Growing for Kane: Heritage Prairie Farm Grows Year-Round Organic Food

Kane County Connects is spotlighting local farms that received grants through Kane County's 2024 Food and Farm Resiliency Program. Funded by the federal American Rescue Plan, the program supports farmers as they continue to recover from pandemic-related challenges and work to strengthen the region's food system.      

Meet the Farmers

Located in Elburn, Heritage Prairie Farm has been growing organic vegetables in Kane County since 2006. What began as a four-season vegetable operation has expanded to include microgreens, on-farm events, and year-round sales. Since 2013, Heritage Prairie Farm has been USDA Certified Organic for its vegetable production.

Heritage Prairie Farm is owned by Jessica Impson, a hospitality expert, who began working at the farm in 2010, and then bought the business from the original owners. Over time, the farm has adapted its business model in response to rising costs and changing market conditions. In recent years, the farm transitioned from an on-site farm store to a year-round online farmers market, allowing customers to place orders digitally and pick up at the farm each Thursday.

Today, the farm grows more than 30 certified organic crops annually and prioritizes maintaining a year-round workforce with fair, livable wages.

Heritage Prairie Farm sells vegetables directly to customers at the Geneva French Market on Sundays through the end of October and at the Wheaton French Market on Saturdays through the second week of November.

In addition to direct sales, Heritage Prairie Farm is a community partner with Northern Illinois University's Husky Harvest food recovery program, and donates all unused prepared foods to NIU.

Agritourism at Heritage Prairie Farm

Agritourism plays an important role in supporting Heritage Prairie Farm's year-round operation. Each month, the farm hosts seasonal farm dinners prepared fresh on-site using ingredients grown on the certified organic farm, with the help of the farm crew.   

Menus are developed based on what is being harvested and are served family-style in the farm's dining spaces. Dinners are organized around seasonal themes and reflect what is happening on the farm at that time of year. Some events include collaborations with local breweries or distilleries, while others feature food stations or charitable components.

When weather allows, farm dinners may include a short tour focused on organic production practices.   

These on-farm events provide an additional income stream while offering guests a direct connection to local agriculture.

The Food and Farm Resiliency Grant

The 2024 Food & Farm Resiliency Grant helped strengthen Heritage Prairie Farm's four-season operations. Grant funds supported construction of a new chicken coop, and while just the beginning, Heritage hopes to offer fresh eggs to the community in the near future.

The grant also made it possible to replace wash-and-pack equipment, repair greenhouses critical for year-round growing, and increase wages for the farmers responsible for planting, harvesting, and daily production.

“These updates strengthened our foundation," shared Jessica Impson, the owner of Heritage Prairie Farm. “They help us continue providing high-quality organic food to our customers."

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, the farm's most pressing need is simple: more customers.

Strong participation at farmers markets, consistent use of the online market, and continued interest in on-farm events are all essential to maintaining a viable, four-season organic operation. With continued community support, Heritage Prairie Farm plans to sustain year-round production, strengthen its agritourism offerings, and expand access to organic food across Kane County.

Where to Find Heritage Prairie Farm Products (2026).

Geneva French Market
Sundays, April - November

Wheaton French Market
Saturdays, April - November

Heritage Prairie Online Farmers Market
Year-round online ordering with Thursday farm pick-up

For more information or to place an order, visit Heritage Prairie Farm's website.

The Growing for Kane series was created by Sustainable Agriculture Consultant Ellen Kamps.

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