Rader Family Farms

Corn Maze Daily Status
2025-10-25 10:00 - 18:00, 2025-10-26 10:00 - 18:00, 2025-10-29 10:00 - 18:00, 2025-10-30 10:00 - 18:00, 2025-10-31 10:00 - 18:00, 2025-11-01 10:00 - 18:00 (America/Chicago)

Last Night Corn Maze
2025-10-25 18:30 - 21:00 | Rader Family Farms, 1312 Ropp Road, Normal, Illinois, 61761
What you need to know about our night mazes:
Hours are 6:30 to 9 p.m., with the last entrance to the maze at 8 p.m.
Admission is $10 for ages 4 years and up. Season passes are not valid for this special event.
Night maze admission may be sold at the farm starting at 6:20 p.m. Groups are welcome.
Anyone 14 years and younger must be accompanied by a paid adult (age 18 years+) in the corn maze and while on the farm.
Areas open: Outdoor access to Harvest Brew Coffee Shop and Sidekick food menus
Bonfires and S’mores (weather permitting). Other farm activities will be closed.
Bring a flashlight!
No backpacks, large purses or other containers are allowed in the maze.
No smoking (including e-cigarettes and vaping) is permitted on the farm.

Last COUNTRY Financial Flashlight Night Maze
2025-10-25 18:30 - 21:00 | Rader Family Farms, 1312 Ropp Road, Normal, Illinois, 61761
🌽✨ Last Night Maze of the Season! ✨🌽
If you missed the last two, don’t miss out on this one! It’s your final chance to experience the maze after dark this fall. 🌙
Grab your family, invite your friends, and come test your navigation skills under the stars. Don’t forget your flashlights — you’ll need them for a night full of fun, laughter, and a little adventure! 🔦🎃

Outdoor Activities Daily Status
2025-10-26 10:00 - 18:00, 2025-10-29 10:00 - 18:00, 2025-10-30 10:00 - 18:00, 2025-10-31 10:00 - 18:00, 2025-11-01 10:00 - 18:00

Orange Crush, First Responder Day and Last Day of the Fall Season!
2025-11-01 10:00 - 18:00 | Rader Family Farms, 1312 Ropp Road, Normal, Illinois, 61761
Get ready for an unforgettable day at our Orange Crush and First Responder Event on Saturday, November 1 !

Join us for a ton of family-friendly activities to wrap up our 2025 Fall Activity season! Here’s the fun we have lined up:

Trick or Treating from 10am – 12:30pm! Dress in your best family-friendly costume and get ready for some fun! Treat stations in our paid activity area- please bring your own bag.

All our Farm Activities and Food Venues will be open from 10am – 6pm!
Don’t forget to stop by the Harvest Brew Coffee & Retail Shop, along with our outdoor checkout for produce and pumpkins, open until 6pm!

Smashing Pumpkins starts at 2pm! Bring your A-game and smash some pumpkins with our mallets. We provide the pumpkin; you bring the muscle!

Sky Crane Pumpkin & Candy Drop! Watch as we drop pumpkins from 80 ft high onto a car, then see the grand finale as we drop a candy-stuffed pumpkin! It’s pumpkin mayhem you won’t want to miss!

First responders, enjoy FREE admission to the farm with a valid ID on Saturday Nov 1. Join us for a day full of fun, food, and festivities!

SCARCE Pumpkin Smash Recycle Event
2025-11-08 10:00 - 14:00 | Rader Family Farms, 1312 Ropp Road, Normal, Illinois, 61761
Smash Em – Don’t Trash Em!
Bring your pumpkins or grab some of ours and smash em with a handmade wooden mallet. Learn about what throwing your pumpkins into your garbage and ultimately the landfill can do to our environment. Do your part and come on out for pumpkin bowling, educational activities and your chance to win a 2026 Fall Season Pass to Rader Family Farms or a six pack of pumpkin donuts.
Our Harvest Brew Coffee Shop, Bakery and Retail Market will be open for purchases. NO OTHER FALL ACTIVITIES are open.

