The Bluebell Orchard

When most people think of Iowa farms they traditionally think of vast monocultured fields of corn or soybeans, or livestock. Certainly there are plenty of farms in the Dubuque area but the fact is that there is a diversity of farmers spread across our hills. Some are small and some are large. Some grow corn and beans, but many grow a much greater variety of crops. Some use “conventional” chemical pesticide and fertilizer applications while others do not. As farmers’ markets expand and the city is poised to welcome the local and organic-focused Dubuque Food Co-op later this year, it is clear that there is growing interest in the food that these non-traditional farms can provide. Each month this summer Julien’s Journal will profile a local farm whose operation is outside the traditional view of what agriculture is in the state. This month’s profile is Bluebell Orchard and owner Pete Henkels.

Lifestyle, Locally Grown | By Will Hoyer

The Becker Lane Organic Farm

When most people think of Iowa farms, they traditionally think of vast mono-cultured fields of corn, soybeans, or livestock. Certainly there are plenty of large farms in the Dubuque area, but the fact is, there is a diversity of farmers spread across our hills. Some are small and some are large. Some grow corn and beans, but many grow a much greater variety of crops. Some use “conventional” chemical pesticide, herbicide and fertilizer applications while others do not. As farmers markets expand and the city is poised to welcome the local and organic-focused Dubuque Food Co-op later this year, it is clear that there is growing interest in the food that these non-traditional farms can provide. Each month this summer, Julien’s Journal will profile a local farm whose operation is outside the traditional view of Iowa agricultural practices. This month’s profile is of the Becker Lane Organic Farm and owner Jude Becker.

Lifestyle, Locally Grown | By Will Hoyer