3 Rivers Farm of Elsah
On average, 125,000 pounds of produce are harvested each year by only five sets of hands!
While at the farm, we learned how to harvest beets and sweet potatoes.
IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN TO THEIR FARMSTAND IN ELSAH - YOU MUST GO! It is one of the most picturesque stores in Jersey County. They offer many varieties of produce as well as other items sourced from local producers like milk, apple butter, Marcoot Dairy Cheese, meat, sourdough and so much more packed into their quaint storefront.
Amy Cloud and her husband Jose are in their 18th season as the owners of this beautifully charming organic farm. It’s a meant to be kind of love story with these two meeting on a farm in Rockford, IL.
Amy spoke to the students and gave a tour of the farm. She has worked on farms in Michigan as well as the north east. Her knowledge is vast whether talking about farm equipment, soil quality, ideal weather conditions, planting, harvesting - she knows what she is doing and you can tell she is truly passionate about it. We learned about vegetables that we didn’t even know existed.
She gave us some of their famous carrots; we have never had any carrot like this! The crunch is perfect. They also had yellow watermelon available this summer that was delicious.
They are especially famous for their plant sale that takes place every spring.
The CSA (community supported agriculture) aspect of their business model is crucial to the financial side of the business as well as the relational side. They love getting to know their CSA members and being their personal farmers.
“We would love to be your farmers and grow a meaningful relationship between us, our farm and your family.”
Thank you for welcoming us so graciously on your farm!
“This business was fantastic. I loved getting to pick the sweet potatoes!” - Ian Lohr
07Oct