Sleigh the Season Retail Event
2025-11-22 10:00 - 15:00 | Rader Family Farms, 1312 Ropp Road, Normal, Illinois, 61761
Sleigh the Season at the Barn!
Join us for the ultimate holiday shopping experience where magic meets tradition! Discover a wonderland of festive delights and special offers that will have you decking your halls and sleighing your holiday style.
What’s in Store:
– Transform your home with our fresh Fraser fir wreaths with custom bows and decorations.
– Wow your guests with stunning custom porch pots filled with fresh greens.
– Discover seasonal clothing perfect for gifting or to wear at your holiday events.
– Find unique stocking stuffers and a sleighful of more surprises!
Special Treats:
– Be among the first 25 shoppers and enjoy a FREE pumpkin bar!
– Cozy up with a free pair of slippers with purchases over $30.
– Get a warmer for just $15 when you buy two candles.
– Buy two soup/bread mixes and nibble on a free box of cheese straws.
Pick an ornament off our tree at checkout and unwrap a surprise discount or gift!
Sip & Shop:
Relish delicious samples and warm spiced cider while you wander through the winter wonderland of offerings.
Come sleigh the day with us next week at the Barn and make this holiday season truly unforgettable!

Thanksgiving Bakery and Fresh Wreath Pick Up
2025-11-26 10:00 - 15:00 | Rader Family Farms, 1312 Ropp Road, Normal, Illinois, 61761
🥧 Thanksgiving Bakery Pick-Up at Rader Family Farms! 🍂
📅 Tuesday, November 26 | 🕙 10 AM – 3 PM
Make your Thanksgiving a little sweeter with freshly baked treats from the Rader Family Farms bakery! 🎉Pre-order your pies, donuts, and other seasonal favorites for easy pick-up — perfect for your special holiday gathering.
We’ll also have a limited selection of baked goods available in-store for any last-minute shoppers, along with fresh Fraser fir wreaths to bring the scent of the season home. 🌲
While you’re here, stop by our Harvest Brew Coffee Shop for a warm drink and browse our curated retail store for unique holiday gifts and farm-favorite finds.
Take a break from the holiday rush — come sit, sip, shop, and savor the start of the season with us at Rader Family Farms! ❤️

Christmas on the Farm
2025-12-05 16:00 - 19:00, 2025-12-12 16:00 - 19:00 | Rader Family Farms, 1312 Ropp Road, Normal, Illinois, 61761
🎄 Welcome to Christmas on the Farm at Rader Family Farms! 🎅
ONLINE TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR ENTRY.
We can’t wait to celebrate the joy of the season with you during Christmas on the Farm — an evening full of twinkling lights, cozy treats, festive music, and family fun! Here’s what you need to know before your visit:
🚗 Parking & Arrival
Parking is included with your admission, and our friendly parking attendants will guide you to the south side of the lot.Follow the signs from the lot to our Orchard Barn Check-In — your first stop for a night of Christmas magic!
🎟️ Check-In at the Orchard Barn (OB)
Present your digital ticket for scanning.
Each guest will receive a raffle ticket redeemable for a free cup of hot chocolate at the Schoolhouse — courtesy of our friends at Bank of Pontiac!
Once you’ve checked in, hop on the Jingle Bell Tram and follow the lighted path of fun through the farm.
🎶 The Experience
Your Christmas adventure flows through these stops:Parking → Orchard Barn → Tram → Activities Path → Schoolhouse → Little Village → Brew & Retail
✨ Look for festive signs and decorations guiding your way — from our “Welcome to Christmas on the Farm” entrance to the red, white, and blue arch honoring our troops.
Don’t forget to drop off a toy at our Toys for Tots Collection Boxes — thank you for helping us share the joy!
Bring a new, unwrapped toy and help us spread Christmas joy to children in our community through Toys for Tots.
🍔 Food & Drinks
Warm up inside the Orchard Barn with delicious favorites:
Pulled pork or chicken sandwiches
Loaded potatoes
Fruit cups and donuts (single or 6-pack!)
Hot cider, sparkling cider, bottled water, and more
Then stroll over to the Schoolhouse for your complimentary hot chocolate, topped with mini marshmallows or peppermint sticks.
🎵 Choir Performances
Join us for live holiday music as local school choirs perform at 6:30 PM on select evenings (Dec 6, 7, and 13). Each performance closes out the night with festive cheer!
🏡 The Little Village
Wander through our charming Little Village, featuring:
Santa’s Toy Workshop
The Gingerbread House
Santa’s Post Office (drop off your letter!)
The Cozy Cottage
Each little house is lit up and beautifully decorated — perfect for photo ops and holiday memories!
☕ The Brew & Retail Area
End your evening at the Pumpkin Blossom Barn, where you can:
Sip a latte or hot cider
Enjoy a sweet treat from our bakery
Pick up holiday gifts and Rader Family Farms merchandise
❤️ A Note of Thanks
We send warm wishes and heartfelt gratitude to our troops and their families this Christmas season. Please take a moment to honor their service and remember those who can’t be home for the holidays.
We’re so glad you’re joining us to make Christmas memories on the farm. Bundle up, bring your camera, and get ready to experience the magic of the season — Rader Family Farms style!

