WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - Dec. 2, 2013 - Iowa proudly ranks first nationally in production of corn, soybeans, hogs, and eggs, but there's a lot more being raised and grown in fields across the state than just the 'big four.' Andrew Pittz, a sixth-generation family farmer whose family started the country's first aronia berry farm in rural Iowa, will share his unique story during the 95th annual Iowa Farm Bureau meeting. The December 3rd "Next Generation Innovation: Innovative Niche Ag Business" educational seminar is expected to draw a large crowd of Iowa farmers seeking new ways to diversify their farms by learning how successful niche agricultural businesses contribute to Iowa's rural vitality and sustainability.
The week of Dec. 2-8 has been declared 'Iowa Farm Bureau Week' by Governor Terry Branstad to celebrate the many accomplishments and contributions of the 95-year-old grassroots farm organization. Innovation and development of niche agricultural businesses promoting rural Iowa prosperity is certainly a contribution worth acknowledging.
Pittz's family farming roots in the Loess Hills date back to 1882, but it's their latest endeavor that has really created a buzz. After recognizing a market for aronia berries, studying how it could work on their farm, and investing in 207 aronia berry plants, the Pittz family's business venture became the first commercial aronia berry farm in the United States. Corn and soybeans are still grown on the farm, but their latest addition has helped them diversify and keep the family farm sustainable.
Having a niche crop like aronia berries has also opened up endless possibilities for the Pittzes and their farming neighbors to connect with consumers as they promote agritourism opportunities in the Loess Hills. "We get along great with our farmers and our neighbors who are conventional farmers and organic. They support us, and we support them. We're all in this agriculture 'thing' together," said Pittz.
Pittz seeks to keep the conversation about sustainable agriculture going and uses his family's farm as an example. "It is important to make sure that everyone knows just how important farming is and how critical it is to the continued success and prosperity of our state," said Pittz.
For a complete listing of events and activities, visit www.iowafarmbureau.com. You can follow the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #IFBF13.
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