Flora Bay Farm

In 2012, the founders graduated from the Southern Illinois Farm Beginnings program with a business plan and, with the help of family, purchased the farm. The land had previously been tended by a lady with a small hop yard, several fruit trees, and garden beds 'in progress'.

The farm employs permaculture practices, focusing on sustainable growing methods such as crop rotations, native plant habitat strips, cover cropping, rainwater irrigation, and composting. They are strictly non-GMO, favor heirloom varieties, and avoid synthetic chemicals, opting instead for integrated pest management, barrier methods, and hand-picking insects. Fertilization is achieved through compost, cover crops, and added materials like greensand, kelp, and earthworm castings. Soil is gently lifted and turned by hand to enhance earthworm productivity.

The farm spans 6 acres, including forested woodland, prairie restoration areas, a hop yard, a small orchard, and raised beds. They emphasize a 'clean and green' growing philosophy and benefit from the support of family and friends.