Prairierth Farm

2047 2100 Road
Atlanta, IL 61723

Dave and Amy Bishop have been farming their 300-acre farm for about 25 years. Located in the center of Illinois about 160 miles from downtown Chicago, the Bishops operate a diversified farm and raise a bit of about everything.

Dave and Amy’s three children–Hans, 20, Kristin, 12, and Graham, 3–share the work by helping with chores and production. Amy pitches in on production, too, as well as keeping things rolling on the back end with marketing and bookkeeping. Resident dogs Sassy and Itchy round out the Bishop crew, and are, as on many farms, joined by a host of cats.

Prairierth crops include corn, soybeans, oats, alfalfa and grass hay, and a large assortment of vegetables. They also have 25 pasture-raised beef cattle and about 750 chickens each summer for meat and eggs. One unique feature of Prairierth Farm is its small native prairie. The family harvests limited amounts of native plant seed and donates much of it to local school projects.

Why is growing organic a priority for your family?
Having farmed conventionally, I’ve seen firsthand the detrimental effects on the soil, and to the farm and rural communities.

What is your favorite part of being an organic farmer?
Working with the land and the special relationships we’ve developed with our customers.

Why should people buy organic products instead of other options?
Obviously for health and food safety reasons, but also to support your local community and local economy.

What makes your farm special?
The special relationships that develop between the land and those who live on it and work with it. The sense of family that includes us and all the other living things around us.

Where can consumers get your products?
Our products can be bought right at the farm and at natural food stores in Bloomington, Champaign, Springfield, and Arthur, Illinois.

For more information about Prairierth Farm, call the Bishops at (217) 648-2164 or send an email to prairiewriter@abelink.com.