Christmas on the Farm
2025-12-06 16:00 - 19:00 | Rader Family Farms, 1312 Ropp Road, Normal, Illinois, 61761
🎄 Welcome to Christmas on the Farm at Rader Family Farms! 🎅
Vendors for this evening are :
Little Munchkin Boutique, Love, Liz Boutique, Nicky’s Flannel Revival and Gingerbread House Toys.
ONLINE TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR ENTRY.
We can’t wait to celebrate the joy of the season with you during Christmas on the Farm — an evening full of twinkling lights, cozy treats, festive music, and family fun! Here’s what you need to know before your visit:
🚗 Parking & Arrival
Parking is included with your admission, and our friendly parking attendants will guide you to the south side of the lot.Follow the signs from the lot to our Orchard Barn Check-In — your first stop for a night of Christmas magic!
🎟️ Check-In at the Orchard Barn (OB)
Present your digital ticket for scanning.
Each guest will receive a raffle ticket redeemable for a free cup of hot chocolate at the Schoolhouse — courtesy of our friends at Bank of Pontiac!
Once you’ve checked in, hop on the Jingle Bell Tram and follow the lighted path of fun through the farm.
🎶 The Experience
Your Christmas adventure flows through these stops:Parking → Orchard Barn → Tram → Activities Path → Schoolhouse → Little Village → Brew & Retail
✨ Look for festive signs and decorations guiding your way — from our “Welcome to Christmas on the Farm” entrance to the red, white, and blue arch honoring our troops.
Don’t forget to drop off a toy at our Toys for Tots Collection Boxes — thank you for helping us share the joy!
Bring a new, unwrapped toy and help us spread Christmas joy to children in our community through Toys for Tots.
🍔 Food & Drinks
Warm up inside the Orchard Barn with delicious favorites:
Pulled pork or chicken sandwiches
Chips
Fruit cups and donuts (single or 6-pack!)
Hot cider, sparkling cider, bottled water, and more
Then stroll over to the Schoolhouse for your complimentary hot chocolate, topped with mini marshmallows or peppermint sticks.
🎵 Choir Performances
Join us for live holiday music as local school choirs perform at 6:30 PM on select evenings (Dec 6, 7, and 13). Each performance closes out the night with festive cheer!
🏡 The Little Village
Wander through our charming Little Village, featuring:
Santa’s Toy Workshop
The Gingerbread House
Santa’s Post Office (drop off your letter!)
The Cozy Cottage
Each little house is lit up and beautifully decorated — perfect for photo ops and holiday memories!
☕ The Brew & Retail Area
End your evening at the Pumpkin Blossom Barn, where you can:
Sip a latte or hot cider
Enjoy a sweet treat from our bakery
Pick up holiday gifts and Rader Family Farms merchandise
❤️ A Note of Thanks
We send warm wishes and heartfelt gratitude to our troops and their families this Christmas season. Please take a moment to honor their service and remember those who can’t be home for the holidays.
We’re so glad you’re joining us to make Christmas memories on the farm. Bundle up, bring your camera, and get ready to experience the magic of the season — Rader Family Farms style!

