The Land

The lands of Ogle County, Illinois, were originally inhabited by the Potowatomi, Winnebago, Sauk, and Meskwaki peoples. These Native people were displaced and forcibly removed by the US government in the 1830s.

The late 1840s and ‘50s saw a large influx of immigrants from the East Friesian part of Germany to the area now aptly called German Valley. These German farmers were seeking better agricultural opportunities in Northern Illinois and were drawn by cheap land, low taxes, and dreams for a better life. The original 240 acres were bought by Henry Ratmeyer and his wife Elizabeth in 1882 for $54 per acre. He and his family built the original house and erected the barn with the help of many neighbors.

The land has been managed by descendants of Henry and Elizabeth for almost 150 years and now six generations. It was most recently called Springbrook Farm (a nod to the spring and the brook on the property) when it was selling butter and eggs to neighboring towns.

The Name

When thinking of a name to accompany the new enterprises on the land, the original “Springbrook Farm” as appropriate as it is to the site, we dubbed to be far too common, with half a dozen farms of that name in just Illinois alone.

The name “Holy Heron Farm” came from a series of great blue heron encounters following the passing of Abby’s grandfather, Richard DeVries, in 2021. He was a pilot, had a lifelong fascination with flight, and had a particular soft spot for birds of all kinds.

These heron encounters served as a potent reminder to look up, listen to the wisdom that nature has to offer, and remember that the sacred lives in every moment.