Harr Family Farms Honoring 100-Year Legacy with Celebration at Soulard Farmers Market on July 19

For 100 years, the Harr family has sold what they’ve grown, fed, raised, and harvested on their farm near Millstadt, Illinois, at Soulard Farmers Market. It’s only fitting that they mark their centennial anniversary at Soulard Farmers Market with the market’s shoppers and the St. Louis community.

The Harr family invites the entire community to join them on Saturday, July 19, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Soulard Farmers Market, stand #13-17 in the northeast wing. 

“The history of Harr Family Farms is rooted in the history of Soulard Farmers Market, and we’re proud to be partners with the market,” said Bryan Harr. “Our customers are not just shoppers, but neighbors and friends, many of whom have been returning for decades. We welcome the opportunity to celebrate a century of service with all who visit the market.” 

The celebration will be a time for sharing stories, history, and highlights of what life is like on a multigenerational farm - something that is becoming more and more rare. In fact, a 2022 Census of Agriculture reported 141,733 fewer farms in 2022 than in 2017. The lack of succession is one reason for the decline as next generations pursue other careers. Harr Family Farms, however, is defying the odds. Now in its fourth generation, the farm is run by Bryan Harr, who with his wife, Mica, and their children, Oliver and Adeline, continue the family’s mission of growing and preparing food with a focus on quality, freshness, and hard work.

“In the early days of our family farm, my great grandparents, Henry and Emmy Harr, crossed the Mississippi River by ferry boat, and even by horse-drawn wagon across the frozen river in the winter, to bring their goods to the market,” said Bryan. “No weather or hardship could keep them from showing up for their customers.”

Bryan’s grandparents, Erwin and Lilly Harr, opened Carroll Poultry, on 8th and Carroll Street, across the street from Soulard Farmers Market. Years later, Bryan’s parents, Eric and Kathy Harr, expanded the farm and planted 30,000 tomato plants every year. They continued to grow the farm, offering fresh eggs, sorghum molasses, raw honey, homemade butter, and poultry. Years later, Bryan Harr took over his father’s role in the farm and the expansion continued to include a full-service butcher shop. 

“The family farms who are a part of Soulard Farmers Market are an important reminder of where our food comes from and the incredible work and commitment that goes into every item in their stand,” said Bob Ray, Soulard market manager. “These family farms are dedicated to bringing our customers the freshest, highest quality food and making it available in a place that offers a historic and unique shopping experience.”