Harvest Hills Farm was established in 2004 on 207 acres of land in Jo Daviess County, Illinois by Drs. Michael and Karen O'Mara.
We EXPANDED in 2011 by 48 adjacent acres to 255 acres! The newly added acreage has been cultivated and will be
kept as a hay source for wintering our grass fed cattle and --soon to be added-- Katahdin sheep. It's planted in oats, clover,
brome and orchard grasses.
The farm is a perfect site for grazing cattle
with its natural springs, creeks, and gently rolling hills. The vision quickly developed to establish a free- range herd of
Black Angus beef cattle, fully grass-fed and free from chemicals, antibiotics, hormones and unnatural processes. The
Animal Welfare Association and American Grassfed Association were our great resources in developing procedures for raising
livestock. We're committed to following their standards as we develop the sheep herd and poultry in the future.
The farm also lent itself to the cultivation
of wine grapes and a vineyard was planted with six varieties of grape cultivars. We've been home wine makers and enthusiasts
for years, and we hope to share the estate wine grapes with serious home wine makers, providing them with the opportunity
to purchase unique wine grape varieties and to share in the seasonal harvest of the grapes they'll use in their personal wine
making.
In 2009, the Upper Mississippi River
Valley Viticulture Area, in which Harvest Hills Farm is located, was officially recognized. The unique geographical
terrain is felt to impact the wine grapes grown here. Home vintners who make wine from our grapes will be able to add
this unique distinction to their personal labels.
A
lifelong interest in cooking and a professional interest in diet and health has also led to the planting of the culinary herbs
and vegetable garden. The garden is noncommercial. Food raised is used in culinary adventures on the food blog and donated.
We promote the concepts learned in Cornell University's
GAP Program (Good Agricultural Practices for Produce Safety) , maintain Illinois Food Service Sanitation Certification and
actively support food safety activities and education wherever the opportunity presents.
Farm activities, project development, culinary adventures, social commentary, and day-to-day country life--are
all documented in Karen's blog.
Visit Karen's blog ! Click below.
