Our Story

John grew up as a fourth-generation farmer in Central Illinois. He spent his childhood raising and showing cattle with 4H and FFA and worked for his father’s grain operation for many years. Though John always had a strong appreciation for the natural earth and cattle, he never felt called to conventional grain farming. After college, John moved to Nashville for a few years to pursue his music (yes, Farmer John is also a VERY talented musician!) and upon his return to Illinois, furthered his education and career into the control systems field. Throughout that time, he met Amy and discovered their shared interest in animals and country life which eventually led them to literally ‘buy the farm’. 

Amy grew up in the south suburbs of Chicago. Though there was no farming in her family background, there was always a strong connection to nature and animals. By the age of 10 Amy was very involved in a local 4H club and competitive horseback riding. After graduating college and working in downtown Chicago’s corporate world, Amy quickly realized she needed to pursue work that was more mission based. This quest led her to her current position as a program director for a not for profit, educational, working farm in the Chicago land area. It was through this position that Amy’s interest and concern with the modern food system evolved and therein began her love for raising grass-fed cattle.