Christmas on the Farm
2025-12-07 16:00 - 19:00 | Rader Family Farms, 1312 Ropp Road, Normal, Illinois, 61761
🎄 Welcome to Christmas on the Farm at Rader Family Farms! 🎅
Vendors for this evening: Little Munchkin Boutique, Love, Liz Boutique, Sweet Pea Crochet, Nickey’s Flannel Revival and Gingerbread House Toys.
ONLINE TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR ENTRY.
We can’t wait to celebrate the joy of the season with you during Christmas on the Farm — an evening full of twinkling lights, cozy treats, festive music, and family fun! Here’s what you need to know before your visit:
🚗 Parking & Arrival
Parking is included with your admission, and our friendly parking attendants will guide you to the south side of the lot.Follow the signs from the lot to our Orchard Barn Check-In — your first stop for a night of Christmas magic!
🎟️ Check-In at the Orchard Barn (OB)
Present your digital ticket for scanning.
Each guest will receive a raffle ticket redeemable for a free cup of hot chocolate at the Schoolhouse — courtesy of our friends at Bank of Pontiac!
Once you’ve checked in, hop on the Jingle Bell Tram and follow the lighted path of fun through the farm.
🎶 The Experience
Your Christmas adventure flows through these stops:Parking → Orchard Barn → Tram → Activities Path → Schoolhouse → Little Village → Brew & Retail
✨ Look for festive signs and decorations guiding your way — from our “Welcome to Christmas on the Farm” entrance to the red, white, and blue arch honoring our troops.
Don’t forget to drop off a toy at our Toys for Tots Collection Boxes — thank you for helping us share the joy!
Bring a new, unwrapped toy and help us spread Christmas joy to children in our community through Toys for Tots.
🍔 Food & Drinks
Warm up inside the Orchard Barn with delicious favorites:
Pulled pork or chicken sandwiches
Loaded potatoes
Fruit cups and donuts (single or 6-pack!)
Hot cider, sparkling cider, bottled water, and more
Then stroll over to the Schoolhouse for your complimentary hot chocolate, topped with mini marshmallows or peppermint sticks.
🎵 Choir Performances
Join us for live holiday music as local school choirs perform at 6:30 PM on select evenings (Dec 6, 7, and 13). Each performance closes out the night with festive cheer!
🏡 The Little Village
Wander through our charming Little Village, featuring:
Santa’s Toy Workshop
The Gingerbread House
Santa’s Post Office (drop off your letter!)
The Cozy Cottage
Each little house is lit up and beautifully decorated — perfect for photo ops and holiday memories!
☕ The Brew & Retail Area
End your evening at the Pumpkin Blossom Barn, where you can:
Sip a latte or hot cider
Enjoy a sweet treat from our bakery
Pick up holiday gifts and Rader Family Farms merchandise
❤️ A Note of Thanks
We send warm wishes and heartfelt gratitude to our troops and their families this Christmas season. Please take a moment to honor their service and remember those who can’t be home for the holidays.
We’re so glad you’re joining us to make Christmas memories on the farm. Bundle up, bring your camera, and get ready to experience the magic of the season — Rader Family Farms style!

