Blog

Where are you from?  

Southern CA originally but mostly the PNW & Boise, Idaho. ( this is a loaded question, haha!)

How do you find yourself in the C-U area?

My husband, Travis, Champaign born & raised, returned for a job at the University.

How long have you lived here?

2 years

Farming is a risky business. Unpredictable and uncooperative weather is a major risk farmers face every day and every year. No other business or profession is as dependent on factors completely outside their control as farming. And as the saying goes “mother nature bats last.” Many farmers throughout Illinois are experiencing this hard truth right now.

As summer comes into full swing local produce is easy to be had. This local fare is hard to beat and continues to be cherished year-round in our community. There is another aspect to local food thought that often gets forgotten. Native edible plants are most likely already on your table and in your garden, often given little special thought or very little encouragement.

Introducing the Sustainability Committee!

The Sustainability Committee’s mission is to provide awareness of both renewable and nonrenewable resource usage. We strive to form a conscientious culture that approaches day-to-day resource usage with both frugality and practicality. We believe that sustainable practices can and should be incorporated into our daily CGFC operations. We strive to transpose our acquired knowledge into a comprehensive and trainable model.

Mileur Orchard is a family owned business first established in 1961 by my father-in-law, Max Mileur, on ground that had been farmed since the mid 1800's by my mother-in-law's family, the Graffs. Howard and I took over the orchard in 1996 when his parents wanted to retire.

The orchard and our Farm Market are located 1 1/2 miles west of Murphysboro on Highway 149 and we drive 206 miles to reach Urbana.

We take pride in open lines of communication with our owners and customers. Here is what you had to say for the month of May!

Right now is the perfect time to sit back and sip on an ice cold glass of refreshing tea. The best way to enjoy a fresh glass of tea is with bulk, loose leaf teas. The reason for this comes down to a higher quality tea. Loose leaf teas contain a fuller flavor and subtleties that may not be found in store bought bagged tea. Enjoy hot or cold. Here are just a few of our favorites.

Food is foundational. Eating is so much more than an isolated act of consumption, eating connects and unites us all. Yet eating, and for that matter food and farming, are dependent on something that is even more foundational - clean water and healthy productive soil.

Notes from Diane Moore

What does your farm name mean to you? How did you choose this name?

2015 is not quite half-full, as it were, and yet it has already been an eventful year for Common Ground. This month, I have three brief updates from your Board.