Knutson's Country Harvest

13550 Townhouse Rd.
Newark, IL 60541

Dennis and Karen Knutson started Knutson’s Country Harvest in 1996 with only a couple of apple and peach trees.  They quickly grew the company into a 33-acre farm that includes raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and much more.  Their three sons Nathan, Noah, and Neal all help on the farm doing various tasks from mowing the lawn to giving their parents new and fresh business ideas.  The Knutsons also have a retail store in Newark, IL for their U-Pick orchard.

How long has your family been farming this land?
My wife Karen and I started Knutson’s Country Harvest with the planting of the first apple and peach trees in 1996, and opened for pick-your-own in 2001.  Every year we add more things.  Over the years we have added red and black raspberries, a 15,00 plant hydroponic strawberry system, blackberries, blueberries, and much more.

What is your growing philosophy?
We strive to provide our customers the healthiest, best tasting fruit.

What is your favorite part of being a farmer?
Our favorite part of this is talking with customers that come out.  Seeing the kids faces that have never picked their own fruit off the tree or bush.

What is your least favorite part?
Having to prioritize between this and having a full time job.

What makes your farm special?
Our 15,000 plant hydroponic system we use for U-Pick strawberries, as well as many different vegetables.  This allows for picking strawberries that are much cleaner without bending or kneeling.  Also, it is the diversification of the customer that come out from Chicago and all the surrounding suburbs.

For more information about Knutson’s Country Harvest, visit their website, call 815.695.5905 or email them.