Successful Local Herb Farm for Sale

For farmers looking to step up to a commercial turnkey operation

Hope Springs

Photo by Bob Benenson.

Yesterday was unseasonably warm (not that there’s anything wrong with that). I had a concert to attend at the Harris Theater, so I went downtown a little early to wander around Lurie Gardens at the south end of Millennium Park.

The Gardens look about what you’d expect on March 21, mostly barren. But here and there were little clusters of early bloomers. Mostly these tiny white flowers, with a few purple crocuses and yellow blossoms scattered around.

I’ll go back in a few weeks and will share how things are progressing.

Photo by Bob Benenson.

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Photo by Bob Benenson.

Commercially Successful Wind Ridge Farm for Sale

This popped up just this morning, and I am sharing in case you (or someone you know) would be interested in buying a fully operational herb farm — complete with a main house and guest house — as a business-building venture.

Wind Ridge Herb Farm is located in Caledonia, Illinois (near Rockford). Liz and Tony Fiorenza, the owners, are transitioning to a well-deserved retirement and are looking for a new owner to give TLC to the business they’ve poured their hearts and souls into for 23 years.

I know Liz and Tony because they were Fellows in FamilyFarmed’s Good Food Accelerator program when I worked for the organization. They also frequently exhibited at FamilyFarmed’s Good Food Expo (that’s Tony below touting Wind Ridge products at the 2018 Expo).

The Fiorenzas are great folks and I buy their herbs when available from WhatsGood Farm Shop. (It’s nice to be able to pull something from the fridge when I need a photo.)

Details about Wind Ridge Farm, shared by Tony, are below. (Contact Tony and Liz for business details.)

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After 23 years in business, we've decided to sell the farm/business and find a place on water.  Our goal is to sell everything intact.  Besides the 2 furnished houses, outbuildings, 5 greenhouses, equipment, inventory and recipes, we want, as do our customers, someone who would like to continue and build the existing revenue streams.  

Plant sales - 80% wholesale to 4 main customers

Fresh herb sales - 100% wholesale to Local Foods, Sugar Beet, Urban Canopy, Green Grocer and Choices

I already have most of the summer booked for the guesthouse (4 night minimum) through Airbnb. The main house could easily rent for 3x the guesthouse rate, generating an additional $60,000 of income with little expense against it.  Someone could live in the guesthouse and Airbnb the main house.  The main house and barns could also be used for events and of course we've had many weddings at the farm.

We're finishing up some remodeling and look forward to painting the barns when weather permits.  The greenhouses are filling up and we'll look our best in a month or two.  We are also happy to be available to guide and coach any way we can to assure a smooth transition.  

Photo by Bob Benenson.

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