Our fall festival was a nod to the past. Liberty Prairie, Grayslake High School District 127, and we as farmers have celebrated fall in many forms over the years. This joyful season (so many of us love fall, right?) always keeps farmers on our toes.
This year especially brought endless heat—until last night’s rain and cooler temps arrived! Many have asked how this record heat affected the farm, and my answer is: in countless ways, and we learned from every one.
The heat tested our stamina. We’re used to sweating and harvesting in the warm sun. But those cooler mornings and autumn storms we look forward to have finally arrived. Whew! Our team showed up through it all, and we’re stronger for it.
The weather also brought surprises: instead of three separate successions of broccoli, the heat caused us to have 2-3 plantings ready all at once! We hope you enjoyed the broccoli bonanza. We’re also sharing it with our local food pantry (pictured above). Now that cooler weather has arrived, we’re excited for moderately sized, steadier harvests as the third succession comes in.
With barely any rain for weeks, the team spent a considerable amount of time irrigating crops, just as they had all summer. Radishes and cilantro bolted quickly, so we shared the bounty when it was at its prime. Animals made wise choices—seeking extra water, shade, and cool evenings. Luckily, most of our sheep got fresh haircuts this weekend, so they’re feeling cooler.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our Fall Farm Festival Fundraiser! Despite record-setting heat, you picked pumpkins, enjoyed pizza on the lawn, and rode the wagon with us. You also helped us fundraise in support of our working farm, which is also be a place that teaches for life. Whether you visited, donated, volunteered, or simply spent the day with us, we’re grateful. Your support helps us grow opportunities for student learning and community connection right here on the farm.
Missed the event? It’s not too late to make a difference. Give today to our not-for-profit farm and help us keep the farm thriving.
Your farmers,
Jeff, Jen and the Liberty Prairie team