Wilson's Orchard
They have a robust pick-your-own apple business at the farm, where they also make apple cider, apple turnovers, and apple cider donuts, and they grow pumpkins. What more could you ask for?
Iowa City, IA
Cahokia Rice
Type: Farm
Produces: Rice
Location: McClure, IL
Miles from Coop: 360
The Smart Choice Rice
Cahokia rice has 53% more protein per serving than conventional rice and a low glycemic index of 41 (the lowest GI ever reported in a commercial rice), making this rice an excellent heart-healthy and diabetic-friendly choice!
It is non-GMO and heavy metal free and regularly tested to ensure levels remain below detectable limits, and grown in nearby Illinois on a family farm dedicated to protecting the environment for generations to come.
Cahokia Rice can be found on New Pioneer Co-op shelves both in packages and in our bulk sections!
Generational Farming
For four generations, farmer Blake Gerard and his family have lovingly cultivated a pristine corner of the Mississippi River bottoms region in Southern Illinois. As a Food Alliance Certified sustainable farm, the Gerard family believes in creating food systems that not only feed people today but protect and nurture our environment for the future.
Commitment to Stewardship
Cahokia Rice is named in honor of the Cahokia people - the first sustainable farmers of the land. Blake's business represents a return to these same sustainable practices. Through regenerative farming methods, they cultivate more than just rice - they nurture the land itself.
By creating wetland habitats, they enhance biodiversity, providing a sanctuary for hundreds of migratory birds and other species. These waterfowl play an integral role in the farming process, naturally tilling the soil, fertilizing the fields, and even assisting with weed control. This harmonious relationship supports the environment and helps grow rice in the most sustainable way possible.
The fields are not just farmland - they are vibrant ecosystems teeming with life.
These regenerative methods create nutrient-dense soil, reduce erosion, and aid in soil preservation, ensuring their fields remain fertile for generations to come.
Other Local Producers
Be sure to check out these others great local producers!
Cahokia Rice
Grown sustainably on a 4th generation family farm, this certified non-GMO rice is naturally 53% higher in protein than conventional rice with a low glycemic index.
McClure, IL
Ferndale Market
“We keep [the turkeys] rotating onto fresh pasture. It’s a true free-range program, outdoors from early spring.”
Cannon Falls, MN
Little Deb's Berry Farm
Little Deb’s Berry Farm, situated just outside of Newhall, Iowa is the pride and joy of Jeff and Deb Sindelar. Here, you'll find a vibrant mix of crops like kiwi berries, honey berries, nuts, and asparagus.
Newhall, Iowa
Trowel and Error Farm
Carly Andrews was inspired to start farming after attending The University of Vermont, and learning about the local foods movement. After seeing a panel of all women farmers in her undergrad, she decided to try it out for herself.
Iowa City, IA
Big Timber Maple Syrup
Big Timber Maple has been producing certified organic maple syrup since 2000. What began as a hobby quickly grew into a thriving family business, driven by a passion for quality and tradition.
Epworth, Iowa
Kerns Homegrown
Our local source for non-GMO sweet corn! In 1999, at the age of 15, Blake Kerns rented two acres of abandoned crop land, borrowed a planter, and seeded sweet corn. Twenty years later he's still planting, picking, and delivering fresh picked homegrown produce.
Oelwein, IA
Seed Savers Exchange
Seed Savers formed a network of gardeners interested in preserving heirloom varieties and sharing seeds.
Decorah, IA