Iowa's largest organic farm opens its fields to teach fellow farmers
BRIDGEWATER — Dale Raasch of Bridgewater Farm welcomed dozens of Iowa farmers last Wednesday for a hands-on tour of his 40-acre organic operation, the largest certified organic farm in the state. The event, part of Practical Farmers of Iowa's Field Day program, focused on sharing practical knowledge from farmer to farmer.
Raasch started Bridgewater Farm in 2007 and earned organic certification in 2013. Today, 25 acres are under cultivation, including 12 high tunnels that allow year-round production. Before turning to organic vegetables, Raasch grew up raising cattle and hogs on 1,000 acres and later farmed 400 acres himself. After life changes, he sold all but 40 acres and turned to organic growing.
“I pretty much just asked God what I needed to do and he revealed to me that I needed to be growing food just the way he intended it to be grown. That's just been a blessing because now we're helping so many people,” Raasch said. “We're trying to help people because we really need to know what we're eating today because there's so much in our food. I talk to the produce managers all the time, and it makes me sick seeing all the stuff that's in the store and it's just been poison for people.”
Nearly 20 years after starting his organic venture, Raasch sells to grocery stores, restaurants, and loyal customers through a community supported agriculture (CSA) program. Participants pay ahead for a weekly box of 8 to 12 seasonal items for 20 weeks starting in late May. Options include a half share for 1 to 3 people or a full share for 2 to 6 people, with the option to add fresh eggs. Bridgewater Farm currently serves 135 CSA members.
Field Day attendees toured regular crop rows, a small orchard, and the 12 high tunnels. Raasch explained the tunnels use polycarbonate ends, two layers of plastic on top, metal framing, and heaters in some units. “We grow carrots, lettuce, arugula, greens, things that cannot handle down to 20 below. So what we do is, the thermostats only go down to 40 degrees and so we just set them at 40,” he said. This setup allows winter production and protects crops during spring cold snaps.
Fellow farmers asked about organic pest control and how long it takes for a high tunnel to pay for itself. Raasch said each tunnel costs about $12,000 but can pay for itself in less than a year, often producing $20,000 worth of crops per greenhouse.
Taylor Hinch, a PFI field crops education manager, said field days cover different topics depending on the host farm, including organic vegetables, cover crops, or grazing cattle. “Farmers are leading the exchange of experience and knowledge, which is one of our values,” Hinch said. “It also helps showcase Iowa: healthy soil, healthy food, clean air, clean water and resilient farms in vibrant communities.”
More PFI Field Days are scheduled this summer. Events are free and prior registration is requested. A full schedule is available at practicalfarmers.org/events/field-days.
Why this matters for Iowa
Iowa's agricultural economy depends on innovation and shared know-how. Organic farming is a growing sector, and Bridgewater Farm's success shows that small, family-run operations can thrive while providing healthy food to local communities. The Field Day program strengthens the farmer-to-farmer network that keeps Iowa agriculture competitive and sustainable.
Frequently asked questions
What is Practical Farmers of Iowa's Field Day program?
It is a farmer-led educational program where host farmers open their operations to share knowledge and experience on topics like organic vegetables, cover crops, and grazing cattle. Events are free and open to the public.
How large is Bridgewater Farm?
Bridgewater Farm is 40 acres total, with 25 acres under cultivation. It is the largest organic-certified farm in Iowa.
How can I join a CSA?
Bridgewater Farm's CSA program offers half and full shares for 20 weeks starting in late May. Contact the farm directly or visit practicalfarmers.org for more information.