J & B Chestnut Farm

John and Betty Wittrig have worked the 140 acres of land at J & B Chestnut Farm since 1941 (with a 35 year interruption for Army medical service and a career with the VA hospital). The entire family helps with the chestnut harvest, tree pruning and general orchard maintenance. Three generations of the family work together on the farm including John, Betty, Laura McPhail, Joseph McPhail, Thomas McPhail. J & B Chestnut Farm grows and sells certified organic chestnuts, shelled and packaged chestnut kernels, as well as chestnut flour. Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship have certified the farm organic since 1998.

You can purchase J&B products at their farm, or at organic grocers and co-ops in the Winfield area.

What is yourgrowing philosophy?
We are interested in natural and organic products, concerned about toxic chemicals, and interested in producing wholesome food sustainably. We are also interested in saving our topsoil. Growing corn or beans can lose you, at best, five tons of topsoil a year. But by growing the way we do, we lose about a teaspoon of topsoil every year.

What is your favorite part of being a farmer?
Being outside and having something healthy to sell and we love having the family work with us.

What's your least favorite part?
Paperwork!

Why have you chosen to be organic?
They would be healthier and agri-business is running our soil and our community – we are fighting that.

What makes your farm special?
All three generations of our family love the farm and help with the work, and this gives us a sense of place.

Where do you want your business to be in the next year? 5 years? 10 years?
Growing as we age!