Growing for Kane - Garlic Breath Farm, Where Flavor Meets Purpose
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
At Garlic Breath Farm, the air is thick with garlic and passion. This certified organic garlic farm is veteran-owned and operated by Sharon and Tony Pferschy, a dynamic husband-and-wife team based in Kane County who turned their unstoppable energy into an agricultural mission.
Since 2015, Sharon and Tony have grown certified organic garlic not just for local markets, but intentionally for donation. Each growing season, they donate thousands of dollars' worth of garlic products to local food pantries, including Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry in Aurora, Illinois. They also actively teach cooking classes, share garlic education, and create recipe cards so recipients know how to use each stage of the garlic crop.
Growing For Kane
Garlic Breath Farm specializes in certified organic hardneck garlic, particularly high-allicin varieties, valued for bold flavor and health benefits. Hardneck garlic thrives in colder climates like Kane County, and produces complex and robust flavors prized by chefs. Unlike softneck garlic, hardneck garlic produces edible flower stalks called scapes, a seasonal delicacy. While softneck garlic, typically found in grocery stores, has a longer shelf life, hard neck garlic boasts a rich taste and easy-to-peel cloves.
“We plant about 70,000 bulbs a year on ¾ of an acre, all by hand," explained Sharon.
Along with value-added products like seasonings, spices, and jams, Garlic Breath Farm also sells garlic seed so gardeners can grow it themselves, and go above and beyond to help their community.
“We pride ourselves in teaching people how to grow garlic for themselves. We sell garlic for planting, and we will help teach you to grow and care for it. Even if you haven't purchased our seed, we are here to help troubleshoot issues. We are simply here to help," Sharon added.
What's New for 2025
Garlic Breath Farm continues to invest in their operation and the community. This year they will focus on season extension and expansion, as they build a greens wash station and cooler, and a self-serve organic egg and plant stand.
Just this year, Garlic Breath Farm signed a contract with the Veterans Administration to help support transitioning veterans from the military into the civilian workforce.
“As a disabled, veteran-owned business, giving back to our brothers and sisters and sharing the peace that can be found in farm therapy, is a gift worth giving," remarked Sharon.
When asked about how the Food & Farm Resiliency Grant made a difference for Garlic Breath Farm, Sharon noted that they were able to improve infrastructure, promote and market, and make advancements in vegetable production.
“This opportunity was an incredible gift for farmers," she noted.
Why Kane County
Garlic Breath Farm values Kane County for its space, community, and local pride. They've found loyal customers at local markets and strong partnerships with organizations like the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry Garden and the Kane County Farm Bureau.
Sharon and Tony choose Kane County because of the community.
“From the incredible support of the Kane County Farm Bureau, who support small growers like us, to our local patrons who drive over an hour to connect with us , it is all about the people," Sharon added.
Where to Find Garlic Breath Farm Products, 2025
You can find Garlic Breath Farm throughout the year at local farmers markets and special events:
- Batavia Winter Market (Grainology Brewstillery) – Saturdays, January – May
- Batavia Farmers' Market (Saturday Mornings) – May 17 – October 18
- Batavia Evening Market (Wednesday Nights) – June 4 – August 27
- Oswego Country Market (Sunday Mornings) – June – September
- Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry Events – Cooking classes and tasting nights
- Frankfort Fall Fest – Labor Day weekend 2025
- Heritage Fest in Dundee, Illinois – September 13 – 14
- Autumn on the Fox in Saint Charles, Illinois– October 10–12
- Garlic Breath Farm Stand: 2S919 Dauberman Rd., Elburn, IL – check for seasonal hours
- Online Store: Shop garlic products year-round via garlicbreathfarm.com
