Success Story - We Went Organic Before It Was Hot!
Illinois Success Story
We Went Organic Before It Was Hot!
By: Paige Buck, NRCS State Public Affairs Specialist
Date: October 2010
Since 1967 when his father started. At that time, Campbell sold organic meat
to a local health food store. Later, he operated an organic dairy farm with his
father in Illinois and eventually in Wisconsin.
Today, Dave and wife Mary own and operate a 224-acre certified organic “Lily
Lake Organic Farm” which is located in northeastern Illinois between Chicago’s
suburbs and DeKalb County. Campbell and his family moved to the present farm in
1988, which was farmed by Mary’s family since 1834. By 1991, the entire farm was
The Campbell operation personifies just what can be produced�and learned�on a
small, organic farm. For nearly two decades, Campbell has tried different
options and methods in search of the ideal balance for healthy and valuable
agricultural products and production methods and management that protect�if not
improve the land’s natural resource base.
All farmers know how important soil is to their livelihood. Traditional
production agriculture values soil as well, but smaller organic farmers work
with their soil in a slightly more intimate fashion. They are more familiar and
perhaps a bit more connected to their land. They manage it and nurture it in
order to create a soil quality that is naturally and holistically superior.
Growing organic is in no way easier than growing traditional row crop, ag
commodity crops, and grains. While the size of the operation is small, the
amount of labor and management required for success is not small at all.
The risks organic growers battle are similar to the larger, traditional
operations, but solutions and options are remarkably different. They must be
approached and applied in a totally different manner. Organic growers are a
different breed of farmer, but they work with and depend on the same growing
mediums and need support and technical assistance in conservation solutions like
any other farmer.
Like many organic growers in Illinois and the Midwest, the Campbells have found
allies and partners in their agricultural journey. They’ve made new friends,
serving as a mentor and teacher to newfound organic growers in Illinois.
“We never stop learning,” Campbell says. “And we never stop looking for new ways
to find success and win on all fronts.” He is a believer in the value of cover
crops and knows first-hand how their proper use increases yields, reduces weed
competition and solves other problems.
Campbell’s farm is complete with needed conservation practices like grassed
waterways which reduce water erosion and keep valuable soil on the fields where
it belongs. “Conservation methods and organic farming go hand in hand with each
other,” says Campbell. “It’s just a natural fit.”
The Campbells work closely with other organic growers, University contacts, and
local vendors. They regularly hold field days and tours on their farm to
showcase what they’ve learned and share their success with folks who are new to
or moving towards their own sustainable farming operation.
Campbell’s organic farm includes wheat, corn, oats, soybeans and hay are the
primary crops along with small amounts of buckwheat and cover crops.
Alfalfa/grass hay was grown extensively during transition years and shortly
thereafter. The Campbell family also raises a few dairy heifers on the farm.
Regardless what Campbell studied in college, just listening to him chat with the
crowd at his most recent field day he speaks like a soil scientist about the
makeup and qualities of his soils. He uses words like �sustainable,’ and
�balance’ or �harmony,’ and he knows all the organic solutions for dealing with
nutrient issues or pests in ways that involve planting something as opposed to
In addition to farming, Campbell currently serves as an Advisory Board member to
the Agroecology/Sustainable Agriculture Program (ASAP) at the University of
Illinois and as secretary/treasurer of Organic Farmers Agency for Relationship
The Campbell farm is significantly smaller than many in Illinois. His equipment
may be smaller and perhaps a little older. But his inputs are less and his sell
price is higher. He’s a busy man who is happily running a truly sustainable
farming operation and who takes great pride in teaching others who want to do
the same � find success.
Organic Profiles Campbell (PDF, 1498 kb)