Kathy and Chuck Carroll are long-time Illinois growers who turned their passion for gardening and healthy food into a full-time sustainable farming business. Their mission is to provide high-quality, organically grown produce while helping cultivate the next generation of farmers through hands-on learning and internships. Chuck shared, “A lot of our interns have gone on to start their own businesses.”
The owners envision a transition model grounded in mentorship. Kathy and Chuck plan to remain engaged in guidance and decisions while supporting the incoming farmer’s growth in leading daily operations. If there is the right fit, there is potential for the farmer to transition into long-term management of the farm business. They are committed to working collaboratively with the farmer to create a written lease arrangement that reflects shared goals and equitable terms.
Preference will be given to farmers with at least 1–3 years of practical farming experience, a strong interest in organic growing practices, and a commitment to upholding the farm’s values. Interested farmers can email their resume to Erica Peters (Illinois FarmLink) at [email protected] or reach out to Erica with any further questions.
Carroll’s Timber Edge Farm, located near Graymont in central Illinois, is a three-acre diversified, sustainable farm offering a wide range of seasonal produce for a CSA, the Pontiac Farmer’s Market, and Down at the Farms (a Chicago and downstate market food hub). The farm integrates crop rotation, composting, and hoop-house production to extend the season and protect soil structure. Kathy and Chuck anticipate the continued involvement of a part-time employee and dedicated volunteers through the transition.
Infrastructure:
- 110 x 40 Hoop tunnel
- 40 x 24 Greenhouse
- Storage shed
- Drip tape irrigation
- Operational equipment including 2022 BCS walk behind tractor with 2′ rototiller + bed rotary mower + vertical plow attachments, Mitsubishi 16hp tractor with 4′ rototiller and 3-point hitch bedmaker, Till-more Ox walk behind weeder, 2020 60hp Massey Ferguson tractor with loader + forks, plastic mulch layer, 2 row JD sweet corn finger planter, 2023 one-row root crop harvester, cultivators, 5′ Woods mower, Honda 4-wheeler with cart, and sprayer
- Pack shed and wash station built in repurposed corn crib with 2 walk-in coolers and packaging inventory
- Established orchard with 8 apples trees, 1 cherry tree, blackberries, and grapes
- No housing available on farm but possible options in the nearby towns of Pontiac or Flanagan as well as campground for temporary housing
Click here to download a two-page summary of this opportunity and find additional details and photos of the farm. We encourage you to share it with farmers who might be a good fit.
“There is promising potential for the farm to grow further and diversify.” Chuck shared, “There is demand in the community to grow more and the possibility to further extend the growing season.”