Jim and Jackie Wellwood first started growing vegetables in a community plot nearly fifty years ago before they were married. Born and raised in the Chicago suburbs, they were able to purchase their home in the country in 1998. After two decades of gardening on their 10 acre farm in Gridley that helped provide food for their large family, they took a break for a couple years. They renewed their interest in gardening in 2020 when Covid-19 made it clear it was time to grow more of their own food for themselves, their family and their friends. 

Their original farming protocols that were chemical-free with natural approaches to pest management, have only been expanded. Wellwood Farms is improving the soil through regenerative practices while increasing the nutritive value of their produce through ongoing education and adoption of improved practices. In 2024 the Wellwoods successfully participated in several farmer’s markets as well as started supplying a local restaurant with farm fresh eggs. 

Jim is a honeybee keeper and  a honeybee inspector for the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Wellwood Farms offers Grade A eggs, local honey, several varieties of greens, flowers and many other vegetables from their 7,000 square foot market garden. They enjoy sharing their healthy food with others who appreciate the opportunity to buy local.