The Family Patch

The Family Patch is a five acre farm in Sheridan, Illinois that David and Lurelda Smith have been nurturing for two years along with two other families.  The farm raises a wide variety of vegetable and herbs and an assortment of fruits.  Although the farm is not certified at this time, the farmers of The Family Patch use organic practices in growing their produce.  

David and Lurelda grow for a local market in Ottawa, Illinois and have a CSA with delivery locations in Sugar Grove, Northbrook, Ravenswood (Chicago), Oak Brook and Oak Park, Illinois.  Some of the produce they grow includes apples, beans, beets, broccoli, cabbage, cantaloupe, carrots, cauliflower, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, honeydew melon, lettuce, peas, peppers, potatoes, pumpkins, spinach, summer squash, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, watermelon and winter squash.  The Family Patch is also planning to offer eggs for sale this year.

Why have you chosen to grow organic?
There are very few things you can control when it comes to your health.  We know our fruits and veggies are 100% healthy and it taste 100% better than produce at any store. Our produce is priced much more reasonably.

What’s your favorite part of being an organic farmer?
All of us are able to do what we love.  Yes it can be quite difficult at times, but it is all worth it especially when we taste our crops.  Our least favorite part is the paperwork and trying to deal with bus/pests without chemicals.

Why should people buy organic products instead of other options?
Taste, if no other reason.  We think people as a whole forget how good veggies and fruits can taste and look.  Health is, of course, an added benefit.  Fruits and vegetables are even better for your body when not coated with insecticides and pesticides.

What makes your farm special?
We are family owned and operated.  We currently all have other careers, but after our jobs and family life, we still put 100% into our farm – as a family.

Where do you want your business to be in the future?
We want to continue to do our local farmers market and increase the share in our CSA to up to 100 – all while looking out our kitchen window in the process!

Updated 4/5/2006