Beds of onion sets
While the Paarlberg Homestead was still in operation many things were grown including sugarbeets, red beets, carrots, onion sets, turnips, soybeans, wheat, corn, and tomatoes. After moving to the farm in Kankakee County in 1974 Ralph Paarlberg and his family grew corn, onion sets, soybeans, and tomatoes which were grown for Heinz for several years. Currently at the farm, Gary and Bruce grow corn, soybeans, three kinds of onion sets (red, yellow, and white onions), and shallots. Onion sets are planted and then grown into onion bulbs, which are then sold through Dutch Valley Growers and replanted to grow full size onions.