Who’s Your Farmer: Natural Farm Stand

Duke’s recently reached out to our local farmers and producers to participate in a project that will highlight their contributions to our local food system. By sharing their stories and insights, we hope to raise awareness of our local small businesses and spark conversations about the importance of sustainable practices.

Your Name(s):

Sue Rekenthaler and Gary Gauger

Your Business Name

Natural Farm Stand

What product(s) does your business produce?

We grow a wide variety of Certified Naturally grown vegetables focusing on heirloom varieties and primarily supply Duke's with our Chioggia Beets.

Where is your business located?

We are located at 3206 IL Rt 173, Richmond, IL. 60071

Where can consumers find your products?

During the growing season we sell at our farm stand in Richmond.

What do you see as major problems with our current food system?

Educating the consumer to the value of eating locally grown produce and supporting the small local farms

How does your product show us how our food system could be better?

We are a low tech farm using organic practices and providing a quality product at down to earth prices. For the most part there is no need for chemicals in the food system.

What would you say to a young person looking to enter your field?

Realize that there will be hard work and dedication to the soil involved. You will need a true love of your soil and your customers. Learn as much as you can from other farmers-no need to reinvent the wheel. Growing healthy vegetables is our passion and we view it as an art form. Before you strike out on your own, spend some time working on another farm. Network with folks who are doing the same thing as you want to accomplish. You will find it becomes more than just a way to make money. It becomes a true way to feed not only bodies but souls too! Make some mistakes. Find your own system that works for you and your soil. There isn't a more honest way of helping the planet than being a farmer!

How do you balance the pursuit of profit with the responsibility to your community and the environment?

We are in a more fortunate situation than most farmers in that we do not need to make more profit than is what is needed to be able to farm for the next season. We own our land and all our equipment. We are able to supply our surplus to food pantries and keep our prices affordable for our customers. We are not chasing the dollar. Growing healthy , good quality produce is what we owe our community and the farm we are the care takers of.

Who is your favorite artist and why?

Musical artist-hands down Bob Dylan! Voice of our collective conscious , from love to social action. If your asking for a painter it would have to be Vincent Van Gogh. Wonderful landscapes and fields of gold..