Seed Savers Exchange
Seed Savers formed a network of gardeners interested in preserving heirloom varieties and sharing seeds.
Decorah, IA
Marvin's Corn
Type: Farm
Produces: Eggs & Sweet Corn
Location: Iowa City, IA
Miles from Coop: 12
Wearing a tall seed corn hat and dressed in jeans and a plain blue t-shirt, Marvin Hotz has an easy manner and a firm handshake. He has been growing sweet corn for more than 30 years, on 20 acres just east of Iowa City.
Marvin and his son harvest each ear of corn by hand, cutting it from its stalk with a sharp serrated knife, so that delicate kernels won’t get bruised.
The best part? A mid-morning snack in the field is an ear of ultra-fresh, raw sweet corn, sweet and crispy as you please. Taste the real flavor of Iowa’s summer from this old-fashioned Iowa farmer.
Find Marvin's hand picked sweet corn in Iowa City and Coralville July through August.
Other Local Producers
Be sure to check out these others great local producers!
Thumbprint Soaps
Katie's handmade soaps are made from scratch in small batches using high quality ingredients like aloe vera, cocoa butter, and mango butter.
Cedar Rapids, IA
Dirty Face Creek Farm
Farm owner Jessica Stutsman and her late husband, Mike, shared a commitment to clean soil and water conservation. Their farm is a shining example of sustainability and environmentally-friendly farming practices.
Hills, IA
Thousand Hills Cattle Co.
Thousand Hills sources beef from small Midwestern independent family farms that must meet the most stringent requirements around.
Cannon Falls, MN
Local Burrito
"Making a living supporting farms that heal the planet while serving people healthy food has become a mission, a full plate, and a way of life."
Iowa City, IA
Herbivorous Butcher
“Our bacon makes breakfast a snap, and great BLTs for dinner – or use them cooked and crumbled over salads. Yum!”
Minneapolis, MN
Buffalo Ridge Orchard
The best thing about being an apple farmer is that, unlike a ripe tomato, [an apple] doesn’t have to be picked right now. It can wait until tomorrow. It is a nice pace.”
Central City, IA
Grimm Family Farm
Jason and Hannah's Black Turtle Beans have a special, earthy flavor and creamy texture, and can actually be cooked without pre-soaking.
North English, IA