OUR HISTORY

Lynn and Linda Rader live on the Rader Family Farm located on the west side of Normal on Ropp Road. Lynn and his 6 siblings were raised on this guernsey dairy farm by their parents, Glenn and Margaret Rader. Glenn and Margaret moved onto this farm when they were married in 1945 when Glenn's Aunt and Uncle moved into town. In 1971 the cows were sold after Glenn passed away. It then became a grain farm.

Lynn and Linda are grain farmers who for the past many years have also grown and sold sweet corn in the summer and pumpkins and other produce in the fall. The pumpkin business began rather innocently when Lynn had a bumper crop of pumpkins in his garden and decided to put a hayrack out and sell his extras. That was some 20 years ago. Every year since, Lynn has planted more and more varieties and has expanded his acres. Today he has about 8 acres of sweetcorn and 35 acres of pumpkins and gourds etc.

The Raders have three married children and five grandchildren. Their children and spouses are all involved on some level with the pumpkin operation. Poppy Lynn looks forward to his grandchildren helping him with the pumpkins before too long.

As farmers, we realize how much people love and appreciate an opportunity to experience a little bit of the country life. Each new generation has less and less understanding of the rural life. We feel our farm allows folks a unique opportunity to connect with and learn from rural America, helping bridge the gap between city and country.