Join the CRAFT Community Today!

JOIN CRAFT TODAY!

CRAFT is a farmer-led training alliance organized by alternative agriculture farmers in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Farmers, food system workers, and community members at all levels of experience and interest are welcomed.  ​

CRAFT community resources:

• BiWeekly Broadcast Newsletter:  Broadcast Archive  |  Share a Lead
• Google Group Forum + Listserv
• Stateline Farm Directory Profile (become a member for profile survey)
• Farmer Training Events

CRAFT Steering Committee - Open Recruitment!

Are you looking for a service opportunity which also helps grow the local food system and supports our regional agricultural community?

Self-nomination Form

Join the CRAFT Steering Committee, and help plan, organize, and facilitate connections amongst farmers of diverse backgrounds and experiences!

• 2 Year Service Commitment
• 2 in-person meetings annually in Caledonia, IL
• Collaborate with community to plan and organize socials and educational events 
• Participate virtually in specialized sub-committees (Governance, Welcome, Events)
• Receive a Stipend

Not ready yet for Steering Committee service? There are other ways to support CRAFT and its members! Email [email protected] to share your interests and ideas regarding your support.​

• Offer an event space
• Lead an educational event or workshop
• Share information and knowledge
• Sponsor CRAFT through event support, corporate / business discounts

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Our Current Steering Committee Members

Francesca Dote - Buona Fortuna Farm
Danielle Cantrell - Ever Favor Farms
David Bachhuber - Lovefood Farm
Allyson Rosemore - Owl's Roost Farm
Tim Pierce - Running Hills Farm
Sheri Doyel - The Center for Agrarian Learning at McHenry County College
Christine Johnson - Wild Trillium Farm
Angela Rester - retired community member

Our History

​​​The first CRAFT program was founded in New York state in 1994, as a collaboration between Hudson Valley, Berkshires, and Pioneer Valley farmers to support agricultural apprenticeship pathways.

​​In 1997, ten farmers from northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin founded the second program in the United States - Upper Midwest CRAFT. Since then, the alliance has become one of the leading efforts to train the next generation of alternative agriculture practitioners: organic, biodynamic, silvopasture, regenerative, permaculture, no-dig/no-till, and conservationist farmers. Graduates, who now lead dozens of new local farms, are trained by some of the most accomplished farmers in the Midwest. More than 85 sustainable farms in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin belong to the Upper Midwest CRAFT. Currently, coordination is provided by a collaborative team of CRAFT Steering Committee members and Farmers Rising staff.

​Visit c​raftfarmer.org to find a CRAFT organization near you.

Partner & Funder: