February 28th, 2025
Spring is awakening at Prairie Fruits Farm! As February comes to a close, our barns are filling with the first wave of baby goats, our creamery team is back in action after major renovations, and we're planting the seeds (literally!) for exciting new orchard developments. Meanwhile, Caprae is experimenting with delicious menu additions, and we've welcomed a wonderful new team member. Read on for all the exciting happenings in our corner of the prairie!
Kidding Season Has Arrived!
Doe Barn 1 is bustling with activity today! The pressure drop over the last 24 hours set off our "kidding time bomb" - so far Six does have delivered, two more are in labor, and several others are showing signs they'll join the birthing party soon. Our nursery is beginning to fill with playful little ones!
The first litter has already been disbudded and will head to their new home today. We're excited to welcome our volunteers next week to help with bottle feeding as more babies arrive.
Note: Goat visiting temporarily paused to ensure our does are not disturbed birthing
Orchard Renewal
Our Horticulture Manager, Ian Asklund, has been hard at work in the orchard this week with Eric Wolske of Canopy Farm Management, pruning our remaining pear and apple trees. This is just the beginning of exciting developments:
Seeds have arrived for spring planting
New fruit trees coming soon
Next week begins installation of a new high-density and heritage apple orchard in our South pasture
Within five years, we hope to bring specialty fruits and apples back to the farm! Ian's efforts have also earned us a 4-star rating from the Champaign County Soil and Water District, demonstrating that our practices are helping meet STAR's (Saving Tomorrow's Agriculture Resources) goals of reducing nutrient and soil losses.
Welcome Kelly Lay!
Please join us in welcoming Kelly Lay as our new Farm Educator! Kelly comes to us from Land Connection, where she served as the Local Foods Program Manager. As the owner of Meadow Lane Farm in Leroy, she brings extensive experience in both agriculture and education. We couldn't be more excited to have her join our team!
Creamery Back in Action
After a month of much-needed upgrades, our creamery team is back at work! They've begun packing small orders of Chèvre and Feta while cleaning and reorganizing the space. Everyone's working hard to get fully operational again and prepare for fresh goat milk in the coming weeks. We're especially looking forward to our first batches of Spring Chèvre!
Caprae Culinary Adventures
The kitchen at Caprae has been experimenting with potential new menu items! Last week's feature was a hit - Blue Point Oysters from Connecticut transformed into Oyster Rockefeller and Oyster Bienville, featuring local Luna's Mushrooms and Kilgus Farmstead Bacon. Follow Caprae on social media to catch these special offerings!
Looking ahead to spring celebrations? Caprae has opened reservations through the end of October for parties of up to 8 people. Whether you're planning for Easter, graduation, or Mother's Day, secure your table soon - we expect holiday dates to fill quickly! Book your reservations Here!
Upcoming Events
Babies & Brunch
Our most anticipated spring event returns! Each 90-minute experience includes:
- Reserved table at Caprae
- Guided baby goat cuddle session
- Hot chocolate bar
- Cheese sampling
Available Dates: March 29-30, April 5-6, April 12-13
Seating Times: 9 AM, 11 AM, or 1 PM
*Note: Brunch service at Caprae available but purchased separately from event ticket*
Reserve your spot here
2025 Farm to Table Dinner Series
Experience magical summer evenings at the farm May through October! Your evening begins with golden hour drinks at 5 PM, followed by an optional farm tour and a spectacular 4-6 course seasonal meal featuring partnerships with local farmers and food artisans.
Get tickets here
Farm Tours Now Booking
We're now accepting requests for private group tours throughout 2025:
- $10 per person
- 60-minute tour including cheese sampling
- Groups of 4-25 people (larger groups by special request)
- Special rates for local K-12 schools and UIUC VetMed groups
Fill out our interest form here or email office@prairiefruitsfarm.com
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
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.
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!
From baby goats to budding orchards, there's so much to experience at Prairie Fruits Farm this spring. We look forward to sharing it all 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.