Rustic Road Farm needed to ensure a secure land base to scale operations to meet existing demand and business growth goals. On behalf of Rustic Road Farm, The Conservation Fund has purchased a 30-acre farm, which includes nine outbuildings and a farmhouse. This farm infrastructure is well suited to allow all livestock operations to be brought together on one site, as well as expand their micro-dairy and add grass-fed cattle. Located in unincorporated Kane County, this farm is strategically located close to existing customers and farm.

Rustic Road gains immediate access to the farm under a flexible lease. They will meet key financial benchmarks and make infrastructure investments to put them in a position to purchase the farm from The Conservation Fund within 3 years after a farmland conservation easement is secured. Using a Buy-Support-Protect-Sell model, the Farms Fund is providing Rustic Road Farm with immediate access to farmland, and a pathway to affordable farmland ownership.

Farmer Vision

Expansion of vegetable, bush and tree fruit, honey, dairy, heirloom pig, free range chicken and pasture egg farm operations to support existing farmstand featuring a value-added line of soups, sauces and baked goods.

By the Numbers

• 750 Member CSA and 3/week Farmstand
• 30 acres permanently protected farmland
• 35% increased revenue projected in 2 year