The first snow has arrived, bringing with it cold winds and the reminder that winter is just around the corner. Despite the chill, the farm is bustling with activity as we prepare for both the immediate holiday season and the promise of spring kidding.
Winter Preparations
Our beloved John Deere 4020 tractor received some much-needed TLC this week:
Complete hose inspection
Winter tune-up
General maintenance. These preparations are crucial as we have big plans for our trusty 4020 come spring!
University Partnership in Action
This week brought one of our favorite collaborations: a visit from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. We're incredibly fortunate to have this world-class veterinary program just minutes from our farm. These visits provide invaluable hands-on experience for veterinary students while ensuring the best care for our does through pregnancy confirmation sonograms.
The relationship we've built with U of I Vet Med over the years exemplifies the power of local partnerships. Their students gain real-world experience with dairy goats, while we benefit from access to cutting-edge veterinary care and expertise. It's particularly meaningful to watch the next generation of veterinarians develop their skills right here on our farm.
Spring 2025 Kidding Season
Thanks to the careful monitoring by our veterinary partners, we're excited to announce that kids will be arriving in early March! The 150-day journey to kidding season has begun, and we're already preparing for the spring excitement.
Want to be Part of Kidding Season?
Reserve a Kid: Now accepting deposits for spring kids! Visit our website to secure yours.
Volunteer Opportunities:
New volunteer portal now open HERE
Detailed schedule coming in January
Perfect for hands-on farm experience
Newspaper Collection: Start saving those papers! We need plenty for kidding season.
Thanksgiving Week Schedule
Holiday Closure: Monday, November 25 - Friday, November 29
Reopening: Saturday, November 30th, 11 AM - 9 PM
Post-Thanksgiving Activities
Need a break from leftover turkey? Join us on Saturday, November 30th for:
Morning Goat Hike: 11 AM (Reserve your tickets early!)
Visit our Goats: Visit our friendly herd!
Relaxed Dining: Full menu at Caprae
Fresh Air & Fun: Perfect family outing after the holiday
Visit Our Farm!
Last Call: Visit Caprae this weekend for soul-warming food and relaxing drinks!Â
Fall & Winter Hours (Closed the week of Nov 25-29)
Tuesday-Friday: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday: Closed
What to Enjoy During Your Visit
Visit with our contented goats
Explore our nature trails
Dine at Caprae
Sample our award-winning cheeses
Saturday Goat Hikes at 11 AM (weather permitting)
Warm Up at Caprae
Stop by this weekend for:
Seasonal craft cocktails
Chef-prepared farm-to-table meals
Fresh pastries and coffee
Local cheese plates
Current Dining Options (Closed the week of Nov 25-29)
Tuesday: Taco Night (walk-ins welcome)
Wednesday-Saturday: Dinner Service 4-9 PM
Saturday Lunch: 11 AM - 4 PM
Sunday Brunch: 9 AM - 2 PM (Bar open until 4 PM)
Reservations are recommended but not required. Book through Tock or try your luck as a walk-in!
NEW! Chef's Tasting Menu
Experience the best of the season through our new four-course tasting menu, available Wednesday through Saturday evenings. Make reservations through Tock or try your luck as a walk-in. Please note that all guests at the table must participate in the tasting menu experience.
Good to Know
- New Fall menu launched November 6th
- Reservations available on Tock
- Indoor and outdoor seating (weather permitting)
- Casual service style—check in with the bartender upon arrival
- Bar offerings include cheese plates, gelato, and craft beverages
- Sunday kitchen closes at 2 PM, but the bar remains open until 4 PM for drinks, gelato & cheese purchases
Follow us on social media for daily specials and updates! While reservations aren't required, they're recommended as we occasionally close for private events.
From Our Creamery: Holiday Cheese Guide
Award-Winning Selections Available Now
Fresh Chèvre
Angel Food
Little Bloom
Plus our seasonal specialties!
Holiday Shipping Now Available!
Can't make it to the markets or farm? Let us bring our cheese to you!
Shipping Schedule
Orders ship every Wednesday
Delivery within 1-2 days (depending on location)
Carefully packed to ensure perfect arrival
Click here to visit our online shop
Perfect for Holiday Entertaining
Cheese board essentials
Party platters
Gift packages
Corporate gifts
Host/Hostess presents
Ordering Tips
Order early for best selection
Place orders by Tuesday for Wednesday shipping
Gift messaging available
Bulk orders welcome
Ways to Get Our Cheese
Visit the Farm: During regular business hours
Farmers Markets: Regular markets and special Mistletoe Markets
Online Shopping: Direct shipping to your door
Wholesale Orders: For business customers
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Find Us at Local Farmers' Markets
As we bid farewell to the 2024 outdoor market season at both Urbana and Bloomington, we want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported us and our fellow local vendors. It's been a wonderful season!
But don't worry—we're not going far! You can still find us throughout the winter:
Champaign-Urbana Winter Farmers Market
Every Saturday through April
Lincoln Square Mall
Hosted by The Land Connection
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Special Bloomington Thanksgiving Holiday Market
Saturday, November 23rd (The Saturday before Thanksgiving)
Bloomington Center for Performing Arts
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Join us for these festive shopping experiences where you'll find a selection of award-winning cheeses, perfect for holiday entertaining and gifting! Special partnership with Central Illinois Bakehouse!
At The Orpheum, Downtown Champaign
Saturday, November 23rd: 10 AM - 5 PM
Saturday, November 30th: 10 AM - 5 PM
At Lincoln Mall, Downtown Urbana
Saturday, December 7th: 10 AM - 5 PM
Saturday, December 14th: 10 AM - 5 PM
While you're at our stand, don't forget to check out our farm merchandise. It's a great way to take a piece of Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery home with you.
This Week's Farm Share: Thanksgiving Entertaining
Create the perfect holiday cheese board with this week's curated selection:
Spiced Fig Chèvre
Underground Meats Salami
Central Illinois Bakehouse Focaccia Round
Pickup Options
Urbana Farmers Market: Saturday, 8 AM - 12 PM
Caprae at the Farm:
Saturday: 1 PM - 9 PM
Sunday: 9 AM - 4 PM
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
From Our Farm to Your Table
As the snow falls and the winds blow across the prairie, we're grateful for our farm community and the changing seasons that guide our work. From our little corner of the prairie to yours, we wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration!
*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 this transitional season.