radishes
Grated Prairie Fruits Chèvre Truffle
Pecorino Romano
Green Goddess Dressing
Main Course: Our signature Braised Short Rib:
Janie's Mill Polenta
Prairie Fruits Chèvre
Crispy Shallot Rings
Madhouse dark malt vinegar
Dessert: Chocolate Semifreddo:
Ginger shortbread
Beetroot crumble
Beet gelée
Orange chèvre crème anglaise
$63 for four courses $43 optional drink pairing
Reservations available on Tock for Wednesday-Saturday, 4-9 PM
Valentine's Celebrations
Join us for our first Valentine's Week celebration February 12-15th featuring a romantic four-course menu:
First Course (Choice of):
Blue Point Oysters with prosecco mignonette
Prairie Fruits Farm Cheese Flight
Second Course (Choice of):
Delicata Squash
BBQ Carrots
Hokkaido Scallop with blood orange, alpine radish, ponzu, yuzu kosho
Main Course (Choice of):
Braised Short Rib
Salt-Roasted Trout with eva potatoes, buttermilk, herb oil, trout roe
Ash-Roasted Sweet Potato featuring smoked yogurt, sumac onion, herb salad, and brown butter black walnuts
Dessert (Choice of):
Chocolate Semifreddo
Pot de Creme
Make your reservations on Tock for this special menu and join us for a memorable Valentine's celebration!
Caprae at Prairie Fruits Farm Hours
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: 11 AM-4 PM Lunch 4 PM-9 PM Dinner
Sunday: 9 AM-2 PM Brunch (Bar open until 4 PM)
Bar service includes craft drinks, cheese plates, and gelato
Casual service: Check in with the bartender upon arrival
Seating Options
Indoor dining room
Outdoor patio (weather permitting)
Reservations are appreciated but not required - book through Tock.
Note: Goat visiting temporarily paused to ensure our does get proper rest before birthing
Follow us on social media for specials and updates!
Find Us at Local Farmers' Markets
You can find us throughout the winter:
Champaign-Urbana Winter Farmers Market
Every Saturday through April (Break Dec 28th & Jan 4th)
Lincoln Square Mall
Hosted by The Land Connection
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Bloomington Indoor Farmers Market
Market is every third Saturday November to April. Next market is Saturday, January 18th
Grossinger Motors Arena
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Martinelli's Market-Bloomington: Saturdays 7:30 AM - 12 PM, 212 N Center St
Special orders available through store staff or office@prairiefruitsfarm.com
Kidding Season Update: Overwhelming Community Support!
What incredible news to share! After posting our call for kidding season volunteers, the response from our community was absolutely amazing - all 150 volunteer slots were filled in record time! We are touched and humbled by your enthusiasm to be part of our farm family during this special season.
Rose, our dairy manager, has been busy preparing for our upcoming arrivals, recently moving the bucks to the South Farm and getting the kidding barns ready. While our volunteer program has reached capacity (our small but mighty staff can only train so many helpers!), there are still plenty of ways to meet our spring kids:
Coming Soon:
Dote on the Does Event February 8-9th 11am -12pm: Tickets found on Tock
Babies & Brunch events starting in April
Daily kid updates on our social media
To everyone who secured a volunteer spot - we can't wait to work with you! And to those we couldn't accommodate this time - thank you for your interest and understanding. We promise to share more opportunities as the season progresses.
Still want to help?
Donation Drive
Help us prepare for our newest arrivals! We're collecting:
Clean towels
Newspapers
Drop-off locations:
Caprae at the farm
Pekara Bistro (811 W Springfield Ave, Champaign)
Martinelli's Market (500 N Walnut, Champaign)
Questions about donations and volunteering? Email Rose@prairiefruitsfarm.com
Keep following our journey as we prepare to welcome our newest farm additions!
Note: Goat visiting temporarily paused to ensure our does get proper rest before birthing
Spring Kid Reservations Now Open!
Since 2004, we've been dedicated to raising exceptional dairy goats with a focus on quality, health, and sustainable practices. Our herd carries the prestigious "Animal Welfare Approved" certification (since 2010), reflecting our commitment to superior pasture-based livestock practices.
What Sets Our Goats Apart
Focus on soundness, conformation, and high milk components
Strong show record at county and state fairs
Perfect for both dairy operations and Boer goat crossbreeding
Proven success with farmers and 4-H youth across multiple states
Health & Registration
American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA) registered
Annual negative testing for CAE, CL, and Johne's since 2005
Complete milk records through AgSource DHI (2007-present)
Full documentation provided for registration
For Buyers
Bill of Sale and tattoo information provided
Crossbreeds eligible for "Experimental Grade" ADGA registration
Individual milk records available on ADGA website
Support available throughout the purchase process
Interested in adding quality genetics to your herd? Contact us at Rose@prairiefruitsfarm.com to learn more about our 2025 kids or reserve your goat here!
Farm Stays
Our cozy log home is now available for overnight stays! Immerse yourself in farm life, enjoy our artisan cheeses, and experience farm-to-table cuisine. Book your stay for a unique getaway! Book your farm stay through Airbnb or our Website
A Special Note
For those who love great writing and farm stories, we're excited to share that our friend, founder, and previous owner of Prairie Fruits Farm, Leslie Cooperband has started a new Substack blog! Her inspiring and compelling writing continues to share the magic of farm life. Subscribe HERE to follow along.
*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.