The Weydert family has been farming in the northern Illinois area for four generations. Over the decades the family farm has grown to include Grandma and Grandpa Weydert, (Lauryce and Ted), and their 5 children, Carolyn, Jane, Joy, Ted, and Martha. Even though everyone moved away, got married, and now have kids of their own, The home farm is still the nucleus of the family, and where son Ted keeps the operation going.
One of the biggest influences that propelled each family member to be successful in each of their own lives, has been the yearly growing and selling of fresh market sweetcorn during the summer months. Family members, their spouses and kids, all learned from the experiences gleaned from each summer ‘s activities. Attention to detail and a lot of hard, physical labor assured a top quality, fresh product was delivered daily from the farm. Qualities that brought back repeat customers year after year for 38 years. A lot of the same customers watched the Weydert kids grow up, go to college, get married, have kids of their own, and are watching those kids grow and enter college. All along, the growing family members learned valuable lessons about quality and customer appreciation.
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When Grandpa retired in 1994, the farm operation eventually settled to the current size of about 950 acres, most of it rented ground. Corn, and soybeans were the mainstays for the farm, but increasingly became less profitable. Ted, wondering if his career as a farmer might be shortened, took to heart something his dad always said. "There's more than one way to skin a rabbit."
After researching alternatives for two years, Ted realized the care he and Grandpa always practiced for the farmland, lent him the easy transition into organic production. Three years of growing crops without using commercial fertilizers or pesticides, and diversifying to a multitude of crops, and the farm became certified organic through the Organic Crop Improvement Association. A monumental feat, considering the experts tell you to start out with just a few acres.
It was the best thing Ted could have done. Half of the money it used to take for crop inputs is now saved. Multiple crops reach into many markets, not just to the big food conglomerates. And now with the introduction of Ted's Organic Grains, an opportunity for the next generation to continue with the farm operation, and the commitment to quality products and service to their customers.
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Why use Ted's Organic Grains?
· Keeps Chemicals Off Your Plate
· Helps Small Farmers
· Food Tastes Better
· Builds Healthy Soils
The Weydert Farm has been successfully growing and selling sweetcorn for 38 years. We are now extending our business to grow and sell organic Seed, Grains, Meal and Flour from such crops as barley, wheat, corn, soybeans, rye, and oats. |
