Faces of Food & Fitness

Meet our partners, neighbors and friends

Nathan Pech: Nathan's Legacy

While many graduates only return to their high schools for five, ten, 25-year class reunions, Nathan Pech walked the halls of his alma mater—Starmont— just a week post graduation.  Pech was invited to speak with eighth and ninth grade students about leadership.  Originally hesitant to join Starmont's FFI Youth Team, as he was busy with many activities, Pech is glad he made the time.  "My message to you today is get out there and don't be afraid to stand out. Do what's right for you and society. There are so many opportunities for you just beyond these walls.  Don't be afraid to try something."  Read more.

Patty O'Hollearn: Return to Our Roots

Patty O'Hollearn witnessed many changes at Turkey Valley Community Schools over the course of 34 years.  A Family and Consumer Science teacher, O'Hollearn spent years teaching and cooking alongside students.  She has always been attune to school food and its aromas. For the past two years, O'Hollearn has incorporated school garden produce into her foods classes.  Read more.

Annie's Garden & Greens - Ann Bushman, Ft. Atkinson, Iowa

Ann Bushman has owned Annie's Gardens and Greens near Fort Atkinson, Iowa, for the past 15 years. Ann grows a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, supplying her own roadside stand and storefront in Calmar.  Ann also runs a CSA (community supported agriculture) where local food is delivered to homes and drop-off points across the region.  In the summer Ann hosts fun educational workshops, as well as groups of students on field trips.  Ann has been playing in the dirt all of her life.  She loves fresh, green things and likes knowing that she can be self-sufficient. (Read more)

Ridgetop Acres - Scott & Marissa Nordschow, Decorah, IA

Scott and Marissa Nordschow have been farming together for five years on a couple of acres north of Decorah, Iowa.  Their farm is next to Scott's parents' 700-acre farm.  Both Scott and Marissa grew up on farms.  Marissa used to show horses, chickens, and sheep through 4-H.  In the summer Marissa enjoys gardening. She finds reward having a table full of food grown or raised on their farm. The Nordschows raise eggs, meat goats and produce.  In 2010, they raised 1,700 chickens for the first time.  They sell their products to Luther College, through GROWN Locally, and by word of mouth.   (Read more)

Rapson Dairy - David Rapson Family, Hawkeye, IA

David Rapson, his wife, five children and golden lab, Shelby, live just outside of West Union, Iowa on a 70-acre dairy farm.   They have a herd of 300 Holsteins and one big, sweet Jersey cow.  The herd is milked three times a day.   Each cow produces an average of 92 pounds – or 11 gallons -- of milk a day!  These cows eat a lot too— over 100 pounds of feed a day and a bathtub-full of water.

David enjoys husbandry— keeping his cows comfortable and healthy, so they reward him with high quality milk.  In 2007, the Rapson's had the Top Milk Herd in Iowa according to the Dairy Herd Improvement Association! (Read more)

Stone Creek Farm - Mike & Rachel Gooder Family, Cresco, Iowa

Plantpeddler, includes eight acres of greenhouse located in Cresco, Iowa. Mike and Rachel Gooder have owned the company for 30 years.  However, it started as Cresco Greenhouse, a small ma and pa operation in 1880.  

During spring—the busy season— Plantpeddler employees nearly 70 workers.  They receive flower cuttings from all over the world, raise them to maturity, and ship them to all 50 states.  Plantpeddler also grows vegetables under the label "Stone Creek Farms".  From June until March the greenhouse is full of tomatoes, lettuce, and cucumbers.   They sell to local schools, restaurants, and food cooperatives.   (Read more)

Spain Family Meats -- Vince & Stephanie Spain Family, Castalia, Iowa

Spain Family Meats is located between Castalia and Clermont Iowa.  The 570-acre farm is owned by Vince and Stephanie Spain.  Their three children help on the farm, and are active members of 4-H.

The Spain's own and raise sheep, hogs and cattle and grow all of their own grain livestock feed.  The family raises Duroc and Berkshire pigs, which are famous for their high-quality meat.  They also raise beef and sheep without the use of hormones or antibiotics. They process their meat at the Edgewood locker and sell mostly by word of mouth and supply to Annie's Gardens and Greens.  (Read more)