As January fades into memory, we're watching winter slowly loosen its grip on the farm. Each day brings precious minutes more daylight, treating us to spectacular prairie sunsets. While the farm may appear dormant, there's plenty of behind-the-scenes activity as we prepare for an exciting spring ahead!
This Weekend: Dote on the Does
Join us for a special pre-kidding season experience! Get up close with our expectant mothers:
Saturday & Sunday at 11 AM
45-60 minutes with the goats
Includes hot cocoa and cheese plate
Safety Note: This event is not recommended for small children. While our goats are well-handled, they are livestock animals and will behave as such. We prioritize the safety of both our animals and guests.
Caprae Happenings
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Restaurant Week! Your support made our first participation a wonderful success.
Love is in the air at the farm, and we're celebrating all week long! Chef Garron has crafted a special four-course menu that perfectly balances elegant and comforting flavors. Join us Wednesday through Saturday (February 14-17) for dinner service from 4-9 PM, where our cozy dining room provides the perfect setting for a romantic evening. Whether you're celebrating on Valentine's Day or making any evening special, we'd love to have you at our table. Reserve your special night on Tock while you can!
Special Dinner Menu (Wednesday-Saturday)
First Course (Choice of):
Blue Point Oysters with prosecco mignonette
Prairie Fruits Farm Cheese Flight
Second Course (Choice of):
Delicata Squash with piri piri sauce, PFF feta, cashew, maple
BBQ Carrots with buttermilk dressing, pistachio dukkah, dill
Hokkaido Scallop with blood orange, alpine radish, ponzu, yuzu kosho
Main Course (Choice of):
Braised Short Rib with creamy chèvre polenta, crispy shallot rings, MadHouse dark malt vinegar
Salt-Roasted Trout with eva potatoes, buttermilk, herb oil, trout roe
Ash-Roasted Sweet Potato with smoked yogurt, sumac onion, herb salad, brown butter black walnuts
Dessert (Choice of):
Semifreddo
Pot de Crème
Optional wine pairings and à la carte champagne available.
Valentine's Day reservations filling quickly - consider joining us another evening that week for the same special menu!
Sweet Endings: Valentine's Brunch (Sunday, February 18)
Cap off our week of romance with a special Sunday brunch! Join us from 9 AM - 2 PM for a cozy morning featuring indulgent specials. Whether you're extending your Valentine's celebration or just love a good brunch, Chef has prepared some delightful treats to make the day sweeter. From fresh oysters to decadent biscuits, our brunch offerings blend luxury with comfort for the perfect Sunday experience.
Sunday Valentine's Brunch Specials
Blue Point Oysters with prosecco mignonette
Bloody Mary oyster shooters
Blood orange mimosas
Biscuit 'n' Cream: housemade buttermilk biscuit, strawberry whip, mixed berries, orange chèvre crème anglaise
Make your reservations on Tock for this special menu and join us for a memorable Valentine's celebration!
Caprae at Prairie Fruits Farm Hours
Whether celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a casual evening out, Caprae welcomes you with our blend of farm-to-table cuisine and warm hospitality. Our cozy dining room and friendly staff create the perfect atmosphere for any gathering.
Hours & Service
Tuesday-Friday: 4-9 PM Dinner
Saturday: 11 AM-4 PM Lunch 4 PM-9 PM Dinner
Sunday: 9 AM-2 PM Brunch (Bar open until 4 PM)
Bar service includes craft drinks, cheese plates, and gelato
Casual service: Check in with the bartender upon arrival
Seating Options
Indoor dining room
Outdoor patio (weather permitting)
Reservations are appreciated but not required - book through Tock.
Note: Goat visiting temporarily paused to ensure our does get proper rest before birthing
Follow us on social media for specials and updates!
