history

The Roach family came to Plainfield in 1869 as the railroad built north from Waverly. They opened a grain elevator and livestock business in Plainfield and managed their first farm in 1879. In the 1930's they began buying farm ground and selling real estate.

In 1956 Roach Farms, Inc. was incorporated and concentrated on farming, farm management, selling and buying real estate and doing real estate appraisals. Shortly thereafter insurance became a part of the services. Our services have been used by people across the United States and as far away as New Guinea and Thailand.

Today, Edwin A. Roach is the fifth generation to be involved in farming. He and his wife Pat, run the day to day operations of the business which is still owned by the family.

Why Orange? It may seem a bit odd that our logo and trademark color is orange. In the days following WW I our barns were looking a bit shabby and needed paint. As a creative man, Edwin "Bud" Roach, looked for the most cost effective solution to the problem. It turned out that solution came in the form of gallons and gallons of orange depot paint available from the Illinois Central railroad. So, it came to pass that orange barns sprouted all over the countryside. So, when you ask one of our elderly neighbors about the orange barns, they will immediately tell you that it is one of "the Roach Places". Tradition!