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Farmers Rising to Raise Critical Funds With May 17 Outdoor Concert
- Bob Benenson
- Apr 10
- 3 min read
"Barnyard Blues" Will Take Place at Non-Profit's Home Base in Caledonia, IL
Local Food Forum's regular readers surely are familiar with my friends at Farmers Rising, the impactful farmer training non-profit based in the north-central Illinois community of Caledonia (near Rockford).
Farmers Rising is facing unprecedented financial challenges stemming from the abrupt, unfair and inconsistent funding freezes that the Trump administration's Department of Agriculture has imposed on certain food and farm programs.
To help, Local Food Forum is holding a subscription drive with 20 percent of proceeds going directly to Farmers Rising. (Scroll down to learn more about the campaign and to subscribe.)
I am also sharing the news that Farmers Rising is staging an emergency fundraising concert at its Caledonia home base on Saturday, May 17, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. The outdoor event, titled "Barnyard Blues," will include music, food from the outdoor hearth oven, the company of other local farming supporters, and a lovely day in the country.
Here is how Farmers Rising describes the event:
In the face of the funding challenges wrought by the new administration's policies, we welcome you to shake off the blues with us and help us weather the storm. At this special emergency fundraising concert, you'll have a chance to enjoy great food from our cobb oven, great music from local acts, and being in community with fellow supporters of the regenerative agriculture movement.
Confirmed Acts:
Sophie Coyote - a lyrically driven artist with interesting stories, unique twists, and word-play.
Silhouette - Rockford's own Taylor Hopkins, Alison LaMantia, and Asia Peters, presents a harmony-heavy set
The FINAL LINEUP IS STILL BEING DEVELOPED! Check back often for new details, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @FarmersRising for updates.
We are thankful for our amazing concert sponsors:
Cloudhaven Dispensary
Green Quarter Music
Additional Notices:
The Barnyard Blues Blues Concert is a low-impact, cash-only event! Please carpool and bring a refillable water bottle (water will be available). Be prepared to pack out what you pack in!
No dogs are allowed except for service animals. Please contact programs@farmersrising.org as soon as possible if you need a service animal or access accommodation. (This event will be outdoors, on grass, gravel, and uneven ground.)
It's Our 4th Birthday — 20% of New Subscriptions Go To Farmers Rising
Help Local Food Forum Grow While We Help This Great Farmer Education Non-Profit
Local Food Forum is marking its 4th anniversary (officially April 1) by asking you to become a paid subscriber and help make this unique, mission-driven publication more self-sustaining. It is the honor of a lifetime to be of service to the community of people working to build a better food system.
But this isn’t just a subscription campaign. It’s a fundraiser: 20 percent of the proceeds from all subscriptions initiated through April 30 will go to Farmers Rising, the farmer education non-profit based in the north-central Illinois community of Caledonia.
For each new $50 Local Food Forum subscription, Farmers Rising receives $10
For each new $100 premier subscription, Farmers Rising receives $20
For each new $5 monthly subscription, we will multiply by 12 to assume a $60 full-year commitment and send $12 to Farmers Rising
Want to get even more involved with Local Food Forum while providing greater benefits to Farmers Rising? There’s a link in the article to contact me to discuss.
I am a longtime admirer of Farmers Rising (known as Angelic Organics Learning Center until its 2023 rebranding), which plays such an important role in helping new and early-stage small farms build their businesses and grow. I have been happy to support its efforts in many ways.
Naturally Chicago and Farmers Rising will truly appreciate any and all support. Please join us in standing for small farmers and working together to build a better food system.
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