Froggy Meadow Farm

Froggy Meadow Farms Faced Closure Until Chicago Chefs Stepped In | Eater Chicago

"Run by Jerry Boone, this small Beloit farm faced a near-closure after a severe drought wiped out the entire melon crop, reduced peas to roughly one-tenth of a normal yield, and killed rare Japanese eggplants and peppers; ginger is barely surviving and onions and shallots are struggling and likely to be smaller than usual. Tomatoes and some fall crops have held up better, but fall harvests won’t recoup summer losses. The farm operates simply (no electricity) and already relies on an overtaxed residential well, so a community fundraising drive that reached a $40,000 target to install a proper agricultural well became essential to its survival. Though reluctant to accept help, Boone was buoyed by support from Chicago chefs and restaurants, plans small revenue efforts like selling branded shirts and bags, and hopes a warm September will improve prospects next season." - Ashok Selvam