Our Farmers’ Regenerative Growing Practices
The Farms of Illinois is committed to sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices. We believe in providing our local community with the highest-quality food, grown and raised with integrity. To ensure that all of the meat and produce we sell is the best quality, we have an extensive process to vet every farmer in our network to make sure they follow the same regenerative farming practices.
No matter if you’re used to getting your chicken from Abundant Pastures or your vegetables from Bland Family Farm, each farmer is dedicated to the same sustainable process to produce the best products. Keep reading to learn more about the standards our farmers uphold to ensure that every product we sell meets the highest expectations for nutrition, flavor, animal welfare, and environmental stewardship.
Chemical-Free Produce
Our farms do not use herbicides or pesticides. Instead, we rely on nature’s wisdom and regenerative techniques to nurture the soil and grow healthy, nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables. We prioritize the use of natural compost to fertilize our crops, enriching the soil with organic matter and essential nutrients. This creates a healthy, biodiverse ecosystem that supports the crops’ growth without depleting the land.
To manage weeds, we use mulching techniques that suppress their growth while also conserving soil moisture. By minimizing soil disturbance, we promote the health of our soil—a vital resource for producing high-quality food. Healthy soil is the foundation of a successful farm, as it leads to stronger plants, more nutrient-dense produce, and a resilient ecosystem. At The Farms of Illinois, our farmers believe that nurturing the soil is key to creating a sustainable future for agriculture and ensuring that our produce is as nutritious as possible.
Pasture-Raised Chickens
Our farmers’ chickens are raised on open pastures and fed a non-GMO grain diet. This pasture-based approach allows the birds to roam freely, engaging in natural behaviors such as pecking, scratching, and foraging. Raising chickens in this way not only ensures a more humane and sustainable farming method but also improves the quality of the eggs and meat they produce.
The eggs from our pasture-raised chickens have deep, dark yolks, which are rich in vitamins and nutrients—a direct result of the chickens’ healthy diet and natural lifestyle. In addition, the meat from our chickens is more flavorful and has a better texture than conventionally raised poultry. This superior quality is a reflection of our commitment to animal welfare and sustainable farming.
Pasture- and Forest-Raised Pork
Our farmers’ pigs are either pasture-raised or forest-raised and fed a non-GMO diet. Raising pigs in environments that mimic their natural habitats allows them to engage in natural foraging behaviors, promoting their overall health and well-being. This method of raising pork not only benefits the pigs but also enhances the quality of the meat, making it more flavorful and nutritious.
Our humane and sustainable farming approach ensures that the pigs have a high quality of life while also contributing to the health of the land. By allowing them to roam and forage naturally, we maintain a farming system that prioritizes animal welfare and environmental sustainability. The result is pork that you can feel good about eating, knowing it comes from a farm that cares for its animals and the land.
Grass-Fed and Grass or Grain-Finished Beef
Our cattle graze on chemical-free pastures, where they are either grass-fed and grass-finished, or grass-fed and non-GMO grain-finished. We never use hormones or antibiotics, ensuring that the beef we produce is as natural as possible. While grass-fed and grass-finished beef takes longer to produce than conventionally raised beef, the result is a product that is superior in taste and nutrient content.
By allowing our cows to roam freely and graze on pasture, we create a stress-free environment that promotes their health and well-being. Grass-fed beef is rich in essential nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their health benefits. Our commitment to animal welfare and high-quality food production means that you can trust the beef and dairy products from our farms to be nutritious, flavorful, and responsibly raised.
Transparency in Our Growing Practices
At The Farms of Illinois, we believe in complete transparency when it comes to how our farmers’ food is grown and raised. All the farms in our network adhere to the same rigorous certifications, standards, licenses, and inspections as larger grocery stores. Our customers can trust that the food they purchase from us is produced with care and attention to quality and safety.
We’re dedicated to providing our customers with knowledge about where their food comes from. When you buy from The Farms of Illinois, you’re not just purchasing food—you’re supporting local farmers who are committed to ethical, sustainable, and regenerative practices. Our products are grown and raised with the highest standards of care, and we’re proud to share our methods with you. Contact us with any questions about our regenerative growing practices you have.
Our Commitment to a Sustainable Future
At The Farms of Illinois, we believe that our regenerative growing practices are essential to creating a sustainable future for agriculture. From chemical-free produce and pasture-raised chickens to grass-fed beef and dairy, we are dedicated to producing food that benefits not only the health of our customers but also the health of our environment. Our farmers are united in their mission to cultivate high-quality, nutrient-dense foods that you can feel good about feeding to your family.
By supporting The Farms of Illinois, you’re not just getting great food—you’re helping to create a better future for our farms, our community, and our planet.