About Grimm Acres, Diversified
We are a proud member of the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy (ALBC), and share the organization's goal of protecting heritage farm animals and poultry from extinction by "working to conserve historic breeds and genetic diversity in livestock". The breeds we raise here on Grimm Acres were primarily selected from the ALBC's Conservation Priority List.
Our farming model is a composite of a homestead style and some "permaculture" system ideas with an eye toward sustainability. We utilize a "mixed-species grouping of animals that consistently stay together under free-ranging conditions" known as a "flerd" (not exactly a flock, not really a herd), as we understand the concept presented in the 2004 edition of "Grass roots".
We are proud to be certified by "Animal Welfare Approved" (AWA) and share wholeheartedly their philosophy that "..our own best interests are intrinsically linked to animals and to the environment we share."
We would welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you the best service in the industry.
This small, family owned farm was established in 2005 by Bob Grimm and his wife Susan when he retired from his career in the United States Army. Grimm Acres began as a way to raise the majority of the food that Bob, Susan and the extended family had available to them. The vegetables are clean, safe and vitamin rich having been raised from primarily heirloom seed, treated with no chemical fertilizers or pesticides, and handled only by the family and friends working together in the gardens. The meat from the poultry and livestock is processed on the farm, or at the local family owned and operated meat processor. It is safe, clean, healthy coming form animals and birds raised humanely in the fresh air and sunshine of this little Southern Illinois farm.
"As we've grown and educated ourselves, we have expanded to offer the same options to our neighbors and community. In addition, we strive to educate and encourage others to raise the heritage livestock and poultry we are so proud of. We offer breeding stock, hatching eggs, chicks and adult birds to others interested in having their own secure source of animal products. We employ several local youth year round on the farm and offer intermittent and seasonal work to several more. We encourage visits from families and groups such as 4-H and Ag students. "
Bob Grimm
Raised in Mississippi and Alaska Bob has always had a special appreciation of nature and has spent many of his most memorable hours in a small camp on a river bank, or fishing in the icy lakes of Alaska. In 2005 Bob retired from the Army. During his 23 years Bob served in various capacities including that of Training NCO for several units. He still finds great satisfaction in the opportunities to educate the visitors to Grimm Acres about the role of small farms as a source of diversity in our current food supply, and diversity in lifestyle choices as well. Bobs love of woodworking has found an extensive outlet in finishing the home at Grimm Acres, and building diverse items from chicken tractors to household furniture.
Susan Grimm
Susan retired from the Army Nurse Corps, Reserves and now devotes her time to caring for the animals of Grimm Acres, and being a 'good grandma'. Susan brought her concerns about issues such as nutrition in health and healing, and the danger of overusing and abusing antibiotics to her new "field of study" (pun intended). A special interest in integrating traditional and alternative healing practices with modern medicine has found a wonderful outlet in the farm setting. Susan enjoys producing the majority of the families food supply free of hormones, antibiotics and even pesticides. Learning and relearning basic skills such as canning and drying produce, making soap and other household essentials, and even butchering poultry and small livestock have given her a tremendous sense of satisfaction. Susan says "I have honestly Come Home."
