U Pick Farms in Iowa

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The Real Iowa Story

Iowa farming began when prairie grass covered the entire state with roots that created incredibly rich soil. Native Americans grew corn and lived among the tall grasses. European settlers discovered that Iowa had some of the best farming soil in the world and started growing corn and raising pigs. Iowa became known as America's heartland because it grows so much food that feeds the whole country.

Iowa's Special Growing Areas

Iowa has the richest farm soil in America from thousands of years of prairie grass roots rotting and making the soil dark and fertile. The state is mostly flat with gentle rolling hills that are perfect for farming with big machines. Iowa gets the right amount of rain in summer and has hot summers and cold winters. Rivers provide drainage and ways to ship crops to other states.

What You Can Pick and When

Iowa grows some of the sweetest corn in America, ready to pick in July and August when it's perfect for eating fresh off the cob. You can pick apples in fall when Iowa orchards produce many different varieties that are crisp and flavorful. Pumpkins grow well in Iowa's rich soil and are ready to pick in October for Halloween. Some farms also grow strawberries that ripen in June and are great for eating fresh.

Planning Your Iowa Farm Visit

Late summer and fall are the best times to visit Iowa farms when corn, apples, and pumpkins are ready to harvest. Summer can be hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms, so morning visits work best. Fall weather is usually perfect for farm visits with cool, comfortable temperatures. Iowa farms often have corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and other activities that make farming fun for families.