Mission
Our mission is best described by our motto- “Think Global, Act Local”. We hope to help people realize that by acting locally global problems, such as climate change, ocean acidification, and pollution, can be addressed. Simplicity matters, and over the past half century, our society has forgotten that. We are determined to teach the community that Iowa has a lot more to offer than corn and beans. Soil is alive, and should be nurtured and built up, and at Backyard’s Harvest we strive to make the farm a natural habitat.
About the Farmer
This is Amanda Kanehl, owner and operator of Backyard’s Harvest, and her son Jett James. Hes the inspiration to live simply, and eat well! She is passionate about preserving and restoring the environment, and uses her knowledge to bring together people, food, and nature. With an associates in Horticulture and Liberal Arts, and a Bachelors is Biological Conservation, Backyard’s Harvest is in good hands.
Our team promises to grow the best food possible in holistic ways, and give our fellow Iowans an experience to remember and take with them. Consumers hold the power to change the world, and with a few healthy habits, it can be easy.
Phone
(515)556-0295
backyardsharvestia@gmail.com
Location
15201 NE 80th St
Maxwell, IA 50161
ENDORSEMENT
“We'd like to recommend Amanda from Backyard's Harvest to fill your 2019 CSA needs. Amanda has been employed by Seven Pines Farm and The Homestead (Balance Autism) for over 3 years. During this time, Amanda gained experience and knowledge to run her own CSA.
Amanda holds a degree in horticulture and a Bachelors from Drake University. We wouldn't trust our land and greenhouses to just anyone. She shares our values for organic and sustainable agriculture.”
Dan and Julie Beougher
Seven Pines Farm
Production methods
Backyard’s Harvest prides itself on growing tasty, healthy foods with virtually no pesticides. We don’t spray anything that doesn’t have to be, and even then, we use holistic fixes like oils, earth and clay products, soaps, and spices. Our team is passionate about seeing the farm act as a natural habitat, and part of the environment- not separate from it.
While we do still till in the spring, we use minimal cultivation techniques such as hand weeding and hoeing. Our mission is to leave the land healthier than it was before production started, and to keep the soils productive and living. Our water is piped in and is drinking quality, only the best for our plants!
We will also be providing specialty items for our members from local producers around Iowa. This includes blueberries, raspberries, peaches, pears, apples, and any other fun food we can get our hands on for you. This is a great way not only to experience all Iowa soils and climate has to offer its dwellers, but also to discover new farms, and foods.
Another added value perk of being a member is tasting Iowa through foraging. Amanda has been foraging the wilds of Iowa for over 4 years and pledges to include only the best quality, best tasting items nature has to offer. These items will be added to your box free of charge when they can be found. There will also be an option for members to buy foraged foods like mulberries, lambs quarter, and types of mushrooms, and information that can enable them to start foraging themselves.
Chickens raised in holistic and ethical ways will also be available for sale to members and on our website. These big boys are given the best life possible, fed with a variety of foods, and treated with respect through the entire process. We believe that every animal, regardless of its end point, deserves happiness and health. Members have first dibs on cuts and full birds, and anything not sold goes to families in need.
If there are any questions, feel free to contact us and we would be happy to provide more information!
Vegetables
Organically Grown and managed! Grown with love, and no synthetic fertilizers, or pesticides. Only the best varieties have been selected for our members and other markets.
Arugula, Asparagus, Basil, Beans, Beet, Bok Choi, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Chard, Cilantro, Cucumbers, Cutting Celery, Dill, Eggplant, Fennel, Fresh Onion, Green Onion, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Lettuce, Okra, Oregano, Peppers, Potato, Radish, Snap Peas, Spinach, Squash, Thyme, Tokyo Bekana, Tomato, Turnip, and others.
Local Fruits
Discover new Iowa grown fruits and specialty crops. We work with other producers to bring you new and old favorites, and connect you with more local options.
Apples, Apricots, Blackberries, Blueberries, Cantaloupe*, Cherries, Grapes, Peaches, Pears, Raspberries, Strawberries*, and any other Iowa gown fruits I can find!
* Grown on the farm.
Forage items
For members, foraged mushrooms will be available in small quantities with your membership purchase. If you end up liking them, chances are you could start finding them yourself!
Mulberries, Plums, Lamb’s Quarter, Morel mushrooms, Chicken of the Woods mushrooms, Oyster mushrooms, Staghorn Sumac Berries, Serviceberry, and many other possibilities.
These cant be guaranteed unfortunately. These items are found by the owner in all areas of Central Iowa, rural and urban, or grown with love by other niche farmers. Don’t worry if you’ve never tried them- Each weeks newsletter will contain information on each crop.
Becoming a Member
Our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares last 20 weeks (usually from June to October) and promise good quality food for you, your family and your friends every week. There is always a variety in your share, and each should be 30 dollars worth of produce that is harvested before packing. With 87 varieties of fruits, herbs, and vegetables growing on the farm, as well as foraged, and local specialty crops, some boxes will be worth much more!
