Anyone strolling through a farmers market in Iowa has noticed the popularity of fresh-cut flowers, which are becoming more readily available as buyers supplement their fruits and vegetables, herbs, spices or baked goods with a stunning bouquet for the kitchen table or potted plant for the front stoop.
More Iowa farmers are turning to flowers as an alternative crop, providing dazzling displays for potential customers at farmers markets, rural farm stands or online marketplaces.
Meredith Nunnikhoven with Barnswallow Flowers in Oskaloosa specializes in sustainably growing and designing unique flowers in its outdoor setting. She shared her experiences with an engaged audience this spring at the 2024 Acres of Opportunity Conference, organized by the Iowa Farm Bureau.
Growers and producers with entrepreneurial spirit gathered at the third-annual conference to network and learn how to diversify their crop and livestock operations through guidance from business experts and farmer-peers.
Nunnikhoven said it's no surprise that Iowa farmers are more interested in floriculture as it gains a following statewide.
While it's not an easy agricultural path, the rewards can be plentiful, she said.
"Starting to farm a new crop with hundreds of species is extremely overwhelming, especially if you're not armored with a toolkit of information, knowledge and mentorship," Nunnikhoven admitted. "I've seen flower farms go under in five years because of this.
Read more at iowafarmbureau.com