About Us
Get to know the growing practices, partnerships, and story behind Five Hands Farm
Practices || Partnerships || Story
Growing Practices
Is Five Hands Farm Organic?
The most common questions related to our farm are “Do you spray your crops?” and “Are you organic?”.
We are fully committed to practices that meet or exceed the USDA's organic standards. Certification is currently cost-prohibitive at our level of production, and doesn’t fully encapsulate our standards for sustainable growing. We go beyond organic. Keep reading to learn more.
This is our passion.
Growing nutritious food is our passion. If you read about our growing practices and still have questions please send us an email. We want to hear from you.
Beyond Organic
Feeding the Soil
Our fertilizer program is primarily plant-based compost from our farm and Purple Cow Organics, supplemented with cured chicken manure and OMRI listed liquid fertilizer on select crops.
You will not find synthetic fertilizers, or chemical herbicides / pesticides / fungicides on our farm or equipment. We also maintain a buffer plot to ensure our crops are safe from potential drift from neighboring farms. Organic approved (OMRI listed) sprays are used sparingly, if at all, and only on select crops.
Biodiversity
We’re committed to
Biodiversity & Conservation of Natural Resources
This includes cover cropping, utilizing equipment designed for minimal soil disturbance, reducing our dependence on plastics, composting, annual soil tests, efficient irrigation, protected culture growing, encouraging natural predators, and raising our own pollinators. Finally, we practice a meticulous crop rotation to prevent disease, insect pressure, and soil erosion. This includes fallow rotations that allows a portion of the land to rest for a season.
We have been trained in safe food production, handling, and storage by the Produce Safety Alliance. Our irrigation and processing water undergoes annual tests.
Quality Seed
We source seeds from Adaptive Seeds, Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, Filaree Garlic Farm, High Mowing Organic Seeds, Johnny's Selected Seeds, Sustainable Seed Company, & Uprising Seeds. We select for excellence in flavor, appearance, and yield. All seeds are non-GMO, with no conventional treatments or coatings.
In essence, we want to build a healthy living soil that sustains vigorous plants. Robust plants are less susceptible to pests and disease, which results in greater yields and better crops for years to come.
Growing organically becomes difficult if you cut corners. It’s a series of small decisions and commitments that culminate in healthy conditions for our crops to thrive. Each step is important.
Partnerships
Provecho
Provecho offers a unique mixture of exquisite Latin American and Spanish culinary specialties. Chef Chris Pappas believes that sourcing only the finest produce is key to creating this experience. Enter Five Hands Farm. We have been Provecho’s custom grower since they opened and we love collaborating and partnering with people who care as much as we do.
Green is Good
Chef Kate was determined to merge quality and freshness within a grab-n-go restaurant concept, and she did just that. By using all organic and locally sourced produce and meat she is providing healthier options for the person on the go without sacrificing flavor. Not only does Five Hands provides Kate with farm-direct, fresh produce she is also a CSA pickup and retail location for us.
Locavore Farm
Locavore Farm is a family-run, small farm located in Grant Park, IL. Not only are we close in proximity to one another, we’re close in passion, purpose, and friendship. During our 6 year partnership we’ve exchanged insights, farming resources, labor, and lots of laughter. Locavore’s Dine-On-The-Land events are quite the experience. They feature a 100-foot table and lots of local goodness beyond just Five Hands Farm produce.
More Partners & Friends
It may be cliché to say “community over competition,” but we believe in it. Here’s a few of our noteworthy friends, peers, and partners.
The Five Hands Story
OUR ROOTS
Located in Lowell, IN — a quaint Northwest Indiana town — the Bruce family farm dates back to the late 1800s. Growing up on a farm, Tom Bruce was immersed in farm life and grew to be an avid gardener. Eventually, Tom began to care for the family farm alongside his wife (Rhonda) and three sons (Nash, Luke, and Will). Altogether, they equal five. Hence the name, Five Hands Farm.
OUR LEGACY
Tom’s desire was to impart his love for farming onto his sons, and he did just that. All five original family members (and more) contribute to this day with Nash managing the care and cultivation of the land. With great pride, Five Hands Farm enriches their surrounding communities by putting quality produce on their neighbor’s tables. Thus carrying on Tom’s farming legacy to this day. With every CSA basket or retail purchase, you get the very best from a family that desires to work peacefully and meaningfully while reconnecting you to the land.
Our Team
Nash - Owner
Tom - Owner
Renae - Micro-greens, Herbs, Soaps & Farmer's Markets
Tim - Field Work & Deliveries
Rebecca - Field Work & Wash Pack
Tammy - Property Management
