Seed Savers Exchange
Seed Savers formed a network of gardeners interested in preserving heirloom varieties and sharing seeds.
Decorah, IA
Rolling Hills
Type: Farm
Produces: Lettuce and Herbs
Location: West Union, Iowa
Miles from Coop: 80
From Kansas to Iowa
When these Kansas farmers moved to Iowa, land prices in Fayette County proved to be a barrier to entry. To pivot, a greenhouse was put up behind their home so they could farm under a roof hydroponically.
The first crop was planted in March of 2011.
Now, Rolling Hills employs about a dozen people to keep their 22,000 square feet of cropspace running smoothly to produce the high-quality lettuce and herbs that our members love.
"Our goal is to produce the highest quality greens possible while providing a great working environment for our employees."
Sustainability
Rolling Hills keeps sustainability an important part of the business. Hydroponics saves water compared to conventional growing methods.
They also use fuel efficient delivery vehicles and direct store delivery to decrease their carbon footprint.
Beneficial insects and organic sprays are used for bug and fungus control.
Rolling Hills Products
Checkout these great products from Rolling Hills
Other Local Producers
Be sure to check out these others great local producers!
Beeler's Pure Pork
Their Heluka® breed and method of farming focuses on keeping their hogs stress-free: raising them with compassion, plenty of access to spacious bedded areas and sunshine, vegetarian feed, and no antibiotics or hormones.
Le Mars, Iowa
Trowel and Error Farm
Carly Andrews was inspired to start farming after attending The University of Vermont, and learning about the local foods movement. After seeing a panel of all women farmers in her undergrad, she decided to try it out for herself.
Iowa City, IA
Tiny But Mighty Popcorn
This is the most flavorful popcorn we’ve tasted – and its hulls explode so they don’t get stuck in your teeth.
Shellsburg, IA
Paha Cider
After almost 20 years of homebrewing and 5 years making hard cider, Mark Westbrock decided to take his cidermaking to the next level by launching Paha Cider in Waverly, IA.
Waverly, IA
Hue Hill
Hue Hill crafts farm grown vegetables into vibrant, live cultured, powerfully probiotic fermented foods.
Iowa City, IA
Organic Greens
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
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