Growing for Kane: From Beginning Farmers to Family Farm at Elder Oaks
Meet the Farmers
At the entrance of Primrose Farm, a St. Charles Park District facility, you'll find Elder Oaks Farmers Market, owned and operated by Quinton and Samantha Babusch.
Formerly known as Fulbuschel Farms, the farm changed its name in 2023 to honor its homestead, where some of the oldest oak trees in Kane County reside. The 2023 season marked a turning point for the farmers, not only in name, but also as they welcomed the birth of their daughter and began farming as a family.
“Our journey began in 2018 with a desire to grow food with the natural world in mind," Quinton shared. “Our family operation continues to evolve while we envision the future of farming in Kane County." 
Growing for Kane
Elder Oaks follows rigorous organic practices like compost applications, minimal tillage techniques, intercropping, and implementing permaculture principles. The result is nutrient-dense, flavorful produce on the shelves of their farm-stand in Saint Charles, and at the Elgin Downtown Farmers Market.
The farm's impact goes far beyond the field. By participating in the Link Match program in Elgin, Elder Oaks Farm Market has directed thousands of dollars in local produce to low-income Kane County residents. With a robust CSA delivery program, the farm also ensures access for customers who are homebound or lack transportation.
Elder Oaks' success is the result of years of dedication to farming, despite the challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“2020 and 2021 were tough seasons," Quinton explained. “Market sales were down, people were nervous about leaving home. We had a hoophouse that was mid-construction, but we had to stop building due to supply chain issues and the high price of materials."
Elder Oaks weathered the storm, investing in their community relationships, and believing that better days were ahead.
“We thank the numerous volunteers that believed in our mission, and dedicated their time to help us plant and harvest our produce during those two years," noted Quinton. “They shared our vision for a better future."
What's New for 2025
Thanks to the Kane County Food and Farm Resiliency Grant, Elder Oaks Farm Market is entering the new season with momentum. They have invested in adding additional labor with new farm-hands and market staff, resumed building their hoophouse for season extension, designed new irrigation methods, invested in new implements for their walk-behind tractor and expanded delivery routes.
“The grant helps us keep growing, literally and figuratively," Quinton explained. “We're creating more food options for our customers, helping them avoid big box stores and instead choose fresh and local produce."
In addition to Elder Oaks produce, shoppers will encounter a variety of small business products on the farmers market shelves: salsas, pickles, honey, spices, baked goods, granola, and mushrooms.
Why Kane County
The farmers recognize the challenges small scale farms face when it comes to accessing capital, and they are grateful for the investment Kane County made in the future of local food.
“This support allows us to continue improving the farm, while feeding people across the county who might otherwise go without," added Samantha. “It also gives us the breathing room to bring more voices and vendors into our work, showcasing what this community truly has to offer."
Where to Find Elder Oaks Farm Produce in 2025
● Primrose Farm Stand 5N726 Crane Rd, St. Charles, IL 60175 ○ Wednesdays & Thursdays, 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
- Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., May through October
- https://www.elderoaksfarm.com/
- https://www.facebook.com/fulbuschelfarmandproduce
● Elgin Farmers Market
- Downtown Elgin @ South Riverside Drive, Elgin, Illinois ○ Fridays, late-May through October, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- www.downtownelgin.com/market
● CSA Home Delivery
- Weekly CSA shares with delivery available across Kane County
This Growing for Kane series was created by Sustainable Agriculture Consultant Ellen Kamps.