Christmas on the Farm
2025-12-10 16:00 - 19:00 | Rader Family Farms, 1312 Ropp Road, Normal, Illinois, 61761
🎄 Welcome to Christmas on the Farm at Rader Family Farms! 🎅
ONLINE TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR ENTRY.
SANTA WILL BE ARRIVING TODAY FROM 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
We can’t wait to celebrate the joy of the season with you during Christmas on the Farm — an evening full of twinkling lights, cozy treats, festive music, and family fun! Here’s what you need to know before your visit:
🚗 Parking & Arrival
Parking is included with your admission, and our friendly parking attendants will guide you to the south side of the lot.Follow the signs from the lot to our Orchard Barn Check-In — your first stop for a night of Christmas magic!
🎟️ Check-In at the Orchard Barn (OB)
Present your digital ticket for scanning.
Each guest will receive a raffle ticket redeemable for a free cup of hot chocolate at the Schoolhouse — courtesy of our friends at Bank of Pontiac!
Once you’ve checked in, hop on the Jingle Bell Tram and follow the lighted path of fun through the farm.
🎶 The Experience
Your Christmas adventure flows through these stops:Parking → Orchard Barn → Tram → Activities Path → Schoolhouse → Little Village → Brew & Retail
✨ Look for festive signs and decorations guiding your way — from our “Welcome to Christmas on the Farm” entrance to the red, white, and blue arch honoring our troops.
Don’t forget to drop off a toy at our Toys for Tots Collection Boxes — thank you for helping us share the joy!
Bring a new, unwrapped toy and help us spread Christmas joy to children in our community through Toys for Tots.
🍔 Food & Drinks
Warm up inside the Orchard Barn with delicious favorites:
Pulled pork or chicken sandwiches
Loaded potatoes
Fruit cups and donuts (single or 6-pack!)
Hot cider, sparkling cider, bottled water, and more
Then stroll over to the Schoolhouse for your complimentary hot chocolate, topped with mini marshmallows or peppermint sticks.
🏡 The Little Village
Wander through our charming Little Village, featuring:
Santa’s Toy Workshop
The Gingerbread House
Santa’s Post Office (drop off your letter!)
The Cozy Cottage
Each little house is lit up and beautifully decorated — perfect for photo ops and holiday memories!
☕ The Brew & Retail Area
End your evening at the Pumpkin Blossom Barn, where you can:
Sip a latte or hot cider
Enjoy a sweet treat from our bakery
Pick up holiday gifts and Rader Family Farms merchandise
❤️ A Note of Thanks
We send warm wishes and heartfelt gratitude to our troops and their families this Christmas season. Please take a moment to honor their service and remember those who can’t be home for the holidays.
We’re so glad you’re joining us to make Christmas memories on the farm. Bundle up, bring your camera, and get ready to experience the magic of the season — Rader Family Farms style!

Christmas on the Farm
2025-12-11 16:00 - 19:00 | Rader Family Farms, 1312 Ropp Road, Normal, Illinois, 61761
🎄 Welcome to Christmas on the Farm at Rader Family Farms! 🎅
ONLINE TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR ENTRY.
SANTA WILL BE ARRIVING TODAY FROM 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM AND A LIVE PERFORMANCE BY SINGER MARISSA ROOSEVELT!
We can’t wait to celebrate the joy of the season with you during Christmas on the Farm — an evening full of twinkling lights, cozy treats, festive music, and family fun! Here’s what you need to know before your visit:
🚗 Parking & Arrival
Parking is included with your admission, and our friendly parking attendants will guide you to the south side of the lot.Follow the signs from the lot to our Orchard Barn Check-In — your first stop for a night of Christmas magic!
🎟️ Check-In at the Orchard Barn (OB)
Present your digital ticket for scanning.
Each guest will receive a raffle ticket redeemable for a free cup of hot chocolate at the Schoolhouse — courtesy of our friends at Bank of Pontiac!
Once you’ve checked in, hop on the Jingle Bell Tram and follow the lighted path of fun through the farm.
🎶 The Experience
Your Christmas adventure flows through these stops:Parking → Orchard Barn → Tram → Activities Path → Schoolhouse → Little Village → Brew & Retail
✨ Look for festive signs and decorations guiding your way — from our “Welcome to Christmas on the Farm” entrance to the red, white, and blue arch honoring our troops.
Don’t forget to drop off a toy at our Toys for Tots Collection Boxes — thank you for helping us share the joy!
Bring a new, unwrapped toy and help us spread Christmas joy to children in our community through Toys for Tots.
🍔 Food & Drinks
Warm up inside the Orchard Barn with delicious favorites:
Pulled pork or chicken sandwiches
Loaded potatoes
Fruit cups and donuts (single or 6-pack!)
Hot cider, sparkling cider, bottled water, and more
Then stroll over to the Schoolhouse for your complimentary hot chocolate, topped with mini marshmallows or peppermint sticks.
🎵 Choir Performances
Join us for live holiday music as local school choirs perform at 6:30 PM on select evenings (Dec 6, 7, and 13). Each performance closes out the night with festive cheer!
🏡 The Little Village
Wander through our charming Little Village, featuring:
Santa’s Toy Workshop
The Gingerbread House
Santa’s Post Office (drop off your letter!)
The Cozy Cottage
Each little house is lit up and beautifully decorated — perfect for photo ops and holiday memories!
☕ The Brew & Retail Area
End your evening at the Pumpkin Blossom Barn, where you can:
Sip a latte or hot cider
Enjoy a sweet treat from our bakery
Pick up holiday gifts and Rader Family Farms merchandise
❤️ A Note of Thanks
We send warm wishes and heartfelt gratitude to our troops and their families this Christmas season. Please take a moment to honor their service and remember those who can’t be home for the holidays.
We’re so glad you’re joining us to make Christmas memories on the farm. Bundle up, bring your camera, and get ready to experience the magic of the season — Rader Family Farms style!

