[Ann15]

I would like to start buying organic meat and poultry directly from a local farm because I am not really comfortable buying grocery store meat anymore. Does anyone know of a farm in the area that welcomes visitors so we can really see how the animals are treated? We will be checking out the meat vendors at the farmers' markets in the Tri-cities once they open, but it would be helpful to have some recommendations.<br><br>
Thanks in advance!

 

[mom0810]

LOL, did you just watch Food, Inc.? <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/winky.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Wink"><br><br>
Seriously, though, Farmer Nick at the Grayslake Farmer's Market (open NOW on Saturday mornings) has meat. Don't know about organic, but he raises it himself. He's got a Facebook page where you can learn more.<br><br>
Libertyville, Crystal Lake, and several other Farmer's Markets have meat. Also if you look up organic meat farmers in Illinois, you should be able to find some that you can order from. There's a beef farm in Woodstock or hebron that has organic beef... can't remember the name but they are always at the Woodstock Farmers Market. Sorry I am not more help with names, but hopefully this gives you some info as to where to get started. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">

 

[Ann15]

Thanks for the info! I haven't been able to bring myself to watch Food, Inc, but I've heard a lot about it. Also, after reading Michael Pollan's <i>In Defense of Food</i>, I'm trying to eat more mindfully and not be trying not to think about where my food is coming from, YKWIM?

 

[Tigeresse]

Here is a source for meat that delivers to Elgin 2x/month. <a href="http://familyfarmscooperative.com" target="_blank">http://familyfarmscooperative.com</a><br><br>
I have to second Farmer Nick as a great source for chicken, eggs and pork. I also get grass-fed beef from a farm in WI in bulk. We have to pick it up in Lake Geneva once a year. If you would like their contact info. you can PM me.

 

[mom0810]

Woodstock, IL Farmer's Market is open now on Saturdays and Tuesdays! There is a good beef farmer there, check it out! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">

 

[SamiPolizzi]

I just bought some beef at the Woodstock Farmer's Market last weekend. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile"><br><br>
There's also a year round farmers market in Geneva.

 

[mom0810]

Sami, did you eat it yet? How was it? I'm going tomorrow with my dog to socialize her. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">

 

[SamiPolizzi]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>mom0810</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/15383233"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">Sami, did you eat it yet? How was it? I'm going tomorrow with my dog to socialize her. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile"></div>
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I actually haven't yet. It's still in my freezer. I'll be there again tomorrow. A friend of mine lives on the square, so the farmer's market ends up being a good excuse to visit her. And I'm hoping to get some chicken! The people who sell it had already run out by the time I got there last week.

 

[mom0810]

Mmmmm... I'll be there with my puppy this morning! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">

 

[SamiPolizzi]

I'm planning on going around 10. If you see a little girl with a big baby on her back, that's me. Feel free to say hi!

 

[mom0810]

<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/orngbiggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="orange big grin"> I will. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile"> I'll be there with my two little boys and a very BIG Berger Picard puppy. (the dog from the Winn-Dixie movie) <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/love.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="love">

 

[LEAW]

we've had success with <a href="http://www.walnut4meat.com/id2.html" target="_blank">http://www.walnut4meat.com/id2.html</a> and <a href="http://www.wallacefarms.com/" target="_blank">http://www.wallacefarms.com/</a>