For nearly ten years, the work here in Champaign County has been about one thing: finding and saving the stories tucked away in heritage genetics. Over that time, I’ve introduced more than 200 varieties of heirloom fruit trees and 500 rare vegetable varieties—mostly tomatoes—to our region. These aren't just plants; they’ve sparked lifelong relationships with growers who stay in touch years after their first tree is planted. It’s been a rewarding road, but our garlic farm has hit a crossroads. The demand for these historic varieties is simply outstripping what I can manage by hand. To move from small-scale preservation to a sustainable production model, we have to change how we work the ground.

Last season really showed me the limit. Our old Troy-Bilt tiller finally broke down, and honestly, it just wasn't built for the acreage we’re cultivating now. I tried turning over nearly an acre of soil using only shovels and hoes, and it nearly broke my body. The reality of farming is that without the right tools, the work becomes an uphill struggle. I eventually rented a tiller and had a friend help out, but it wasn't economical and it still required a mountain of handwork. A traditional tractor is way too expensive for our scale, but a two-wheel tractor that can turn the soil and shape beds is the perfect solution.

The BCS walk-behind tractor is the missing piece of the puzzle. These machines are legends in small-scale farming because they offer the precision and ruggedness that a standard tractor just can’t match in a tight garden plot. By bringing this tool onto the farm, we can step away from the grueling manual bed prep that currently eats up all our time. It means less time fighting weeds and more time focusing on soil health and the integrity of the garlic. It ensures these rare genetics aren't just surviving in a collection, but actually thriving in the field.

This shift isn't just about growing more; it’s about what that extra harvest does for our community. With a streamlined system, we can commit a regular portion of our crop to local food banks, getting nutrient-dense food to the people who need it most. Most importantly, it keeps us on track to offer several rare, heritage garlic varieties to the public by next season. We want to see these "lost" bulbs move out of the history books and back into local kitchens and gardens.

Your support directly funds the equipment needed to bridge the gap between preservation and production. By helping us secure this tractor, you’re investing in a future where heirloom genetics are protected and our local food system is stronger. Every contribution brings us closer to a productive season and a more diverse food landscape for all of us.