Ah, Beth, you certainly know how to turn a phrase, e.g., " It’s an act that is light-years away from sitting on the couch alone eating a frozen pizza." I chuckled audibly.
And I would bet that even if all had shown up, it would have worked out just fine. Personally, some of my favorite meals have been enjoyed sitting on the ground, with portions shared with others.
Keep up your good work, Beth and John; it inspires others.
Oh Beth, I am not a person of detail and have been caught off guard many times throughout my farming career. I had to laugh at how you handled your delicate situation. Glad you were able to resolve it.
Because Iowa big agri-business i.e. the Iowa Department of Ag and Land Stewardship, does not support farmers like you and John, we have to build the infrastructure ourselves from the ground up.
Thank you for this great piece. I can hear the conversations of folks around the tables as I look at your pictures.
Despite having the most fertile/productive farmland in the WORLD, Iowa imports 90% of its food according to the Leopold Center for Sustainable Ag (now disbanded I believe?) Kudos to you & John for showing us a better way!
Yes, it makes good economic sense for us to be growing more of our own food in Iowa. We are purchasing so much of what we eat, and that money leaves our communities. We dealt with these issues in the At the Iowa Farm Table podcast in our school lunch episode and also why local food. Check those out as well! And hope to see you at the farm someday for an event.
Gratitude Beth & John, We're so lucky to have you in Iowa!
I submitted this letter to The Des Moines Register last week to share a story that highlights the power of community, good food, and regenerative agriculture here in Iowa. It didn’t get published, but I believe it’s too important not to share—so I’m sharing it here.
A Farm Table Evening That Nourished More Than Just Our Bodies
Recently, I had the privilege of attending a farm‑to‑table dinner at John Hogeland and Beth Hoffman’s Whippoorwill Creek Farm—an unforgettable evening that reminded me of what’s possible when we reconnect with our food, the land, and one another.
Thanks to the generosity of my dear friend Tania, who regifted her tickets, we joined fellow guests at a long farm table for a meal truly grown and prepared with love. Every bite reflected the care of the farmers and Chef Mackenzie Schultz, seasoned with fresh herbs and flavors harvested just steps from where we dined. You could taste the difference—real food that nourishes both body and spirit.
But the evening was about more than a beautiful meal. It was a living example of regenerative farming in action. In a state often shaped—and dominated—by industrial agriculture, Whippoorwill Creek Farm stands as a beacon, showing us how we can grow healthy, nutrient‑rich food while restoring our soils, protecting our water, and supporting biodiversity.
This kind of farming isn’t just an inspiring vision for the future—it’s already taking root in Iowa. And we need more of it.
Beth - I’m so very happy to hear that you over sold, rather than hosting and not having your beautiful tables filled with patrons who will leave well fed and much more informed about your labors and knowledgeable on the importance of locally grown food. I hope each of those attending spread the word far and wide - why should Iowans import so much of our food? Keep up the ambassadorship you and John have started. Iowa needs you and so does the world. (I agree with Glenn about the ones who didn’t come, if those had been friends of mine, I’d have asked if they wanted to help serve for a free meal in the kitchen!)
Ah, Beth, you certainly know how to turn a phrase, e.g., " It’s an act that is light-years away from sitting on the couch alone eating a frozen pizza." I chuckled audibly.
And I would bet that even if all had shown up, it would have worked out just fine. Personally, some of my favorite meals have been enjoyed sitting on the ground, with portions shared with others.
Keep up your good work, Beth and John; it inspires others.
Oh Beth, I am not a person of detail and have been caught off guard many times throughout my farming career. I had to laugh at how you handled your delicate situation. Glad you were able to resolve it.
Because Iowa big agri-business i.e. the Iowa Department of Ag and Land Stewardship, does not support farmers like you and John, we have to build the infrastructure ourselves from the ground up.
Thank you for this great piece. I can hear the conversations of folks around the tables as I look at your pictures.
Despite having the most fertile/productive farmland in the WORLD, Iowa imports 90% of its food according to the Leopold Center for Sustainable Ag (now disbanded I believe?) Kudos to you & John for showing us a better way!
Yes, it makes good economic sense for us to be growing more of our own food in Iowa. We are purchasing so much of what we eat, and that money leaves our communities. We dealt with these issues in the At the Iowa Farm Table podcast in our school lunch episode and also why local food. Check those out as well! And hope to see you at the farm someday for an event.
Gratitude Beth & John, We're so lucky to have you in Iowa!
I submitted this letter to The Des Moines Register last week to share a story that highlights the power of community, good food, and regenerative agriculture here in Iowa. It didn’t get published, but I believe it’s too important not to share—so I’m sharing it here.
A Farm Table Evening That Nourished More Than Just Our Bodies
Recently, I had the privilege of attending a farm‑to‑table dinner at John Hogeland and Beth Hoffman’s Whippoorwill Creek Farm—an unforgettable evening that reminded me of what’s possible when we reconnect with our food, the land, and one another.
Thanks to the generosity of my dear friend Tania, who regifted her tickets, we joined fellow guests at a long farm table for a meal truly grown and prepared with love. Every bite reflected the care of the farmers and Chef Mackenzie Schultz, seasoned with fresh herbs and flavors harvested just steps from where we dined. You could taste the difference—real food that nourishes both body and spirit.
But the evening was about more than a beautiful meal. It was a living example of regenerative farming in action. In a state often shaped—and dominated—by industrial agriculture, Whippoorwill Creek Farm stands as a beacon, showing us how we can grow healthy, nutrient‑rich food while restoring our soils, protecting our water, and supporting biodiversity.
This kind of farming isn’t just an inspiring vision for the future—it’s already taking root in Iowa. And we need more of it.
Thanks Christine!! So glad you could make it.
Beth - I’m so very happy to hear that you over sold, rather than hosting and not having your beautiful tables filled with patrons who will leave well fed and much more informed about your labors and knowledgeable on the importance of locally grown food. I hope each of those attending spread the word far and wide - why should Iowans import so much of our food? Keep up the ambassadorship you and John have started. Iowa needs you and so does the world. (I agree with Glenn about the ones who didn’t come, if those had been friends of mine, I’d have asked if they wanted to help serve for a free meal in the kitchen!)