Our HistoryThe land is the Homestead of the Leffler family (ancestors of Mollie Krell), est. 1839. The land was originally 80 acres. This was before Iowa was a state, and Burlington existed as the territorial capital of this area. Over the years, the city has grown up around the land- a little farm in a thriving city. The land has continuously been used in agriculture. Most recently, the land was cash-rented for conventional, row-crop farming for a number of years. The current house stands on 30 acres and is now home to nonprofit The Homestead 1839.
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Current Farm Operations
Currently, the Homestead has 5 acres of active farmland. 14 acres have been transitioned to a pollinator habitat through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). The farm utilizes sustainable agricultural processes, which exclude the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, with a focus on permaculture. Permaculture is a system of agricultural principles that uses nature for the maximum production and benefit of people and land. For example, the purple martin bird is a natural predator of the dreaded Japanese beetle - a known scourge of plants and flowers. Using a natural predator of the insect is a natural way to control Japanese beetle populations on the farm; the birds can be attracted through special bird houses. Permaculture also includes agriculture techniques like crop rotation and companion planting.
The end result of the farm is to create an oasis in an urban area. Most farming around the area consists of monoculture farming practices, and the Homestead strives to show what that difference looks like in a sustainable setting.
The end result of the farm is to create an oasis in an urban area. Most farming around the area consists of monoculture farming practices, and the Homestead strives to show what that difference looks like in a sustainable setting.
Produce/FlowerS
Produce: The Homestead's produce is all organically grown. We grow many common variety vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, and peppers. We also focus lesser known heirloom varieties which are harder to access locally like okra, tomatillos, edible flowers and fresh herbs. Our produce is planted and cared for by hand, and in the tradition of older farming techniques. Our goal is to minimize our dependence on fossil fuels by using environmentally friendly practices. Many loving volunteers have put time and energy into raising these vegetables.
Ultimately, the produce is for the community. Our goal is to feed families in the area who may not have easy access to fresh produce. We have facilitated tons of food getting back to our SE Iowa community through food banks, community referrals, and to those who generally lack access to fresh, organically grown fruit and vegetables. We also strive to provide a market for local produce. We sell our produce to the public seasonally at the road-side market, a.k.a. "The Veg Shop," at our farm and at local farmers' markets, as well as partner with other local producers to help them find markets for their goods.
Flowers: The flower garden is an opportunity for the farm to raise funds for their produce needs. The flowers are also organically grown, using the same principles as the produce, to make a unique and beautiful product. Flower sales have enhanced weddings, dinners, special events, as well as people's homes. Some flowers have been donated to the hospice house and other places in the community. Flower sales are a key part of helping The Homestead be financially sustainable, and they certainly brighten people's day.
Ultimately, the produce is for the community. Our goal is to feed families in the area who may not have easy access to fresh produce. We have facilitated tons of food getting back to our SE Iowa community through food banks, community referrals, and to those who generally lack access to fresh, organically grown fruit and vegetables. We also strive to provide a market for local produce. We sell our produce to the public seasonally at the road-side market, a.k.a. "The Veg Shop," at our farm and at local farmers' markets, as well as partner with other local producers to help them find markets for their goods.
Flowers: The flower garden is an opportunity for the farm to raise funds for their produce needs. The flowers are also organically grown, using the same principles as the produce, to make a unique and beautiful product. Flower sales have enhanced weddings, dinners, special events, as well as people's homes. Some flowers have been donated to the hospice house and other places in the community. Flower sales are a key part of helping The Homestead be financially sustainable, and they certainly brighten people's day.
Directors and The Board
Co-directors Tobin & Mollie Krell
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Board of Directors
President Donna Koett Youth Service Specialist Burlington Public Library Treasurer Molly Lovelock Master Naturalist and Community Volunteer Secretary Michelle Brown Director of High School Relations Southeastern Community College Tiara Carter Library Reference Assitant Burlington Public Library Staci Diewold Logistics & Purchasing Supervisor COBO USA Corporation Ellie Jacobs Account Executive 1 World Insurance Associates LLC Allison Richert Youth Service Specialist Burlington Public Library Kathy Schneider President, DesMoines County Master Gardeners Vicky Thye Accounting COBO USA Corportation Mary Wiendand Community and Economic Development Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Mary Zoekler Food Pantry Team Leader Morning Sun Food Pantry |
"We don't feel people should have to make a lot of money to access organically-grown, local produce. "