Broadview Farm and Gardens

Broadview Farm & Gardens is located just outside of Marengo, Illinois, in Mc Henry County — about 60 miles northwest of Chicago. Our farm sits in the fertile Kishwaukee River Valley, where deep sandy loam soils are well-suited for growing high-quality, fresh market vegetables. While produce is our primary focus, we also raise a small number of livestock carefully chosen to fit our nine-acre farm. Our animals include heritage-breed hogs, sheep, laying hens, and pastured broilers, and we just started our beef herd, all raised outdoors and well-adapted to our local climate. We began our farm in 2014 with the goal of growing food for our family and our surrounding community. Since then, we’ve continued to grow with intention — refining our practices, learning from the land, and working in harmony with the natural rhythms of our farm.. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, we may be the last people you’d expect to find farming in semi-rural northern Illinois. And yet, here we are — doing our best to care for our land, our community, and our planet in meaningful ways. We’re often asked why we left Southern California. The truth is, the why didn’t fully reveal itself until we began our journey toward farming. At the time, we were simply looking for a new experience — a new chapter. What we found was a complete transformation. When Tim and I first met, our lifestyle looked very different. We relied heavily on fast food, sugary drinks, and habits that didn’t serve our health. Over time, we began making small changes — cooking more meals at home, eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, and moving our bodies more. The impact was immediate. The food tasted better. It cost less. And we felt better. When we found out we were expecting our first child, we quit smoking and became even more intentional about how we lived. After buying our first home, Tim tore up part of the backyard and planted our first garden so we could grow food for our family. From there, things grew — quite literally — organically. As we planned for our second child, we also mapped out a five-year plan to transition into full-time farming. Not long after, Tim had a moment of clarity, left his job, and we committed fully to the path ahead. We purchased our land, moved in, and began the long work of healing it — restoring pasture, practicing rotational grazing, planting, seeding, and learning everything we could while still working off the farm. After two years of restoration — and the arrival of our third child — we took the leap into farming full time. Our hope is that our story reminds others that you’re not beholden to where you start. Change is possible. Growth is possible. And with intention and care, you can build a life that truly nourishes you. 1872 IL Rt 176, Marengo Open May 15 thru Oct 31 2026 Woodstock Farmers Market Historic Woodstock Square Tuesdays April thru September Saturdays April thru Oct 2026 Van Laar Fruit Farm Store 1645 North Alpine Road, Rockford IL 61107 North End Famers Market Saturdays Mid April thru Mid Oct 2026 1402 North Main St. Rockford IL 61103 Dukes Ale House and Kitchen 110 North Main St. Crystal Lake 60014 Choices Natural Market 6718 Broadcast Parkway Loves Park, 61111 Edgebrook Farmers Market1639 N. Apline Rd, Rockford Wednesdays April thru Oct 2026 Do you have questions? We have answers! Just contact us using the form and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. Looking to shop our products?