HOWARDS FARM

We’re open MEMORIAL DAY
through THANKSGIVING!

– EVENTS AT HOWARDS FARM –

– CONTACT US –

Better yet, visit Howards Farm in person!

We love our customers and community–reach out, we’d love to chat or schedule a visit!

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Howards Farm

29820 120th Street – Dike, Iowa 50624

[email protected]

(319) 486–1951

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We can chat about your upcoming event and event space rental, we can schedule a visit, or answer questions about other community events and services available at Howards Farm!

– OUR STORY –

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In 1940,

Dora and Cleo Howard began farming on rented land in Grundy County, Iowa. The land was owned by an absentee landlord living in Oregon. Sometime Between 1940–1962, the Howards purchased 40 acres of land across the road from the farm.

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In 1962,

The Howards purchased the 170 acre farm from the landlord, making the farm a 210 acre homestead. The original farm consisted of 1 house and 1 barn, but gradually grew to 1 house and 12 additional buildings, and corn cribs.

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In 1966,

The barn was built, and Cleo “retired” (as much as farmers “retire”) and rented the farm to Herluf Prostine, who continued to farm the land until the Howards both passed away.

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In 1990, Cleo died; in 1999, Dora died.

The Estate then sold the farmland to the Schuman family of New Hartford, Iowa.

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In 2000,

Joe Bohr and Linda (Howard) Bohr purchased from the estate 2.75 acres. Over the years since 2000 they gradually cleaned up the acreage – removing fences, using the Dike and New Hartford fire departments to train firefighters with the burning of the house, and removing all buildings except the barn. The land has been used by Joe for gardening – to grow and sell cut flowers, fruits, and vegetables at the Cedar Falls Farmers’ Market.

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In 2022

Joe and Linda invested in the acreage and updated its facilities, making it more desirable for future use.

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In 2023

The barn was remodeled for use by groups hosting small weddings, class reunions, and other community events. The Orchard is also currently in expansion.

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The four grandchildren have fond memories of playing at Grandma and Grandpa’s farm, working in the garden, playing with the ponies (60 at one time!), and running through the woods.

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Their current vision includes the continued use of the land for gardening, creating a place where future generations can gather and enjoy the space, and also creating a place for the community to gather. Dora and Cleo were very active in the community throughout their lives and the grandchildren hope to honor them by being good stewards of the land and by being great community partners.

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Fall 2023

Beginning in Fall of 2023, we began hosting class reunions and graduation parties, a community Fall Festival, a community “Cookies with Santa” event in December – showcasing other local vendors and artisans at these events.

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For additional photos of our progress, we invite you to visit us at “Welcome to Howards Farm” on Facebook and Instagram. You will also be able to see photos of our U-Pick Apple Orchard that we opened in Fall 2022.