Plum River Farm

Plum River Farm is a 242-acre farm in the driftless region of northwest Illinois. They are dedicated to raising Hereford cattle on their own grass and hay, grown without pesticides or herbicides. The farm adheres to strict American Grassfed Association standards, focusing on animal well-being and producing nutritionally superior beef. They also emphasize environmental benefits, such as avoiding chemical fertilizers and preventing erosion, and operate without federal subsidies. They process their animals between May and September when the meat's quality is at its peak, and dry-age their beef for 3 weeks at a local USDA-inspected facility. Calves stay with their mothers for at least 8 months and are weaned gradually. The farm is run by Sonia and Conrad, who can be contacted for preorders and farm visits. They have been taking preorders for 2025 beef, and mention 2026 prices for wholes, halves, and quarters. The farm was founded in 2025, based on the earliest preorder year mentioned for beef. The farm is located at 5886 S Loran Rd, Pearl City, Illinois 61062. They also mention that they have held to their decision to raise only hay on their cropland, thus avoiding the need for chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. They use the hay to feed their animals in the winter, knowing that they are ingesting only the nutritious grasses grown on their farm, even in the coldest, snowiest months of the year. They also mention that they are available to provide as much advice as you'd like when ordering a side or a whole. They also mention that they may have ground beef available. They also mention that they sell soup bones and organ meats separately at less than the per pound price for the rest of the animal, since many people prefer not to have them. They do recommend purchasing them, though; they are excellent! They also mention that they are 45 minutes by car southeast of Galena, an hour west of Rockford, and 2 hours west of Chicago. They also mention that they are lo