Suburban farm grows more than crops
Historic Wagner Farms, located less than 20 miles from the heart of Chicago, is a working farm offering hands-on agricultural experiences in suburban Glenview.
“For most people, this is the only farm they’re going to see,” said Blake Lanphier, Wagner Farms’ manager since he moved to the area from Iowa in 2016.
Lanphier, who was a finalist for the 2025 Illinois Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture Award, estimated the Cook County farm sees close to 10,000 students each year through school programs and more than 140,000 general visitors. Owned by the Glenview Park District, the 18.6-acre site features livestock, crops, flowers, antique equipment and interactive exhibits that highlight Illinois’ farming history.
The farm also hosts a number of events throughout the year, including its popular Tomato Fest and an annual stock show in June. But Lanphier’s biggest passion project is leading the Glenview Clovers 4-H club. When he started, he was told if he couldn’t revive the club, it would be shut down.
“I love growing crops, I love growing animals, but more importantly, I love growing the next generation,” Lanphier told FarmWeek. “I feel like I’m making an impact with the kids, the interns that we have, just spreading the word about agriculture.”
Today, the Glenview Clovers has 25 active members. Lanphier also has two interns on the farm — one a former Glenview Clover and another who grew up on a farm in Iowa.
The club operates differently than many traditional rural clubs. Members don’t have access to their own barns or acreage, all livestock is housed and cared for on-site at Wagner Farms. Members are assigned animals and take part in every aspect of their care, from feeding and grooming to breeding decisions and showmanship training. The club’s dairy program runs year-round, while market hogs and lambs are seasonal projects.
“We’re limited by livestock, because if they’re in our club, they’re going to show livestock,” Lanphier said, noting about 35 kids are currently on the waiting list to get into the club.
Members meet monthly and Lanphier hosts regular trainings on the farm throughout the summer, including mock shows, pasture walks and species-specific workshops. Older members often mentor younger ones, creating a tight-knit community that extends beyond the barn.
“We are together all day, every day during the summer,” said Lindsey Bycraft, vice-president of the 4-H club. “Doing the hard work together bonds us. We work hard, play hard.”
Beyond 4-H, Wagner Farms offers a year-round dairy program, a 50-member Community Supported Agriculture program and a growing cut flower operation. The farm also uses cover crops, drip irrigation and soil amendments to manage its heavy clay soils and improve growing conditions. While not certified organic, Wagner Farms follows many organic practices to meet consumer expectations and support long-term soil health.
While the farm occasionally faces criticism, Lanphier said local support remains strong. The site was preserved through a public referendum, and families continue to invest time and energy into its programs. Pending final approvals, the farm plans to begin on-site milk processing and retail sales to further connect visitors with agriculture.
“There is a lot of power in face-to-face communication,” Lanphier said. “People want this farm to stay.”