Volunteers help nonprofit organic farm in Iowa flourish
Author
Published
10/12/2017
WEST BURLINGTON, Iowa (AP) — These days, Mollie and Tobin Krell spend a lot of time covered in dirt and out of breath.
The couple seeks refuge in their barn when harvesting hours grow too long. One recent afternoon, they collapsed into arm chairs with a sleeping dog nearby and a newborn kitten keeping them awake.
However, when a visitor arrived and asked to see how Homestead 1839's crops were growing, the Krells quickly rose and started treading their fields.
Homestead 1839 is a nonprofit organic farm in West Burlington. Its owners and operators see past simple farming to an active community role. Their crops are tended throughout the year by young people unacquainted with farming, and much of their produce goes to food pantries.
About 130 volunteers have put in more than 1,200 unpaid hours this year, Tobin said. About 80 of the volunteers were youth. Many were members of justice programs. Self Reliance, a local social services organization, sends people regularly.
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