ST. ROSE, IL — On August 14, 2025, Main Street Pastures Farm in St. Rose will become a hub of innovation, inspiration, and hands-on learning as farmers, ranchers, and food-conscious consumers from across central and southern Illinois come together for a unique soil health experience.
Hosted by local producers and part of the SoIL Farmers for Soil Health network, this one-day Soil Health Academy workshop offers more than just theory—it will deliver real- world tools to regenerate the land, revitalize farm businesses, and strengthen rural communities from the ground up.
According to host farmer Jill Vonder Haar, what truly makes this workshop stand out is its authenticity. “This isn’t theory or a research plot,” she explains. “It’s real-life farming, with real challenges and real results—and we’re opening the gate so others can see exactly how it works.”
“At Main Street Pastures, we not only raise pasture-raised livestock, we also grow the grains used in our feed rations using regenerative agriculture practices,” she says. “People will see how everything is connected—soil health, animal health, and ultimately, human health.”
That holistic approach is the backbone of Jill’s, and her husband Chad’s, farming philosophy—and it’s also the heart of what attendees will take away from the workshop. With sessions focused on livestock integration, direct-to-consumer marketing, and on-farm retail strategies, the event promises practical insights rooted in real results.
From Conventional to Regenerative: A Journey in Patience and Purpose
When the Vonder Haar’s began their soil health journey, they were like many farmers: skeptical, but curious. Their shift from conventional practices to regenerative systems didn’t happen overnight.
“If there’s one thing I wish I had known when we started, it’s patience,” Jill says. “Nothing changes overnight, but good practices over time create the best results.”
For the Vonder Haars, that meant transitioning row-crop acres to no-till, cover cropping, and eventually integrating animals across their fields. The learning curve was steep, but the payoff—both ecological and economic—has been worth it.
“Understanding that soil is a living thing really changed how we look at everything,” Jill says. “We started asking, ‘Why are we doing this? What impact does this have on the soil?’ That mindset shift was a turning point.”
One vivid “aha” moment came when they measured water infiltration on their land. They realized their conventional practices had created hardpan layers that led to significant runoff and erosion.
“Seeing how little water was actually soaking into our soil was eye-opening. That was when we knew we had to change how we managed the land,” Jill says.
Now, with deep-rooted cover crops and rotational grazing, the soil holds moisture longer, reduces erosion, and supports diverse biological life. Jill says they now gauge success by the return of native insects, birds, and plants—a clear sign the soil is healing.
Building a Farm—and a Future—From the Ground Up
The Vonder Haars’ diversified model includes beef cattle, pasture-raised pork and poultry, and an on-farm store that connects customers directly with their food. That kind of diversity, Jill says, is more than just smart business—it’s a strategy for working with nature’s cycles.
“Being diversified gives us the opportunity to be more resilient. When one part of the system is struggling, another part helps balance things out,” she explains. It’s also changed the outlook for their family farm in ways they couldn’t have imagined at the beginning.
“This workshop could change someone’s entire future. That sounds like a big statement, but I believe it,” Jill says. “Whether it’s finding new markets, improving animal health, or seeing how healthy soil can reduce input costs, there’s something for everyone.” The Vonder Haars also make it a priority to involve their children in the daily decision-making process.
“Our kids are learning alongside us. They’re out there observing, asking questions, making choices,” she says. “It’s important that they understand everything is part of the process—the soil, the animals, the people.”
That multigenerational perspective is part of what motivates the couple to keep improving. “We believe in leaving the soil in better condition than when we started—for our kids, and for everyone else’s too,” Jill says.
Sharing Lessons, Helping Others
While some businesses might hesitate to share their hard-earned insights with potential competitors, Jill and Chad take a different view. “Regenerative agriculture will not only heal the soil, but strengthen our communities,” Jill says. “We’re all in this together.”
That spirit of collaboration is also at the core of SHA’s mission. The nonprofit organization believes that peer-to-peer education is one of the most powerful tools for spreading soil health practices. Jill agrees.
“Farmer-to-farmer learning is essential. Sharing our stories, our successes, and our struggles helps all of us become better stewards,” she says. And that includes helping skeptics take the first step.
“If someone is unsure, I just say: try one thing,” Jill says. “Make one change to improve your soil for future generations. You don’t have to overhaul your whole system in a day.”
That kind of practical encouragement is exactly what SHA workshops are known for. Through in-field demonstrations, classroom discussions, and one-on-one mentorship, participants leave with more than information—they leave with inspiration.
A Healthier Community from the Soil Up
The benefits of regenerative farming at Main Street Pastures extend well beyond the fence line. Jill says their customers are increasingly aware of the soil-food-health connection.
“Our customers understand that healthy soils produce healthier food. That’s a powerful message,” she says. “They’re not just buying a product—they’re supporting a philosophy.”
As interest in local, transparent food systems continues to rise, the Vonder Haars are finding that their farm has become a hub for more than just groceries—it’s become a place of learning, connection, and hope.
“We’ve seen people come here and completely rethink what farming—and food—can be,” Jill says. “That’s incredibly rewarding.”
A Call to Action for Farmers and Foodies Alike
For Jill, hosting a Soil Health Academy workshop isn’t just about showcasing their farm—it’s about amplifying a movement. “We want people to walk away from this workshop knowing that change is possible,” she says. “That they can take control of their land, their food, and their future.”
With a full day of programming planned, including practical soil demonstrations, marketing insights, and farm tours, the August 14 event at Main Street Pastures promises to be both educational and inspiring.
Whether you’re a seasoned farmer curious about no-till practices, a young rancher looking for better ways to integrate livestock, or a health-conscious consumer wanting to understand where your food comes from, this workshop offers something unique. “We’re not promising a magic formula,” Jill says. “But we are showing what’s possible when you treat the soil as a partner, not a commodity.”
And for anyone wondering if one day can truly make a difference, Jill has one last thought: “Sometimes, all it takes is one day—one moment—to change everything.”
To register for the August 14, 2025, Soil Health Academy workshop at Main Street Pastures in St. Rose, IL, and to learn more about SHA’s mission to empower regenerative agriculture, visit www.soilhealthacademy.org.