Find Us at Local Farmers' Markets
You can find us throughout the winter:
Champaign-Urbana Winter Farmers Market
Every Saturday through April (Break Dec 28th & Jan 4th)
Lincoln Square Mall
Hosted by The Land Connection
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Bloomington Indoor Farmers Market
Market is every third Saturday November to April. The next market is Saturday, February 15th (Note: we will not be at this market in February)
Grossinger Motors Arena
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Martinelli's Market-Bloomington: Saturdays 7:30 AM - 12 PM, 212 N Center St
Special orders available through store staff or office@prairiefruitsfarm.com
Dairy Update
Our kidding season volunteer program has been met with incredible enthusiasm, and preparations are in full swing! Herd Manager Rose is dedicating time to training both new staff and our incoming volunteers, ensuring everyone is ready for the exciting season ahead.
While we work through the many inquiries and preparations, we appreciate your patience. To our confirmed volunteers - we're excited to have you join our kidding season team! For those we couldn't accommodate this round - stay tuned for future opportunities to be part of the farm family.
Still want to help?
Donation Drive
Help us prepare for our newest arrivals! We're collecting:
Clean towels
Newspapers
Drop-off locations:
Caprae at the farm
Pekara Bistro (811 W Springfield Ave, Champaign)
Martinelli's Market (500 N Walnut, Champaign)
Questions about donations and volunteering? Email Rose@prairiefruitsfarm.com
Keep following our journey as we prepare to welcome our newest farm additions!
Note: Goat visiting temporarily paused to ensure our does get proper rest before birthing
Babies & Brunch: Tickets Now Available!
Reserve your spot for this spring's most anticipated event! Experience the joy of baby goats and enjoy a delicious farm brunch.
Event Details
90-minute experience includes:
Brunch table reservation at Caprae
Guided, hands-on baby goat cuddle session
Hot chocolate bar
Cheese sampling
Note: Brunch service at Caprae is available but purchased separately from your event ticket
Available Dates & Times
Saturdays and Sundays:
March 29-30
April 5-6
April 12-13
Seating times: 9 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM
Important Notes
Tickets are required for all guests age 2 and up
Table reservation guarantees your spot at Caprae, but food and drinks are purchased separately
Book early - spaces fill quickly!
Ticket reservations Here
Spring Kid Reservations Now Open!
Since 2004, we've been dedicated to raising exceptional dairy goats with a focus on quality, health, and sustainable practices. Our herd carries the prestigious "Animal Welfare Approved" certification (since 2010), reflecting our commitment to superior pasture-based livestock practices.
What Sets Our Goats Apart
Focus on soundness, conformation, and high milk components
Strong show record at county and state fairs
Perfect for both dairy operations and Boer goat crossbreeding
Proven success with farmers and 4-H youth across multiple states
Health & Registration
American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA) registered
Annual negative testing for CAE, CL, and Johne's since 2005
Complete milk records through AgSource DHI (2007-present)
Full documentation provided for registration
For Buyers
Bill of Sale and tattoo information provided
Crossbreeds eligible for "Experimental Grade" ADGA registration
Individual milk records available on ADGA website
Support available throughout the purchase process
Interested in adding quality genetics to your herd? Contact us at Rose@prairiefruitsfarm.com to learn more about our 2025 kids or reserve your goat here!
Farm Stays
Our cozy log home is now available for overnight stays! Immerse yourself in farm life, enjoy our artisan cheeses, and experience farm-to-table cuisine. Book your stay for a unique getaway! Book your farm stay through Airbnb or our Website
A Special Note
For those who love great writing and farm stories, we're excited to share that our friend, founder, and previous owner of Prairie Fruits Farm, Leslie Cooperband has started a new Substack blog! Her inspiring and compelling writing continues to share the magic of farm life. Subscribe HERE to follow along.
Whether you're joining us to visit the does, enjoy a romantic meal, or simply soak in a prairie sunset, we look forward to sharing February's magic with you!
*During all open hours, guests can explore our marked trails, visit the goats, and enjoy meals or beverages in our pavilion or on the lawns. Our staff is always happy to chat about our farm, goats, and cheese-making process.
*Please note: No outside food or pets are allowed. All activities are weather-permitting.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, for daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at farm life during the seasons.