City life can be lonesome

"City life is millions of people being lonesome together."
Thoreau Henry David

For anyone who has ever considered leaving the stress of urban life behind and "getting a little place in the country with a few chickens and maybe a cow or goat," welcome to our site.

When my husband retired from the Army, and I made the decision that my Nursing career had reached an end point, we did just that. Now, in addition to a few chickens, we raise cattle, goats, pigs, turkeys, geese, ducks and sundry other species of traditional farm culture.

Our first goal was to create a satisfying food source for ourselves and our family. Heirloom vegetables grown in compost rich raised beds with no chemical pesticides or fertilizers gave us a good start. Livestock raised in a healthy, natural environment, eggs from chickens roaming and pecking in the grass, and dairy directly from healthy cows and goats have all helped us meet that goal.

Our second goal has been to make that same food experience available to others. Last year's sale of meat goats and small pigs for butchering has us headed in the right direction. We are expanding the garden with the addition of a High Tunnel to increase our produce, and adding the equipment for 'on site' poultry processing.

While our learning curve has been a long uphill climb at times, and a slippery slope at others the bigger picture is beginning to take shape and we are truly delighted with the way it looks.

Spring 2012, Grimm Acres will be open for tours and events including hands on encounters with the animals and tasting experiences. We're stepping into the new year with "Great Expectations". We'd love to share the experience with you, and invite you to contact us and to visit.

Call (618) 445-1896; susan.grimm12@gmail.com; or stop by 237 West Terminal Street, Albion, Illinois 62806.