Today we’d like to introduce you to Dan Pilguy.
Dan is the owner and operator of Arlington Crest Farms. In 2012 he embarked on his farming career by co-founding a start-up of business in rural Iowa with a college classmate. With their combined passion and dedication to growing fresh organic produce, the business quickly grew to what is now a 10 acre operation. Now in their 5th season, Garden Oasis Farm LLC is fully operational CSA farm that also provides pasture raised chickens and eggs to restaurants and grocery stores!
In 2014 Farmer Dan established himself a Community Supported Agriculture base back home in Palatine. Making bi-weekly deliveries from the Iowa farm to 7 CSA customers, he decided to take a leap of faith and transition himself as an Illinois farmer. His time was divided between working in two states at the same time; however, his determination and passion to provide food in the Chicago suburbs outweighed the burden of living a dual life.
Over the course of two years, farmer Dan, alongside the help and support of his family, friends, and neighbors, developed what is now a 1/2 acre suburban farm. By 2016 Arlington Crest Farms was officially founded with the support of 35 CSA members.
Now Farmer Dan vends at 3 markets across the Chicago suburbs and is pursuing wholesale and restaurants.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There has definitely been a good share of struggles and obstacles. Transitioning a residential property into agriculture for one is not as easy as initially thought, especially in Cook County. Getting the proper equipment, funding, and affordable labor was quite a challenge up front. Learning from mistakes however, has been a blessing in disguise. I was fortunate enough to cofound another business right out of college, so when starting AC Farms I had the obvious advantage of what not to do.
Getting access to additional land has been a struggle of recent. I had 2 good opportunities to farm more ground local to me that fell through due to “liability” and “political” barricades.
Finally, I have been struggling with the increased work load and having enough help that I can actually afford to pay out. As sales and productivity on the farms increases, so will the ability for me to control this aspect of business.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Arlington Crest Farms – what should we know?
AC Farms is a diversified vegetable and herb farm that practices organic farming. I am the owner/operator of the farm. I manage and do everything from planting, crop rotation, harvesting, farmers markets, advertising, social media, etc.
If I had a speciality it would be growing healthy crops with good yields. I am fueled by my passion to provide, educate and empower those around me to make better health conscious decisions.
I am most proud of the fact that I am able to host Palatine High School students for their LIFE hours (volunteer hours required by the high school). In addition, I feel most proud when giving farm tours to interested individual and families.
What sets me apart from others is that I grow food locally in a suburban landscape for more than just my neighbors and close friends. Most people associate farming or farmers with a big tractor, a bunch of animals, or a big field as far as the eye can see. I am trying to change that perspective. People always ask at market ” A farm in Palatine?” There is so much un-used space in suburbia that could go towards feeding local communities.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Parents/Sister/Girlfriend/Neighbors- Their support and more importantly their patience to allow me to pursue my passion has been a tremendous confidence booster. They have and will continue to help whenever they can. Anything from harvesting, to fixing broken irrigation equipment, to sharing my social media posts, my family and neighbors are my biggest advocates.
College Professor- One professor in particular made a critical impact in pursuing my professional farming career. He was with me from the beginning by mentoring me on how and when to make good decisions that will ultimately benefit myself. He was there through my first set of struggles while forming my first business in Iowa, and continues to support and talk me through some of the most difficult business decisions I have ever made.
Contact Info:
- Address: 457 S. Warren, Palatine IL, 60074
- Website: www.arlingtoncrestfarms.com
- Phone: 847-254-8044
- Email: arlingtoncrestfarms@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/dpguy_acfarms
- Facebook: facebook.com/acrestfarms
- Twitter: twitter.com/acrestfarms
Image Credit:
Tanya Roy: Instagram @Tanyaroyphoto
Daily Herald Photos: Steve Lundy | Staff Photographer
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
