PFI Field Day: Bode Moonlight Gardens

PFI Field Day: Bode Moonlight Gardens

We are proud to sponsor this field day:

Growing and expanding while staying small-scale is possible when farmers can lean on guidance and help from family members, mentors and friends. Beany and Joanne Bode will share their experience designing and building a new multi-purpose packhouse and prep space. They will also discuss weed management strategies they’ve tried in their 10-acre pumpkin patch. The Bodes will be joined by neighbors and farm mentors John and Helen Scuffham, who introduced them to the wholesale pumpkin business and the growing and marketing techniques involved.

HOSTS: Beany Bode and Joanne Roepke Bode

SPEAKERS: John and Helen Scuffham – the Bodes’ neighbors and farm mentors

THE FARM: Bode’s Moonlight Gardens produces a wide range of naturally grown vegetables, and the occasional pet pig, on 1.5 acres that includes two high tunnels. They are enjoying a recent addition to the farm: a new packhouse, prep area and germination room. The Bode family markets produce at the Kossuth County Farmers Market and through a 75-member CSA.

With guidance from local farm mentors, they added a wholesale pumpkin business and raise 10 acres of pumpkins that are sold and delivered across the state. The farm has grown by leaps and bounds since the spring of 2004, when Beany and Joanne broke ground on their first garden. Thanks to consistent help from family members, mentors and friends, this small-scale vegetable farm continues to grow and expand to meet the needs of local food customers.

TOPICS:

• Packhouse design
• Farm mentoring
• Pumpkin production
• Weed management

SPONSORS:

• Healthy Harvest of North Iowa
• Iowa Farmers Union
• Iowa Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association

LOCATION: 2304 140th Ave. Algona 50511

DIRECTIONS:

From U.S. 169 north of Algona: Turn right (east) onto U.S. 18. After 2.5 miles, turn left (north) onto 140th Avenue and go 1.5 miles; the farm will be on the right (east) side of the road.

MEAL INFORMATION:

Light refreshments will follow the field day.