Who we are

Farm Family

We are a ten-acre, equine-powered, family-run polyculture farm located in Grundy County, Illinois, approximately 65 miles southwest of Chicago. 

We see ourselves not just as a farm, but as a living system comprised of both the native and domestic, coexisting in balance throughout every season, so that nature is better served by our time here.

Our goals are simple. To live within limits, to appreciate what we have, to be good to the earth and all creatures, to provide food for others, and to be gentle farmers.

 Meet the members of the Bray Grove Farm Family

Brian

Farmer, lover of animals, vegetables, soil, hard work, writing, reading, music, and . . . 

Joanne

Artist, farmer, skilled mucker, weeder, and packer, visually embracing it all

Loretta

Amish draft mule adoptee, Brian's field teacher and flirtatious girlfriend. Senior overseer of the Pasture Pals.

Annabelle

At 17hh, this beauty from Lancaster's strength and mass contrasts with her affectionate personality.

Mavis

Our newest addition to the farm family. She's a young and spirited mule with quick speed in contrast to the drafts.

Penelope

Shelter adoptee, senior resident with little tolerance for shenanigans, our Sweet P, Mommy's little girl.

Gracie

Unsuccessful at being Penelope's best friend, she looks like the saddest cat in the world - or Abe Vigoda

Sally

"Silver fox" might be small, but she's the toughest and quickest of all the cats and mice are no match to her

Daisy

This pretty little girl befriended Brian as a barn cat, where she later gave birth to three kittens. 

Woody

Brian's lil Buckaroo, carrying on the legacy Uncle Scooter taught him.

Masanobu

One of the twins, large, fluffy, and loves to be petted.

Henry

A giant cuddly fluffball with classic kittenface.

Windy

The only remaining Welsh Harlequin duck from our original flock. Without her partner Billie Jo, she continues to venture the farm, with or without the other ducks.

Ruth Asawa Ginsburd

One of the Black Swedish ducks -despite their loud quacking, they're fun to watch and theymake us laugh.

Greta Duckberg

Part of the Black Swedish contingent, they wander freely throughout the farm and provide us with delicious eggs.

Tess Asplunduck

This Black Swedish duck seems to be a bit aggressive, yet falls into being part of the team for better or worse.

In Fond Memory Of

Scooter 2016-2025

Abandoned barn cat, Brian's Buddy, the friendliest lil guy, always getting into mischief, mentor Uncle to the kittens

Emmylou 2003-2022

Sweet "little" sister to Loretta, loved apple treats and writing poetry. Affectionate and adorable donkey-like crowd pleaser.

Otis 2008-2021

Former abandoned senior barn cat, aka Toshiro Mifune, gentle and wise

Cowboy 1985-2017

Beloved Appaloosa horse, cranky but humorous self-appointed leader, lover of the ladies, farm founder

Pirate Jenny 2022-2025

Brian's favorite Black Swedish duck - or the only one he could identify by her distinctive spotted breast.

Billie Jo 2016-2024

A quiet companion to Windy.

Wendy Waddles 2016-2021

From the farm's original seven, part of the cooperative chorus.



Betty Jo 2016-2020

From our original flock, a friendly and well-mannered dark beauty.


Elliot 2018-2020

Son of Steve and ? Not a classic looker, he was a rather reckless rascal.

Katie Jo 2018-2019

Hatched from one of the flock's incubated eggs, dedicated sister to Elliot


Debbie Dwaddles
2016-2018

Distinguished by her white feathers, voted Ms Congeniality

Steve Elliot 2016-2018

Handsome and diligent flock overseer, father to Katie Jo and Elliot

Bobbie Jo 2016-2017

From our original flock raised from days old chicks, lost at a young age.