Hi, I’m Peggy Fogle.  My husband, Woody,  and I live on an acreage in Central Iowa surrounded by woods, deer, turkey and the peace that comes with watching fish and listening to frogs in the warm weather.  We are very, very fortunate to live in a somewhat secluded location, yet minutes to the city.

We live a lifestyle these days which is far different than we ever anticipated.  About 25 years ago our life changed dramatically when we sold our business in hopes of improving my health by reducing stress.   We learned the migraine headaches, muscle pain, fatigue, confusion, and stomach issues were a reaction to the chemicals in our environment.    Simple things other people may never notice or take for granted were making me seriously ill.  We learned to be green way before it was convenient, accessible, or cool.  For us it was necessary.    Gone from our home was perfume, scented lotions and soaps, candles, scented detergents, dryer sheets, potpourri, all chlorine, pesticides, fertilizers, formaldehyde, etc.   It was tough, hard too for a teenage son and college-age daughter.  Hard to explain to family and friends why things had changed and hard for them to remember the little things that could challenge me.    I spent a couple years very close to home during the learning curve.   Thank goodness now I have learned so much and have improved with the help of caring medical professionals, family and friends.  I manage far better now and am not stranded in my home any longer as some with this terrible environmental illness are.

I explain all this not because it defines me, but because it explains a little about why we are so excited about our new endeavor.

This is just a little bit about our Aronia plantation experiences in central Iowa.  We are planting Aronia berry plants on our acreage in hopes of diversifying our income and improving our health.   For several years we have looked at ways to use our property to diversify and yet preserve the natural setting.  Since my health changes we are so much more aware of the need to watch what goes into our bodies.  Aronia berries we can grow organically, are a very healthy, high anti-oxidant food, are relatively low maintenance, and can be profitable for small farmers.   Finally a crop that fits all our criteria!