A well-respected fruit grower spoke to me at length during a recent farmers market. One of the points he noted was the challenge in raising food organically in Iowa. “Too many critters,” he said, in reference to the insects and other pests that tend to attack produce crops. Many of the growers I know are […]
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Tag: 2014
Pumpkin shopping and another neighborhoo...
I don’t recall ever buying pumpkins from a grocery store, as I’d rather see that money go directly to the farmers who haul those heavy loads to a farmers market, or right on the farm, as I found at a stop this weekend near Chelsea. Still, I can see that many people rely on their […]
Last call: Season ends soon for Iowa’s o
The final outdoor farmers markets of the season are fast-approaching. Many markets ended their seasons last month, but nearly 20 in Eastern Iowa will continue for another week or so. You can still find potatoes, cabbage, fall root crops such as beets, tomatoes, winter squash and more, along with locally raised meat, eggs, honey and […]
New anchor merchants added at NewBo City...
CEDAR RAPIDS – Two farmers market vendors are moving into year-round spots at NewBo City Market. The market has seen a few changes since opening in October 2012 and not all have been popular. But Kristie Wetjen, the market’s executive director, noted that moving temporary vendors into anchor slots validates the “incubator” system on which […]
Local Food Banquet and Marion Soup Suppe...
Two upcoming dinners the last weekend of October will benefit two worthwhile organizations in Eastern Iowa. Fortunately, the events are on separate days, so you can indulge your gastronomic desires and attend both. The Local Food Banquet, with silent and live auctions, is set for Oct. 25, 2014, to benefit the Iowa Valley RC&D. The […]
As opening day nears, New Pioneer could ...
CEDAR RAPIDS – New Pioneer Food Co-op’s new store in Cedar Rapids might open sooner than expected. Store leaders recently said the new location should be open by the holiday season, before the end of 2014. See more here: New Pioneer and other stores to open in CR But “holiday” could also refer to another […]
Orchid show at Noelridge Greenhouse offe...
As the weather turns chilly, there remains one wonderful, warm sanctuary for plant-lovers in Cedar Rapids. The Noelridge Greenhouse is a great place to escape the cold and an upcoming orchid show offers a timely excuse to go. Read about the gardens at Noelridge Park in these articles: National garden contest at Noelridge Noelridge weeding […]
Sutliff Cider makes its mark in a growin...
By Cindy Hadish/for Radish Magazine LISBON – Had their small apple orchard proven less productive when they first moved to Iowa, the owners of Sutliff Cider would likely be brewing beer instead of their award-winning hard cider. “There are only so many apple crisps and apple pies you can make,” said Scott Ervin, 54, co-owner […]
Opening and closing: crowds rush The Fre...
CEDAR RAPIDS – When store leaders saw the crowd gathered outside The Fresh Market before its scheduled grand opening on Wednesday, Oct. 1, they decided to let customers in early. Brian Wittman, vice president for The Fresh Market’s north zone, said customers already were lined up outdoors when he arrived at 7 a.m. Officially, the […]
Three-way grocery store “race” nears fin
By Cindy Hadish/For the Corridor Business Journal CEDAR RAPIDS — Three east-side grocery stores could open their doors within months of each other, but store leaders insist it’s not a race to see who can finish first. The Fresh Market, New Pioneer Food Co-op and Fareway all will open new stores just a few minutes’ […]