The Story Behind the Farm
Cultivating family memories for over 40 years
From the City to the Open Fields
Ben was born and raised in Chicago. But the seed for his true passion was planted hundreds of miles away as a boy, while he spent summers on his grandparents' farm in Nebraska. It was there that he developed a deep, lifelong appreciation for the land and the simple peace of wide-open country air.
Years later, after earning his MBA, Ben found himself climbing the ladder in a cushy office job in downtown Chicago. The corporate life provided security, but his heart kept wandering back to those childhood summers. In search of that fresh country air, he made a leap of faith and in 1982 purchased 55 acres of rolling farmland in Harvard, Illinois - initially intending to plant and sell Christmas trees purely as a weekend hobby.
A young Ben in Nebraska
Three generations of Christmas Tree farmers
Growing the Green Way Before It Was Cool
Ben quickly realized that a thriving tree farm demanded far more attention than a casual weekend hobby would allow. Turning his dreams into reality, Ben left his office job behind, permanently trading a suit and tie for a tractor and dirt.
Long before "organic" and "eco-friendly" became buzzwords, Ben was fiercely dedicated to growing trees the green way. He refused to expose himself, his children, or his customers to chemicals, instead pioneering a strict 100% herbicide-free and pesticide-free approach which continues at the farm today.
Carrying the Torch Forward
Though Ben passed away in 2013, his dream and his legacy live on. Today, his sons Chris and Justin have proudly taken over management of the farm, alongside a longtime family friend who is pouring his blood, sweat, and tears into the farm every single day.
Between 2017 and 2018, the farm was expanded to 100 acres to meet the demand for high quality, naturally-grown Christmas trees. The legacy that Ben left lives on vibrantly through his sons, the thousands of local families who make our fields part of their annual traditions, and his ten beloved grandchildren who will grow up with the farm in their blood. We invite you to come out and be a part of the Ben's family!
Ben with sons Chris and Justin
Memories Scattered Through the Rows
A glimpse into life on the farm across generations, from grandfathers to grandkids.
Ben with grandson Ben 
Ben with his granddaughter 
Ben with his sister 
Ben with his granddaughter