March 18th, 2025
Spring has fully awakened at Prairie Fruits Farm! Our barns are filled with the playful bleating of over 100 new kids, the creamery hums with fresh cheese production, and green shootsin the gardens! Whether you're looking to cuddle baby goats, taste the season's first fresh chèvre, or simply enjoy the awakening landscape, there's no better time to experience the magic of our prairie home as it transitions into its most vibrant season.
Kidding Season in Full Swing
We're celebrating a successful first wave of births! Here's our current kidding scorecard:
46 does delivered
Approximately 108 kids born
Healthy, vigorous babies with a beautiful variety of colors ranging from solids to spots to roans
The nursery is bustling with activity as these little ones discover their legs and personalities! We're not done yet, though—about 30 more does are due between April and May. With our average of 2.4 kids per doe, we're expecting around 180 kids total for the 2025 season.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Volunteers!
We couldn't possibly manage this kidding season without our amazing team of volunteers! To everyone who has been bottle feeding, cleaning, cuddling, and helping keep our nursery running smoothly—you have our deepest gratitude. Your dedication, enthusiasm, and gentle care for our newest farm members makes all the difference. This successful kidding season is a testament to our community's support!
This year's naming theme? Houseplants! A fitting choice as we welcome both new animal life and all the horticultural developments happening around the farm.
Note: Goat visiting temporarily paused to ensure our does are not disturbed birthing.
First Spring Chèvre Has Arrived!
With new births comes the return of something we've all been waiting for—fresh goat milk! Our creamery team crafted their first batch of spring chèvre last week, which will be available this week:
At the farm
At the C-U Farmers Market in Urbana
To wholesale customers
Keep an eye out for the return of Little Bloom and Angel Food in the coming weeks!
Where to Find Our Cheese
Our award-winning cheeses are available at these fine retailers:
Martinelli's Market (Champaign)
Martinelli's Market (Bloomington)
Pekara Bakery and Bistro (Champaign)
Common Ground Food Coop (Urbana)
Harvest Market (Champaign)
Green Top Grocery (Bloomington)
Fresh Thyme Farmers Market (St Louis and Chicago Locations)
The Village Farmstand (Evanston)
For wholesale inquiries, contact Christina at office@prairiefruitsfarm.com
Spring Growth in the Gardens
Our farm's renewal extends beyond the barn! Ian Asklund, our horticulturist, and Eric Wolfe from Canopy Farm Management are continuing their careful pruning of the pear and apple trees. Meanwhile, exciting developments are underway:
Garlic shoots peeking through the straw in their beds
Preparations for new apple orchard installation
Planning for this season's seed starts with Kelly Lay, our farm educator
The coming weeks will bring plenty of digging, planting, and grafting as we expand our fruit production!
Spring Menu at Caprae
Chef Garron Sanchez and team have been perfecting new spring menu items over the past month, with delicious results. If you've visited for brunch recently, you may have already sampled some seasonal specialties:
Brunch Highlights:
Shrimp & Grits
Biscuits & Gravy
Shakshuka (poached eggs, Bianco tomatoes, PFF feta cheese, green harissa, and CIB grilled sourdough)
The Caprae team is excited to welcome you to the table this spring! Follow Caprae on social media to catch these special offerings!
Looking ahead to spring celebrations? Book your reservations Here!
Upcoming Events
Babies & Brun
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
Event Times: 9 AM, 11 AM, or 1 PM
Important Notes:
Your ticket includes a reservation of a table at Caprae, but dining is optional - you're welcome to enjoy just the goat experience if preferred
Brunch service is available but purchased separately from your event ticket
Tickets provide admission to the farm (for 90 minutes) on your event date
Advanced tickets required - walk-ins may be permitted only if time slots aren't sold out
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
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 a Local Farmers' Market
You can find us throughout the winter:
Every Saturday through April
Lincoln Square Mall
Hosted by The Land Connection
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The market is every third Saturday, November to April.
Grossinger Motors Arena
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Martinelli's Market-Bloomington:
212 N Center St
Saturdays 7:30 AM - 12 PM
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!
As the days grow longer and warmer, we invite you to experience spring's renewal at Prairie Fruits Farm. From baby goats to fresh cheese to emerging gardens, there's something new to discover each day!
*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.