Down River Farm

Evan Barry, the founder, grew up near the Fox River and later moved to Peoria, inspired by his experiences working on various farms in North Carolina and South America. His journey through different agricultural landscapes shaped his vision for a farm that mitigates negative environmental impacts and fosters community connections. Down River Farm and Kira's Flowers work together to create a diverse and pollinator-friendly environment.

The farm emphasizes soil health and ecological balance, refusing to use synthetic fertilizers or chemical sprays. They use a two-wheeled tractor and hand tools to minimize fossil fuel use, and they buy local amendments to support the local economy. The farm grows a diverse range of crops to deter pests and diseases naturally, and they use straw mulch instead of plastic. Heavy compost amendments and encouraging soil life are central to their philosophy, aiming to grow nutrient-dense food while improving the farm ecosystem.

Down River Farm offers a 25-week vegetable CSA with multiple pickup locations in Peoria. They maintain an open-door policy, inviting visitors to see their farming practices firsthand. The farmstand is open every Wednesday from 5-8 PM starting at the end of May, offering vegetables, eggs, honey, and herbal teas and jams from Sunny Lane Aronia Farm. The farm prioritizes customer feedback and transparency, sharing behind-the-scenes footage to connect with their community.