Growing the Future: Inside Historic Wagner Farm with Director Jonathan Kuester

In this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, host Aaron Masliansky visits one of the last working farms in Cook County: Historic Wagner Farm in Glenview, Illinois. Joined by Director Jonathan Kuester, the conversation covers the surprising depth of history, education, and innovation happening just off Lake Avenue.

Jonathan shares how Wagner Farm blends historic preservation with modern agriculture, offering programs for students (including special education farmers), operating one of the region’s most vibrant farmers markets, and even exploring robotic milking systems and crop science.

Highlights include:

The transformation of Wagner from a 1900s family farm to a public living history museum

The impact of 4-H and farm apprenticeships on future veterinarians, scientists, and chefs

How U.S. farming changed under the Nixon administration—and what it means for small farmers today

How cows, robots, and soil science intersect to shape the future of agriculture

The renewed push for local food and what’s coming next at Wagner Farm

Whether you’re a local history buff, foodie, or just someone who’s driven past the cows on Lake Avenue and wondered what goes on there—this episode will surprise and inspire you

Listen and watch now and explore more at thechicagolandguide.com

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