Breakfast With Santa
2025-12-13 08:30 - 23:30 | Rader Family Farms, 1312 Ropp Road, Normal, Illinois, 61761
Breakfast with Santa at Rader Family Farms
Enjoy a delicious breakfast in our beautiful Orchard Barn. Each guest will have the chance for a personal visit and photo with Santa Claus — a keepsake for the whole family. (Bring your camera or purchase a photography session at: https://www.cognitoforms.com/RaderFamilyFarms/_2025PhotographyPackageForBreakfastWithSanta
Space is limited for each seating, so reserve your spot early and kick off the Christmas season!
https://www.cognitoforms.com/RaderFamilyFarms/BreakfastWithSanta
Breakfast Seatings:
8:30 AM
10:30 AM
Tickets:

Guests $25 (Ages 3yrs+)
Kids under 2 are FREE, but must have a ticket!
TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL GUESTS. Please purchase tickets for your preferred seating time. Guests will only be served during their reserved time slot and cannot be seated or served earlier.

What’s Included:
Pancakes, sausage, Biscuits & Gravy, fruit, Signature Donut
Hot Chocolate, Hot/Cold Cider, Coffee, Water
Visit & photo with Santa Claus (Bring Your Own Camera) or purchase a photography package: https://www.cognitoforms.com/RaderFamilyFarms/_2025PhotographyPackageForBreakfastWithSanta
Tickets will not be available at the door.

Indoor Bloomington Farmer's Market
2026-02-21 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-03-21 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-04-18 09:00 - 12:00 | Grossinger Motors Arena, 101 South Madison Street, Bloomington, IL, 61704, United States
Join us at Grossinger Motors Arena from 9 AM – Noon
Donuts, sweet treats, signature favorites including our farm fresh line of jarred goods including salsa, pickles, jams, jellies, dressings and so much more!

Blooms & Brunch in the Orchard Barn - SOLD OUT
2026-05-09 11:00 - 12:30 | Rader Family Farms, 1312 Ropp Road, Normal, Illinois, 61761
Join us for Blooms & Brunch at Rader Family Farms – an experience designed to celebrate time together. Whether you’re gathering with your daughter, mom, or a close friend, this event offers a relaxed and meaningful way to connect in the beautiful setting of our Orchard Barn.

https://rff.ticketspice.com/blooms-brunch
What to Expect
🌷 Flower BarCreate your own take-home bouquet from a selection of fresh, seasonal blooms.
📸 Photo OpportunityCapture special moments together in a charming, styled setting.
🥐 LunchEnjoy a simple and delicious lunch in a welcoming farm atmosphere.

A Meaningful Experience
Blooms & Brunch is designed to be more than an event – it’s an opportunity to slow down, connect, and create lasting memories surrounded by beauty, music, and good company.

We Look Forward to Welcoming You
We are honored to host you for a morning filled with blooms, laughter, and time well spent together at Rader Family Farms.

