At Nature Supply Co, supporting our local farmers is something that is near and dear to our hearts. We have enjoyed sharing a small, but growing movement of farmers who specifically grow flowers over the past couple of months. It is our hope that with this series, we can be an encouragement to their businesses and show our thanks for all that they give to their communities. We loved getting to know Adam and Jennifer O’Neal of Pepper Harrow Farm, a boutique flower farm located in the heart of Iowa, and are so excited to share their story with you!
Tell us more about who you are, what you do and where you are located.
We’re Adam and Jennifer O’Neal and we own PepperHarrow Farm, a cut flower farm in Madison County, Iowa.
How did you get started? How long have you been farming? What was your career previously? Is farming your full-time income?
We started the farm in 2011 and our previous experience was as Master Gardeners. It had been a long time dream of ours to own some land and it took us a decade to make that dream a reality. Previously, I (Adam) worked in the oilfields in the Arctic of Alaska. Farming is now my full time job. Jenn currently still works off the farm for a medical supply chain company.
Tell us more about the reasons behind why you do what you do.
We had a strong desire to get back in touch with the land and grow our own food.
What are some of the challenges and hardships you face as a farmer?
One of the biggest challenges is farming is finding a work/life balance.
What are some of the positive rewards and benefits you have come across as a farmer?
Enjoying the freedom of entrepreneurship and seeing the positive environmental impact of nurturing the land.
What are your goals for your farm? What is your vision, your hopes and dreams, for the future of farming?
Our goals are always to become more sustainable while creating a good life for our family. I like that people want to know where their food comes from and with how busy and disconnected our lives have become, I see these connections becoming more important to people.
Do you have any advice for those who are interested in farming?
Do your homework.
What are some of your favorite resources (books, podcasts, websites, organizations, etc)?
Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers (ASCFG), Slow Flowers podcast with Debra Prinzing
You can find more information and follow Pepper Harrow Farm here:
Instagram- @pepperharrowfarm @pepperharrow_flowers
Facebook- Pepper Harrow Farm
Support YOUR local flower farmer in our new tee!
(Also available in cream. View here.)
We love supporting our flower farmers! Where do you buy your locally grown flowers from?! The store? The farmer's market? We'd love to know!