Type: Farm
Produces: Aronia Berries
Location: Keota, IA
Miles from Coop: 36
Farmer Levi Lyle believes taking care of one's own health is the first step in caring for the soil.
That's why LIFE (Levi's Indigenous Fruit Enterprise) began over a decade ago. When looking for crops to diversify their family farm, Levi wanted to grow fruits known for their healthful qualities.
“I wanted to promote something that is native to the Midwest.”
Tart and juicy, aronia berries look similar to blueberries, but with three times the antioxidants and a much more astringent flavor.
Aronia berries contain more antioxidants than any other fruit tested by the USDA.
“My kids eat them by the handfuls. They aren’t supersweet, but as a native and wild fruit, they have more nutrition.”
Levi's farm now boasts other native Iowa fruits like paw paws, sour cherries and honeyberries.
By diversifying with indigenous plants, the Lyles are able to lean into the seasonality of their crops and connect even more to nature.
“Growing aronia berries has become a great analogy for how we can work sustainably with nature to grow food.”
Levi is a leader in conservation no-till farming practices and carbon sequestration.
Be sure to check out these others great local producers!
When Sharon and her young family were in need of a natural remedy for their eczema, her homemade tallow balm cleared their patches before they could even get into their doctor. Now Gray Toad Tallow is known for helping to heal psoriasis, dry skin, cycling saddle sores, calluses, sunburns, chapped lips, and more!
Cedar Rapids, IA
“They have that old-fashioned flavor, the way turkeys used to taste. I think you’ll agree there isn’t a more tasty bird around!”
Owatonna, MN
Alex Beaumier started Beau Laundry Co. in 2024 to solve problems he was facing with his own laundry. After about a year of perfecting and finetuning, he created his signature Scented & Softening Wool Dryer Balls!
Marion, Iowa
For James Nisly, growing organic vegetables is about fulfilling a vision of producing healthy food for a healthy community and building well balanced soil for sustainable food production.
Kalona, IA
Jeff and Jesse Eichenberger are sugaring the old fashioned way, with wholesome-looking metal taps and pails on each tree they empty every day the sap flows.
Lawler, IA
What we love is what we do best. “I’m a light roast single origin guy – no blends.
Iowa City, IA
Rot’s Bounty is a small, family-owned mushroom farm in Iowa City that seeks to provide delicious, fresh, and beautiful fungi to local grocers and restaurants.
Iowa City, Iowa
Iowa grown herbs and lettuce, grown hydroponically by this family owned business near West Union, IA.
West Union, Iowa
