Marci and Sean Meyer of Kirkwood, IL, embraced diversification by planting an apple orchard and opening a farm store featuring locally sourced goods. They bought an old cider press, and Marci rises at 4 a.m. daily to bake fresh doughnuts and pastries. Their success is deeply rooted in community support, with every family member—including their grandkids—playing a role in the operation.
Up Next in Season 5
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Molly Blogg | Hornbaker Gardens | A S...
Molly Blogg, owner and CEO of Hornbaker Gardens in Princeton, IL, is carrying on her family’s legacy as a second-generation leader. Renowned for their niche Hosta market, they offer 400 varieties, attracting "Hostaholics" from across the Midwest and shipping nationwide.
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Randy Starnes | Crooked Row Farm | A ...
Randy Starnes, raised near Chillicothe, IL, owns Crooked Row Farm, a family-run operation specializing in organic vegetables. Visitors are welcomed like family, with the farm’s popular Strawberry U-Pick patch as a highlight. They also offer CSA subscriptions, providing fresh, seasonal produce to ...
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Rafael Vidal | Cafe Santa Rosa and Bu...
Rafael Vidal, a second-generation coffee farmer from Colombia, is the general manager of his family-owned Café Santa Rosa in Peoria, IL, sourcing all coffee from their own farm. A former bull rider, he now owns a bucking bull and remains active in the rodeo circuit. Beyond that, he’s a skilled ma...
