Around the Farm: Our Places and Our People (Part 1)

Unique puzzle pieces fit together to create the farm at Vintage Meadows, in the form of people both new and seasoned, the places we spend our time, and the magic that happens within these spaces. From the delivery drivers who traverse the routes each week to bring thousands of pounds of food to the Chicago suburbs, to the office community that responds to emails, captures funds, and communicates with our pickup location hosts. From the packing room crew that personally fits each gallon of milk into a red cooler bag, to the farmer doing chores, herding cattle that will one day be transformed into life-giving sustenance for a family. Visit each of these special spots to see the people who hang out there and what they do.

The Pasture

Grass and dirt. Is poetic the right word to describe the interconnectedness that grass and dirt represent to our lives? Our cattle, pigs, and chickens live in the grass (and dirt), and they’re healthier and happier because of it. We’re better because of it. The pasture is home to more than our gentle beeves and energetic porkers. One blade of grass, with its singular root reaching into ancient soil, carries millions of living organisms, organisms that contribute to a vibrant, diverse ecosystem, the scope of which we can hardly imagine.

If we zoom out, beyond the microscope, you’ll find the farmers spending hours here in the pasture, cultivating a premium product, yes, but also cultivating a richness of soul that other environments cannot offer. Our acres of grass have witnessed humble hymns, new births, childhood exploration, and memories beyond number. Yes, the pasture is a special, special place.

The Barnyard

The barnyard is like our own personal train station. Many people, all with different jobs, fly in and out all day, every day, on different routes to different spots. Our trusty implements are almost part of the family. From the Kubota, to the old John Deere, to the now-departed pickup truck fondly dubbed “Old Red,” these vehicles witness the ins and outs of life on the farm with us! The barnyard may not be the most glamorous of spaces on the farm, but it is certainly traveled through the most. Whatever the job, there’s a tool waiting to be used, right where it’s supposed to be (usually ;).

The Barn

There are various outbuildings around the farm that are used for different things, but this barn in particular is the OG. Storing miscellaneous farm tools and supplies, this simple structure currently houses new batches of chicks. While the colder weather means our poultry growing season is coming to a close, this summer the barn housed over 500 chicks (at different times). Home to various baby animals over the decades, we’re happy to have one of our partner farms, Feathered Farm Brothers, use this space in this season.

The Office

Such a humble space that used to be my mom’s sewing room (no joke!), this is my primary work space, which is shared with Ryan, John, Amber, and whoever else needs a space to eat a snack or have a quick chat. With its constant flow of traffic, bright sunny windows, and endless supply of coffee, I and my coworkers find much joy and productivity here. Whether it’s sharing a quick story from the weekend, or a philosophical revelation (it happens more than you might think), the office is a place of connection.

The Shop

The shop is Connor’s domain. You’ll always find at least one work in progress (or two or five), and usually catch a glimpse of him, covered in grease, paint, and who knows what else. He works determinedly on tractors, trucks, trailers, carts, and anything else that needs fixin'.

Our egg cooler is currently located in the shop, as is the main office door. That means that lots of people are constantly passing through this space every day, en route to find someone in the office or to haul a load of egg boxes in or out of the cooler. A main passageway as well as a hall of productivity, the shop is always buzzing.

These are a few of our places around Vintage Meadows and the people that fill these spaces on a regular basis. Which one would you like to spend time in? Which one seems like your ideal work environment? Which people would you like to hang out with?

Stay tuned for part 2 of “Our Places and Our People” to explore more parts of Vintage Meadows!