About Gooseberry Acres Farm
Nestled along Gooseberry Creek near Emington, Illinois, Gooseberry Acres Farm is a labor of love for Luke Atkinson and Meredith Donaldson.
Originally from Enid, Oklahoma, Luke and Meredith relocated to Illinois in 2020 to live in the Windy City of Chicago. Three years and one child later, they returned to their rural roots with a shared dream: to create a homestead grounded in tradition, sustainability, and community. Together, they have cultivated a farm that reflects their values and aspirations for a healthier, more connected way of life, love, and nature.
Meet the Farmers
Luke was raised on hobby farms, where he developed an early passion for livestock, land, and nature. His high school years spent in the Future Farmers of America further deepened his appreciation for farming and rural life. Now, he oversees the daily operations at Gooseberry Acres, bringing a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to the farm. With a master’s degree focusing on climate change policy and its impacts on food, water, and energy systems, Luke is dedicated to building up his community while incorporating sustainability and regenerative growing practices inspired by traditional and indigenous farmers.
Meredith brings a decade of experience in tourism and hospitality to Gooseberry Acres. Her background uniquely positions her to create memorable connections between the farm and the community. An exceptional baker and crafter, she specializes in making products for the home that blend timeless traditions with modern sensibilities. From handcrafted goods to curated home products, Meredith provides warmth, creativity, and a welcoming spirit to Gooseberry Acres Farm.
Together, Luke and Meredith share three guiding goals for Gooseberry Acres:
Feed the Community: Providing safe, healthy, and nutritious foods for their family and neighbors.
Foster a Love of Nature: Teaching their son to appreciate and respect the natural world while nourishing him with wholesome foods.
Regenerate the Land: Building soil health and promoting community resilience through sustainable farming practices.
Our Farming Philosophy
At Gooseberry Acres, we’re committed to practices that honor the land and its natural rhythms. We embrace no-till farming to promote soil health, reduce compaction, and increase resilience to drought. By avoiding pesticides of any kind—organic or otherwise—we ensure that the food we grow is as pure and safe as possible. Our approach reflects our belief in stewardship and respect for the earth, inspired by the wisdom of traditional and indigenous farmers.
Our farming philosophy focuses on improving the health of the soil, increasing biodiversity, and creating self-sustaining ecosystems that benefit both the land and the community. Regenerative farming helps rebuild organic matter in the soil, enabling it to sequester carbon, retain water, and support healthier crops. Permaculture principles guide us in designing systems that work with nature, not against it, ensuring long-term resilience and sustainability.
Why is this important? Healthy soil is the foundation of healthy food. By avoiding harmful chemicals, embracing crop diversity, and fostering natural ecosystems, we’re creating a farm that not only nourishes our community but also contributes to combating climate change and protecting the environment for future generations.
From understanding the journey of a seed to appreciating the hard work that brings food to the dinner table, we want to share our story of sustainable farming and land stewardship.
A Community-Centered Vision
While Gooseberry Acres is a small farm, it thrives on the relationships and connections we’ve built with surrounding farmers and local residents. The support and camaraderie of our community have been instrumental in our journey. We’re excited to expand our capacity, not just to feed more people, but to create spaces for education, gathering, and celebration of the homestead way of life. Our dream is to bring the spirit of the homestead into modern homes, fostering a healthier, more resilient future for all.