Our Farm in Cabery, Illinois
A Heritage
of Hard Work and Honest Farming
Vanwassenhove Farms sits in the heart of Cabery, Illinois, surrounded by open skies and fertile fields that have supported generations of local agriculture. Our family has built this farm from the ground up—guided by the same values that started it all: dedication, honesty, and respect for the land and animals.
When you visit the farm, you won’t find large industrial barns or conveyor systems. Instead, you’ll see wide pastures, open pens, and hogs roaming freely under the sun. You’ll hear the sounds of animals that live naturally and contentedly. Every corner of our farm reflects a commitment to responsible, sustainable farming that produces food people can trust.
Our
Approach to Raising Berkshire Hogs
Raising Registered Berkshire hogs is at the center of everything we do. Berkshires are known for their marbled meat and rich flavor, but they also thrive when raised in open-air environments. At Vanwassenhove Farms, our hogs are given space to move, root, and interact naturally—something that makes a real difference in both animal health and meat quality.
We carefully balance our herd size to ensure each animal receives proper attention and care. Fresh bedding, clean water, and well-maintained shelters are always available. By reducing stress and providing natural living conditions, we raise healthier animals that produce superior pork without the need for unnecessary additives or medications.
Naturally Mixed Feed
and Responsible Nutrition
Our feed is made right here on the farm, giving us full control over every ingredient. We use ground corn, soybean meal, alfalfa, and essential vitamins and minerals—nothing artificial. This hands-on process ensures consistent, transparent nutrition we can trace back to our own grain. Healthy feed means healthy hogs, resulting in wholesome, flavorful meat.
Sustainable Practices That Protect the Land
At Vanwassenhove Farms, we believe good farming should enrich the land. We use crop rotation, responsible manure management, and soil-building practices to protect fertility and reduce erosion. We also minimize waste by sourcing feed locally and limiting transportation and packaging. Sustainability isn’t a goal—it guides every decision we make.
Animal Care and Ethical Responsibility
Animal welfare is central to our philosophy. Our Berkshires live outdoors with fresh air, sunlight, and space to roam—never confined or stressed. We use antibiotics only when necessary and never give steroids or growth hormones. Healthy, respectfully raised animals grow naturally and produce better-tasting meat. Our family cares for the herd daily, ensuring high standards and attention to every detail.
Our Facilities and Daily Operations
Our farm runs year-round with daily routines that keep our animals comfortable and healthy. In winter, hogs get dry shelters and warm bedding; in summer, they have plenty of shade, water, and fresh air. We maintain clean, well-kept equipment, feed storage, and pens to ensure herd health and consistent production. Visitors often notice the calm, personal feel of our farm—proof that hands-on care delivers true quality from start to finish.
Beyond the Barns – The Whole Farm Experience
Our operation extends beyond hogs. The land also supports beef production and a growing variety of farmstand products, including eggs, vegetables, hay, alfalfa, and sawdust. Every product is produced with the same level of care and attention to detail.
Customers who visit the farm can often see the full cycle of local agriculture in action—livestock raised on feed made from crops grown in nearby fields, animals contributing to soil health, and that same soil producing fresh produce for the community. It’s a closed, sustainable loop that reflects the balance we work to maintain.
A Commitment to Community
Being part of the Cabery community means more than just operating a farm—it means being a good neighbor. We’re proud to work with local processors, feed suppliers, and families who share our belief in small-scale, honest farming.
Owner
Will Vanwassenhove remains involved in agricultural education and youth programs, mentoring 4-H members and young farmers who want to learn more about livestock care and ethical food production. Supporting these efforts helps preserve the traditions that keep rural communities strong.
Frequently
Asked Questions
How big is your farm?
We’re a small, family-run operation focused on quality over quantity. Our size allows us to personally care for each animal and maintain close control over every aspect of production.
What type of environment do your hogs live in?
Our hogs live outdoors with access to clean shelters, open pens, and plenty of space to move and root naturally. They’re raised in a calm, low-stress environment that promotes good health and growth.
What do your animals eat?
We mix all feed on the farm using natural ingredients—ground corn, soybean meal, alfalfa, vitamins, and minerals. This balanced diet ensures strong, healthy animals without additives.
How do you ensure sustainability?
Through crop rotation, responsible feed production, and ethical land management. We aim to improve soil health and reduce waste year after year.
Can customers visit the farm?
Yes, we welcome visitors by appointment. Seeing the animals and facilities firsthand gives customers a clear understanding of how their food is raised.
Contact Information
We invite you to experience Vanwassenhove Farms for yourself. Whether you’re interested in purchasing pork, beef, or farmstand products, or simply want to learn more about our methods, reach out to schedule a visit or place an order.
