Mint Creek Farm is an organic farm in Illinois specializing in premium meats, eggs, and other agricultural products supplied to Chicago and its surrounding areas. The farm has become a model of modern agriculture, focusing not only on food production but also on soil conservation, biodiversity, and maintaining the ecological balance of its pastures. Read more at chicagoname.
History and Philosophy
Founded in 1992 by the Carr family on 50 acres near Stelle, Illinois, Mint Creek Farm has since grown to 220 certified organic acres where a variety of livestock and poultry roam. The farm’s core principle is pasture-based raising, where animals are regularly moved to fresh plots. This rotational grazing restores the soil, improves fertility, and supports a natural ecosystem.
At the heart of the Mint Creek approach is a symbiotic relationship between the animals and the land. Grass pastures provide livestock with a complete diet, while the animals’ natural activity enriches the soil with organic matter, helping to combat climate change and erosion.
Products and Proven Quality
Mint Creek Farm produces a wide range of goods, including 100% organic grass-fed beef, lamb, pork, goat, turkey, chicken, and eggs. The animals are raised exclusively on natural forage and organic feed, without growth hormones or antibiotics. This rotational grazing and attentive care ensure high-quality meats and eggs with exceptional flavor profiles.
Products can be purchased directly through the farm’s online store for home delivery or at local farmers’ markets in Chicago, Oak Park, Evanston, and other cities. Nationwide shipping is also available via UPS.
CSA Program
Mint Creek Farm offers a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program—a collaborative farming model where members purchase a share of the season’s or year’s harvest in advance. CSA members receive regular meat and egg bundles at discounted prices and gain access to special offers, including holiday packages. This serves as both an efficient sales model and a vital mechanism for supporting local agriculture.
Members can choose from various formats, such as weekly or monthly bundles, with options for farm pickup or home delivery. Benefits include discounts on additional purchases, priority ordering, and invitations to farm events and tours.
Environmental and Social Impact
A key focus for Mint Creek Farm is the preservation of natural ecosystems. Through organic pasture management and rotational grazing, the farm improves soil structure, reduces erosion, and boosts fertility, creating a sanctuary for local flora and fauna. These practices do more than just balance nature; they positively impact the climate, as pastures can sequester more carbon than traditional cropland, making the farm part of a natural climate solution.
Mint Creek Farm is more than just an Illinois farm; it is a benchmark for responsible, eco-conscious agriculture that benefits Chicago-area residents and the planet alike. By producing organic meat, fostering a CSA community, and restoring pastures, the farm has built a unique model that is driving the modern movement for sustainability and high-quality food.