The Tammen Family Wins Conservation Farm Family Award
The Will-South Cook Soil and Water Conservation District is proud to announce that the Tammen Family will receive the SWCD’s 2026 Conservation Farm Family Award.
Tammen Treeberry Farm is operated by Bruce and Becky Tammen of Wilmington, Illinois. The farm offers customers the opportunity to pick their own blueberries and choose and cut Christmas trees.
Bruce’s father, Lorenz Tammen, began planting Christmas trees in the 1950s to utilize unproductive blow sand soil. In 1964, he expanded his operation by planting blueberries in the low, more acidic areas of the farm.
Bruce took over the operation of the farm from Lorenz in the 1990s. Today, Bruce and Becky Tammen operate the farm with help from their three children Sarah, Matthew, and Hannah and many grandchildren. The farm employs two permanent, full-time workers and an average of 28 employees during peak seasons.
Bruce handles the bookkeeping and operation of the farm, and Becky manages their staff. Blueberry season occurs around early to mid-July. Christmas tree season starts the day after Thanksgiving. Both crops are heavily dependent on the weather each year. It can take anywhere from six to 11 years for the trees to be mature enough to sell.
In addition to the blueberry and Christmas tree crops, the farm offers local honey, jams, salsas, syrups, and specialty coffees for sale. They also participate in local farmers markets.
Many families visit Tammen Treeberry Farm year after year, and Bruce and Becky recognize the familiar faces. They have enjoyed hosting youth groups, park district functions, and senior groups over the years. “A lot of pictures from this farm are in people’s family albums,” remarked Becky Tammen.
The SWCD will host a tour of Tammen Treeberry Farm on Wednesday, June 24. The tour will begin at 9 a.m., and lunch will be provided.
Please RSVP to the District Office at (815) 462-3106 x 3, by June 18 if you are interested in attending. The Tammen Family will also be honored at the Will-South Cook SWCD Annual Recognition Dinner on Thursday, July 23.
