Our familes have been farming full-time in McHenry County since the late 1840s, and we hope to continue the family legacy into the future. Selling value-added products directly to consumers will allow us to grow our farming operation in order to bring the younger generation on board. We love to talk about our crops and livestock, and since demand for local, wholesome, fresh food continues to increase, along with the desire to get to know those growing and raising their food, we hope to be able to share our passion and also support other local farmers through our new retail store.
Family members involved with the store are Michele Aavang, who has raised cattle for decades and previously sold her beef at the Woodstock Farmers Market under the name Willow Lea Stock Farm, named after two farms still owned and farmed by the Aavang Family, one of which has been in the family for over 170 years. Michele’s late husband, Gary, was a passionate farmer, growing up on a dairy farm and raising crops utilizing innovative technology while always respecting the land in his care. Also involved is Michele’s son, Grant DeYoung, a dairy farmer with a degree in Animal Science from University of Wisconsin-Platteville. Grant also grows crops including corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa, hay, oats, sorghum, and pumpkins.
Michele’s niece, Hannah McKee, along with her husband, Chris, and five (adorable) children also play a key role here. The McKees raise pork, beef, and poultry on their home farm, located around the corner from the Aavang home farm. Their farm has been in Hannah’s family for over one hundred years. Chris has also been farming his entire life as a 6th generation farmer in McHenry County. Also on board is Spencer Herchenbach, a cousin to Grant. Spencer’s family has been farming in Lake and Mchenry Counties since the 1850s. Spencer is a recent graduate of Iowa State University with a degree in Agricultural Engineering. Spencer grew up raising cattle and growing crops on his family’s farm in Lake County. He’s currently raising beef cattle and crops.
We recognize the value of healthy soil and water. On our farms we use environmentally sustainable practices: crop rotation, no-till cropping and growing cover crops whenever possible to reduce erosion and supply organic matter to the soil. We test the soil regularly to monitor and ensure the health of the soil, a living ecosystem. We apply microbials to build soil health, promote water retention, and make nutrients available to the plants. We practice integrated pest management, scouting fields obsessively during the growing season.
The care of our livestock is our top priority. We raise our livestock from birth, providing wholesome, balanced nutrition, fresh water, veterinary and other health care, and protection from the elements. Our cattle graze on green grasses in our pastures, weather permitting. Groups are rotated among pastures to provide recovery and regrowth of the plants. We grow the vast majority of their feed to ensure consistent and high quality. We also work closely with the butcher shop, so that we are able to provide a nutritious and tasty product for our customers.
