Illinois Farm Spotlight: How Vanwassenhove Raises High-Quality Pork

How Vanwassenhove Raises High-Quality Pork

In a world where meat production is increasingly controlled by large corporations, more people are turning back to the source—local farms. If you're searching for an Illinois pork farm that prioritizes animal care, meat quality, and community values, Vanwassenhove Farms stands out.

Located in Cabery, Illinois, our fourth-generation family farm is dedicated to raising high-quality pork the right way. Whether you're a longtime customer or learning about us for the first time, this farm spotlight gives you a closer look at how we raise our pigs and what makes our pork different from what you’ll find at the grocery store.

A Family Tradition Rooted in Illinois Soil

Vanwassenhove Farms has been raising livestock in Ford County for generations. What began as a small family operation has grown into a trusted source for pork and beef in Central Illinois. Despite that growth, the values that built this farm remain unchanged—hard work, responsible farming, and treating animals with care and respect.

We're not a commercial operation, and we never intend to be. Our mission is to offer real meat from real farmers who care about what they produce and how it's raised.

What Makes Our Pork Different

When you buy pork from Vanwassenhove Farms, you're getting more than just meat. You're investing in a product that was raised with intention, right here in Illinois.

On-Farm Birth to Butcher

Our pigs are born and raised on the farm, which means we’re involved in every stage of their development. From day one, we control the environment, feed, and overall care. This approach reduces stress, limits disease exposure, and improves both animal welfare and meat quality.

Clean, Humane Housing

Our pigs live in well-maintained, spacious environments where they have access to dry bedding, fresh water, and room to move. We don’t use cramped, confined housing systems. Our setups promote natural movement, proper ventilation, and animal comfort.

Balanced Nutrition

Feed plays a major role in how pigs grow and how the meat tastes. We feed our pigs a grain-based diet tailored to support healthy development without artificial additives or unnecessary medications. A properly fed pig produces pork that is naturally marbled, tender, and flavorful.

Minimal Antibiotic Use

We do not use growth hormones, and we only use antibiotics when medically necessary to treat illness. Our goal is to raise pigs as naturally and humanely as possible while maintaining animal health and food safety.

Local Butchering Partners

We work with local, licensed butchers to process our pork. This ensures a short transport time, low stress for the animals, and a clean, professional final product. Many of our customers appreciate knowing exactly where and how their meat is processed.

Serving the Cabery Area and Beyond

While we’re based in Cabery, Illinois, we serve customers across surrounding towns like Dwight, Herscher, Clifton, Pontiac, and Fairbury. Our pork is available for pickup at the farm, and local delivery options are available depending on your location.

We sell:

• Individual pork cuts
• Half and whole hogs
• Custom meat packages
• Butcher-ready pigs for processing

Whether you're looking for ribs for the grill, pork chops for the family, or sausage for the freezer, we have a variety of options throughout the year.

Why Our Customers Keep Coming Back

People return to Vanwassenhove Farms not just for the pork, but for the relationship. Our customers value the trust they’ve built with us and the consistency of what we deliver.

When you call, you speak directly with someone from the farm. When you order, you know the animals were raised with care. And when you cook, you taste the difference.

How to Order Pork from Our Illinois Farm

We keep things simple. Here’s how to get started:

1. Contact us by phone or email to check availability and pricing. We’ll walk you through current options based on your needs.
2. Choose between individual cuts or a bulk pork package like a half or whole hog.
3. If needed, we’ll coordinate processing with a trusted local butcher.
4. Pick up your order at the farm or request delivery within our service area.

Whether you're a first-time buyer or a returning customer, we make the process easy and straightforward.

Common Questions About Our Farm and Pork

Is your pork organic?

We are not certified organic, but our pigs are raised with care, without hormones, and with only necessary medical treatments. Our focus is on responsible, sustainable farming, not labels.

Can I visit the farm?

Yes, we welcome visitors by appointment. We’re happy to show you where and how our pigs are raised. Transparency is important to us.

Do you offer pork for restaurants or retail?

We occasionally work with local chefs and small food businesses. If you're interested in sourcing pork for your kitchen or store, reach out to discuss availability and pricing.

How is your pork packaged?

All pork is processed and packaged by licensed butchers. Cuts are vacuum-sealed or butcher-paper wrapped, labeled, and ready for the freezer.

Supporting Local Farms Means Supporting Local Values

Buying pork from an Illinois pork farm like Vanwassenhove isn’t just about food—it’s about values. It's about knowing your farmer, choosing quality over convenience, and investing in a food system that respects both animals and people.

We believe good food starts with how it’s raised. From our barns to your kitchen, we’re proud to offer pork that reflects the integrity and care of true family farming.

Get in Touch

If you're looking for a trusted source of local pork in Illinois, we'd love to hear from you. Whether you're buying for your home, your restaurant, or your next big gathering, we’re ready to help you find the right cut at the right time.

Phone: (815) 674-3034
Email: willvanwassenhove@gmail.com
Website: https://www.vanwassenhovefarms.com
Pickup Location: 19430 W 6000 S Rd, Cabery, IL 60919
Serving: Ford, Livingston, Kankakee, and surrounding counties