Membership includes a weekly newsletter filled with farm news, tips, tricks, and recipes. There is often events, partner farms, organizations, and volunteers mentioned. You will also get first dibs on chickens, specialty crops, foraged items, as well as a few local foods like salsa and dips. Love cant seem to find enough of a certain item? Let us know and we can sell any extras to members first!
Members are responsible for a few things.Many members simply bring in their own tote or cooler, and leave the box entirely. We reuse much of our materials, and every little thing helps, especially the boxes. Timely pick up of boxes from drop sites are required. There is a three hour window at each location, and at the end of the day when the drop site closes- the boxes are forfeited. If you will be unable to have the box picked up, our staff asks that you call, or e’mail us a day in advance. You get to decide where that food goes: a friend, a shelter, or the employees and volunteers!
There are a variety of payment options, or you can simply pay online! Paying online requires the full amount up front. If you need to make a payment plan or any other accommodations, call us! We’re happy to help, and only require $150.00 to secure your membership immediately.
Half Share
Half Shares come every other week, for a total of 10 shares in a season. They are no different than what full members get each week and have the same quantity and quality.
Price: $300.00
This price does not include delivery option.
Drop Site Delivery Fee:
$25.00
Home Delivery Fee:
$50.00
Full Share
Full Shares come every week for 20 weeks. You can expect a great variety of food grown on the farm, and specialty items. Only the best and freshest foods are put into shares.
Price: $550.00
This price does not include delivery option.
Drop Site Delivery Fee:
$50.00
Home Delivery Fee:
$100.00
Getting Your Box
Deliveries occur on Sundays
Pick up on the farm!
If you pick up your share on the farm, there is not delivery fee, and you are more than welcome to take a look around, and chat with the farmer.
Drop Site
Country roads not your style? Drop sites are available at different local shops around the greater Des Moines Iowa.
Delivery Fee:
Half Share: $25.00
Full Share: $50.00
Home Delivery
Hungry for convenience? We will deliver your share to your home for an added fee, as long as its within 25 miles of the farm.
Delivery Fee:
Half Share: $50.00
Full Share: $100.00
Drop Site Locations
All of our drop site locations are picked out with our customers in mind. Each is Locally owned and operated, has ease of access, and brings something special to members. Keep in mind that some of these locations are not open late on Sundays, and that timely pick-up is required.
wheatsfield Co-op
Wheatsfeild Co-op is located in Ames, and has been making local foods accessible to to the community since 1974. They also host a number of events, have hot bar, deli, as well as the grocery store.
413 Northwestern Ave, Ames, IA 50010
515-232-4094
Firetrucker
Firetrucker is a booming brewery in Ankeny, that strives to serve the public great tasting and truly local brews. The buy, and recycle their hops from Iowa, and strive to become more sustainable in every way.
716 SW 3rd Street, Ankeny, IA 50023
(515) 964-1284
Active ENDEAVORS
Active Endeavors in West Des Moines is a locally owned outdoor supply store for the nature enthusiast. They provide quality equipment for the outdoors that encourage adventure and confidence.
4520 University Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50266
(515) 226-9345
Drake University
Drake University has been educating Iowans in Des Moines since 1881, and is always improving its sustainability. As a former student, I’m happy to continue visiting them. Boxes will be delivered to the public Safety Office.
1227 25th St, University Ave,Des Moines, IA 50311
(515) 271-2011
Founders irish pub
Founders is a local hot-spot in Bondurant, just across the street from a local brewery. While they are a great bar that serves a few local brews, they also have great food and a lively atmosphere.
110 1ST ST. SE, Bondurant, IA 50035
(515) 918-7178
Other Markets
We will be attending different farmers markets on top of our CSA memberships, and a few grocery stores and restaurants. We will also be partnering with other local farmers to bring your specialty crops. Our farmers markets, grocery stores and restaurants, and partner farmers are listed below, respectively.
Ankeny Farmer’s Market
Ankeny is relatively close to the farm and we will be happily attending its Saturday morning market at 8 am to noon in Spring 2019. The Farmer’s Market is held at
Ankeny Market & Pavilion Park, 715 W 1st Street in Uptown Ankeny.
Valley Junction Farmer’s Market
We are pleased to announced we will be attending Valley Junctions Thursday afternoon market from 4 pm to 8 pm in Spring 2019. The Farmer’s Market is held at
5th St, West Des Moines, Iowa
Johnston Farmer’s Market
We will also be attending Johnston’s Farmers Market on Tuesday afternoons from 4 pm to 8 pm. The Farmer’s Market is held at
City Hall Parking Areas, Johnston, Iowa 50131
Grimes Farmer’s Market
Were happy to be able to provide Grimes with our produce at the upcoming Grimes Farmer’s Market from 4:30 pm to 7 pm. The Farmer’s Market is held in the at
200 N James St. Grimes, IA 50111
Fareway grocery stores
We are happy to partner with a few Fareway stores in order to bring more people the benefit and option of eating local. Locations will be listed in the future, along with what is offered at each.
RESTAURANTS, cafes, and pantries/shelters
We our our foods to restaurants and cafes, and what we cant sell via farmer’s market or wholesale, we give to various food pantries and shelters in the central Iowa area. Locations and Organizations will be listed in the future.