Growing for Kane - Blacksmith Acres, Feeds the Soil and Community

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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 Farmer
Blacksmith Acres sits within the Brunner Family Forest Preserve, next to All Grass Farms off Route 31, in Dundee. It is the brainchild of farmer Karolina Kowalczyk, and is the result of years of planning, persistence, and ecological stewardship. And this mostly one-woman-show does not believe in shortcuts.

“Since 2023, Blacksmith Acres has become a 100% no-till and 0% pesticide operation," notes Karolina. “By phasing out tillage, we're able to improve soil health, increase water retention, and limit erosion," she explained. “For pest prevention, we do everything by hand - no chemicals are sprayed."

Growing for Kane
Blacksmith Acres is a diversified vegetable farm with seasonal offerings such as tomatoes, carrots, leafy greens, chives, onions, squash, peppers, beans, cucumbers, and herbs. All produce is grown from organic seed and using organic seed-starting mix. Crops are weeded by hand, pests are managed with row cover netting, and soil fertility is built naturally over time. Each year, Karolina refines her practices to get the most out of a limited footprint.

“Of the seven tomato varieties I selected for our 2025, I was able to get 500 plants in the ground," Karolina shared. “My customers are getting excited for tomato season, typically in late June, July, August and September."

What's New for 2025

Blacksmith Acres is entering its fifth CSA season in 2025 with infrastructure improvements, growing momentum, and a clear sense of direction. Future plans include additional hoop houses, expanded produce offerings, and an even deeper investment in the soil.  

When asked how the Farm & Food Resiliency Grant has made a difference at Blacksmith Acres, Karolina explained that she has been able to focus on the manual management of pest prevention.

“My vegetables are not sprayed with any pesticides, even organically-approved pesticides, which means more than half of the farm is under insect netting and row covers," she explained. “Because of this grant, I haven't experienced a crop loss due to deer and bugs/pests, which has never happened before. I can already see that vegetable prodcution will be dramatically increased this year."

In the coming weeks, Karolina will have applied 105 cubic yards of compost on the farm, adding to weed suppression.

“For the first time since I started farming, I am ahead of schedule and its because of this grant, I have been able to get compost, supplies and additional hand tools to keep my work at an accelerated pace."

Karolina continued, “Grant funds that reimburse these expenses allow me to pay off my farm debt, and move forward to grow my business. Stabilizing this farm means being able to grow more, for markets, for members, and for the community."

Why Kane County

Farming inside the Brunner Family Forest Preserve offers fertile ground and visibility in a rapidly developing region. Surrounded by suburbs like Elgin and Carpentersville, the farm is accessible to a diverse population, including many who might be new to local food systems.

“The location makes it easy for people to access fresh produce and see firsthand how it's grown," Karolina says. “The majority of my CSA members are local to the area."

Access and stewardship are important to Karolina, and her leadership and dedication is clear:

“We're open to the public every day, and I want to put the best foot forward," she notes. “You never know what young person might be inspired to pursue their farming dreams after they see a solid farming operation."

Through an ongoing partnership with All Grass Farms, Blacksmith Acres has access to land, infrastructure, and a retail outlet that supports its long-term viability.

Where to Find Blacksmith Acres Produce in 2025

All Grass Farms Store (Dundee, IL)
18N681 State Rte 31, Dundee Township, IL 60118 @ (847) 852-7081 Mon-Fri 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Sat-Sun 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Weekly CSA Shares (June – October)
Pickup is available on the farm in Dundee, with members from Elgin, Carpentersville, and surrounding areas. 

For more information, visit www.blacksmithacresfarm.com​