February 17th, 2024
Exciting Progress in the Creamery
Our renovation project is hitting major milestones! Last week brought big changes with new PVC panels transforming our walls and ceilings. The freshly poured epoxy floors are looking beautiful, and we just welcomed our new state-of-the-art chiller (installation begins today). Our cheese makers can hardly contain their excitement as they peek in to check the progress of their soon-to-be-upgraded workspace!
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Join Us at Caprae
While we're busy with renovations and spring preparations, Caprae continues to serve up delicious experiences throughout the week!
Taco Tuesday Magic
Kick off your week with our casual, flavor-packed Taco Tuesday! No reservations needed - just stop by between 4-9 PM for creative tacos that showcase local ingredients and our farm's cheese. It's the perfect low-key farm dining experience!
Chef's Tasting Menu (Wednesday-Saturday)
Looking for something special? Chef Garron's four-course tasting menu, available Wednesday through Saturday evenings, takes you on a journey through seasonal flavors and local ingredients. Each dish tells a story of our prairie home and the fantastic producers we work with.
Weekend Brunch Worth Waking Up For
There's something magical about Sunday brunch at the farm (9 AM - 2 PM). From farm-fresh eggs to house-made pastries, each dish features ingredients from our farm and local partners. Don't miss our signature dishes featuring our own chèvre! Plus, our full bar offers creative cocktails and mocktails to make your brunch extra special.
Reservations are appreciated but not required - book through Tock.
Note: Goat visiting temporarily paused to ensure our does get proper rest before birthing
Spring & Summer Events Now Open!
Babies & Brunch Tickets Live!
The wait is over - tickets are now available for our most anticipated spring event! Experience the joy of baby goats while enjoying brunch at Caprae. Choose from six dates of pure farm magic:
March 29-30
April 5-6
April 12-13
Each 90-minute experience includes:
Reserved table at Caprae
Guided baby goat cuddle session
Hot chocolate bar
Cheese sampling
Note: Brunch service available but purchased separately
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
2025 Farm to Table Dinner Series
Get ready for magical summer evenings at the farm! We're thrilled to announce tickets are now available for our May through October dinner series. Your evening begins at 5 PM with golden hour drinks, followed by an optional farm tour and a spectacular 4-6 course seasonal meal.
Join us as we partner with local farmers and food artisans to create unforgettable dining experiences under the prairie sky. These intimate gatherings are the perfect way to experience the height of each season's flavors.
Last year's dinners created such wonderful memories, and we can't wait to share even more special evenings with you this season!
Secure your seats now, Here
Dairy Update
The anticipation is building at the farm as we prepare for our favorite time of year - kidding season! Starting Monday, February 17th, we'll begin our official "kid watch," some of our eager mamas with March 1st due dates might surprise us a bit early.
Rose, our dedicated herd manager, has been a whirlwind of activity, getting our new staff and wonderful volunteers ready for the exciting weeks ahead. Today, we had the pleasure of hosting UIUC Vet Med Animal Science students, sharing insights into how our commercial goat dairy operates. It's always energizing to see the next generation of agricultural professionals learning about sustainable farming practices!
While our kidding season volunteer spots have filled up (thank you all for your overwhelming interest!), there's still a way to help welcome our newest farm members. We're collecting newspapers and towels to prepare for the little ones - drop-offs are welcome at the farm, Martinelli's Market, or Pekara Bistro.
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
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!
Find Us at Local Farmers' Markets
You can find us throughout the winter:
Champaign-Urbana Winter Farmers Market
Every Saturday through April
Lincoln Square Mall
Hosted by The Land Connection
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Bloomington Indoor Farmers Market
The market is every third Saturday, November to April. The next market is Saturday, March 15th (Note: we will not be at this market in March)
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
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
Caprae and 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!
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.