Meet the Farmers of Broad Branch Farm

Brian Poeppel

Brian grew up in the Chicago suburb of Glen Ellyn, IL and lived in an urban environment most of his life.  The change to farming and rural life could have been a rough one but instead, Brian found a true love in working outdoors and for himself. In 1989, Brian earned his BS at the University of Illinois in History and Political Science.  He worked as a business consultant for a few years but the growing farm business needed his help.  In 1998, Brian quit his office job for good and began farming full time with Anita.  Brian is the farm herdsmen and tends the farm’s meat chickens, laying hens, pastured hogs and grass fed beef.  He has also built no less than 7 hoophouses on the farm for vegetable and livestock production.  With tending the livestock, helping with the vegetables, maintaining equipment and raising 3 children, Brian tends to keep himself occupied most of the time.

Anita Poeppel

Anita started what is now Broad Branch Farm in 1995. She grew up on a farm near Wyoming, IL and attended the University of Illinois where she received a BS in Agricultural Economics. She then attended Oklahoma State University and received an MS in Ag Economics. It was at Oklahoma that Anita realized horticulture was a true interest. Relocating to Chicago, IL, Anita began taking a few potted herbs to the Naperville Farmer's Market. Her product line expanded to organic salad greens and vegetables and the response was overwhelming. Brian and Anita moved to a 5-acre farm in Woodstock, IL in 1998 and expanded the organic farming.  In January 2004, the family and farm relocated to Wyoming, Illinois where Anita grew up. The new farm offered more land to expand both the vegetables and livestock.  Anita is passionate about raising and eating fresh, local, organic food and enjoys preparing the family’s meals with organic ingredients from her own farm or one nearby.

Lucy Poeppel

Lucy joined the farm in December 2001 and enjoys her farm life very much.  She is an enthusiastic helper and especially enjoys helping in the vegetable processing area and taking a ride to Arthur – Amish country – when her dad takes chickens to be processed.  She has actually been given 2! buggy rides by friendly Amish folks.  Lucy is a huge help with her younger sisters helping out so much when her parents need to accomplish a task made much easier with 2 people.  This girl knows the farm well enough she could take you on a farm tour and explain every aspect of the operation answering all your questions along the way.  It’s how and where she has been raised and she wears it with pride.

Favorite Vegetable: Sungold Cherry Tomatoes

Favorite Pastimes: Bluegrass music, roller skating, reading, horses, playing piano

Susannah May Poeppel

Susannah joined our family in February 2004 – our first growing season at the Wyoming farm.  She has also been raised on the farm, attending the farmer’s market with her family when just 3 months old.  Susannah loves the fresh food produced on the farm and is happy to hop on her bike and go ‘shopping’ for whatever fresh produce is need for the family’s meal.  Mom may ask for a bit of parsley and a tomato but Susannah usually can’t help but fill her basket with anything that looks good along the way – fresh basil, a few cherry tomatoes, a bit of oregano and always a few salad greens.  Susannah is growing fond of flowers and we’re working each summer to establish perennial flowers for her to cut bouquets – she is a natural with flowers and enjoys creating and presenting her beautiful arrangements.

Favorite Vegetables: Sungold Cherry Tomatoes

Favorite Pastimes: Bluegrass music, horses, reading, roller skating and being very silly

Laura Rose Poeppel

Our family welcomed Laura Rose in February 2008 and she has fit right into our busy farming life. We knew she was cut out to be on a farm when we saw how calm and peaceful she became when we took her outside in those early months.  If she didn’t seem happy, we simply took her for a walk outside while snuggling her close. She would quietly watch her sisters ride their bikes or the leaves rustling in the trees.  She loves the farm with all its kitties, apple trees, walks in the garden, baby chickens to hold, pigs to feed, and vegetables to sample.  She is anxious to imitate what she sees:  pulling a carrot and wiping it clean on her jeans, helping to wash vegetables, carton up eggs, and bag up salad greens.  It’s a wonderful world for a little one and as parents, we are fortunate enough to witness our children discover all the farm’s treasures. 

Favorite Vegetables: Tomatoes – any kind

Favorite Pastimes: Listening to a book, bluegrass music, and playing with her sisters