Our Story
Live Springs Farm is the result of a partnership between three individuals who are intent on creating a viable biodynamic farm in the Midwest. In so doing, we wish to provide wholesome, nutrient-dense food to the region, demonstrate good land stewardship practices, and, based on the results, show others the merits of Biodynamics.
Dorothy Hinkle-Uhlig is an investor who seeks to help create a viable bio-dynamic farm. She is working as a slow money investor, seeking what is known as the triple bottom line: a return for the community, a return for mother earth, and a modest financial return.
Bobbi Sandwisch and Alex Weber are the farmers. Bobbi Sandwisch was raised in Ohio on a small horse farm where she participated in 4-H and everything that had to do with animals. She graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in Wildlife Management which started her work in sustainable agriculture. Her journey has taken her from Stratford Ecological Center in Ohio, to Peace Corps Morocco, to farms in New York, South Dakota, and finally Illinois, where she and Alex met.
Alex Weber grew up in southern New Hampshire. Childhood memories of picking blueberries and going to the maple sugar-house helped him develop a deep appreciation for the numerous benefits that local agriculture can bestow on a community. In his early twenties, he traveled to Frankfurt, Germany for a 4-year apprenticeship on Dottenfelderhof biodynamic farm. While there, he worked on different parts of the farm, including the dairy, field crops, orchard and vegetables, and beekeeping. He came to Illinois in 2007, looking for ways to utilize the knowledge he’d gained.
The farm started its transition from conventional farming to organic/biodynamic farming in 2007 when the land was acquired. It went through a short transitional period before becoming Live Springs Farm.
* To learn more about slow money investing, visit the Slow Money Alliance at www.slowmoneyalliance.org