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
Sobaski's Pork
Type: Farm
Produces: Pork
Location: Washington, IA
Miles from Coop: 35
Meet Aaron Sobaski and his family:
"After college, I worked at a confinement pig farm," Aaron explains. "I was sick all the time," he recalls, "and I wasn’t happy."
"I decided I was going to raise pigs my way – and I would never go back. It truly bothers me to drive past hog confinements that do not allow the pigs to have access to do what a pig wants and is supposed to do."
Aaron’s pigs have:
"Plenty of room to run, root around, dig holes, and go outside, and they just don’t get sick – they’re overall healthy pigs."
A secret:
Confinement pig farmers order pigs from Aaron, because they’re the kind of meat they actually want to eat. It’s just got a different flavor.
"It is labor intensive,” Aaron notes, “but it’s definitely worth it."
Other Local Producers
Be sure to check out these others great local producers!
Seed Savers Exchange
Seed Savers formed a network of gardeners interested in preserving heirloom varieties and sharing seeds.
Decorah, IA
Fae Ridge
Janette Ryan-Busch has supplied New Pioneer Co-op with certified organic produce since the mid-’80s, and is best known for her big bunches of fresh basil.
Iowa City, IA
Larry Schultz Organic Farm
“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
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
Ferndale Market
“We keep [the turkeys] rotating onto fresh pasture. It’s a true free-range program, outdoors from early spring.”
Cannon Falls, MN
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
Grinnell Heritage Farm
Andrew & Melissa Dunham and family “grow organically for our future” on their 150-year-old farm.
Grinnell, IA