Entrepreneur Field Days: From Soil to Stone Mill, Early Morning Harvest
Join us for the 2026 Entrepreneur Field Days series hosted across Greater Des Moines
It all started with the idea that entrepreneurs learn best from entrepreneurs. Take someone's hard-earned lessons and shared skills to jump-start business success. Seed the next generation of entrepreneurs. Cover a broad range of industries and subject knowledge expertise. Grow your perspective and see new areas across the community.
From Soil to Stone Mill: The Story of Early Morning Harvest
Speaker: Jeff Hafner, Owner of Early Morning Harvest and That Iowa Girl distributionStep behind the scenes at Early Morning Harvest, a regenerative organic farm where history, sustainability, and innovation come together. Learn how a century-old family farm evolved from a dairy operation into one of Iowa's leading producers of fresh, stone-milled organic flour. During this Field Day, guests will tour the farm, explore the stone milling process, and discover how regenerative farming practices create healthier soil, better grains, and exceptional flour.
You'll also visit the farm's aquaponics greenhouse and learn how That Iowa Girl distribution supports local food systems by connecting consumers with more than 150 Iowa-made products. Experience how one family's commitment to stewardship continues to nourish communities—one harvest at a time.
Learn & Discuss:
- Learn how stone milling preserves flavor and nutrition
- Grow your understanding of regenerative agriculture and aquaponics greenhouse farming
- Building a wholesale distribution business for Iowa-made products
- Understanding value-added agriculture and how to focus on direct-to-consumer and local distribution to strengthen rural businesses
Lunch and beverages will be provided.
Open to Everyone! All Entrepreneur Field Days are free and open to the public, with registration required. Not an entrepreneur? No problem – you're invited too! If you’re a creative, mentor, educator, corporate leader, economic developer, investor, or simply curious about how things work – all play a role in building a strong community of support for entrepreneurs across Iowa.
Champion a Spirit of Curiosity! Entrepreneur Field Days is a space to learn from each other first and foremost! Bring a spirit of curiosity, shared respect, a notepad to capture your next idea, and the mindset to make new connections.