Summer Horticulture Field Day
2026-06-11 08:30 - 15:00 | Rader Family Farms, 1312 Ropp Road, Normal, Illinois, 61761
Summer Horticulture Field Day 2026 will be taking place at Rader Family Farms in Normal, Illinois on Thursday, June 11th beginning at 8:30 am. (Please see the proposed tentative agenda for more information.) Tickets Required.
This year, we are excited to tour a newly established high density orchard at an established agritoursim destination in Central Illinois. We will tour the operation with the Rader Family and hear from Extension Specialists, and Educators about specialty crop diseases, pests, horticultural practices in apples, flowers, and pumpkins.
Hear from the Rader family about their business, as they have continued to grow and evolve their amazing agritourism destination. Specialty crop industry researchers, suppliers, and industry partners will also be on site to help inform and answer questions throughout the day. Please join us for a fun and informative on-farm learning experience, to connect with growers and experts have to say about issues facing our industry going forward this season!
TENTATIVE AGENDA:
8:00-8:30AM Arrival and Registration
8:30-9:00AM Welcome & Introduction, Coffee and Donuts provided
9-12:00PM Breakout Sessions, choose between Session A or B
Session A: Outdoor Walking Field Tour
Sunflowers, Zinnias, and Mums
Growing Trials, PGR Experiment, Weed control recommendations
Apples (Root stock selection, training and pruning, thinning, drainage tile, etc.)
History, Layout, & Installation of new high density orchard; Apple Varieties, Rootstocks and U-Pick Platform,
Hedging experiment & Summer Pruning, Pollination Experiment (Nolan Lake & Dr. Scott Clem – ISU)
Pumpkin production
Growing Methods and Varieties on 12 Acres, Field Layout & Growing on plastic, Disease & Insect Control, . Benefits to having a dedicated sprayer (Vincent Mmata)
Featured Speakers throughout specialty crop presentations:
Plant Pathology – Dr. Mohammad Babadoost, University of Illinois
Entomology – Dr. Kacie Athey, University of Illinois
Horticulture – Dr. James Santiago, University of Illinois
Session B: Retail & Commercial Kitchen Tour
Discussion: Rader Family Farm’s Orchard Event Barn – Donna Verda
Planning an Event Space, Revenue Opportunities, Operational Considerations
Visit: Rader Family Farm’s Pumpkin Barn – Amy Hughes
Creating a space for Retail, Top Sellers, Testing New Items
Tour: Rader Family Farm’s Commercial Kitchens – David Apps
Working with the Local Health Department (food permits, water testing), Highligts of Value Added &
Signature Food Items, Local Farmers Markets & Partnerships: Dough for Donuts

12:00-1:30PM Lunch & Lunchtime Presentations:
Blessing of Meal – Rader Family
ISGA Chairperson’s Updates – Jenna Spychal
ISHS President’s Comments & Regional Grower Crop Report – Austin Flamm

1:30-3:00PM Overview of Agritourism Operation and Tour – Rader Family Farms
Precision Planted Corn Maze – Jason Kieser, Our Favorite Activities and Why, School Tours and Self
Guided Tours, Discussion on things we have done well and changes to be made moving forward.

Baby Animal Days (1 of 4)
2026-06-12 17:00 - 20:00 | Rader Family Farms, 1312 Ropp Road, Normal, Illinois, 61761
Kick off your summer with a memorable weekend on the farm! Baby Animal Days is the perfect family-friendly outdoor event where you’ll meet our newest arrivals—including a calf, fluffy chicks, playful lambs, bunnies, goat kids, and donkeys—along with all your favorite farm animals.
Make lasting memories as you hold a goat, pet a fluffy chick, or explore our fun attractions like the Bee Line Zipper, Accele-Rader Mega Slide, critter cart, double-barrel slide, skee ball. Select food venues will be open, plus our coffee shop and retail market for treats and treasures.
We accept Apple Pay, Venmo, credit, and debit cards—come ready for fun!
https://rff.ticketspice.com/baby-animal-days-2026
