"The healthier the soil is, the healthier and more nutrient dense the plants will be. Therefore the healthier the humans and livestock will be, who consume them or their products.”
—Jeff Hafner, Owner of Early Morning Harvest
OUR FARM
Our Story
Early Morning Harvest is rooted in a place rich with history and purpose. Our farm sits on the same acreage where Jeff’s grandparents once lived and ran a dairy operation. Today, the barn where cows were milked—and where Grandma Mamie created her beloved cornbread recipe—has been thoughtfully transformed into our farm store and office, carrying forward a legacy of nourishment and hard work.
In the early 1980s, the land was purchased with plans for industrial development, but those plans never came to fruition. Instead, Jeff brought the farm back into his family in 1993, farming alongside his father, Earl. With a shared commitment to stewardship, they transitioned the land to organic practices in 2000—laying the foundation for the regenerative approach we continue today.
Stone-Milled Flour
At the heart of Early Morning Harvest is our stone mill. What began as Earl milling grains for his own homemade cereal quickly grew into something more. After bringing those early products to local farmers’ markets, customers began asking for flour made from the same freshly milled, organic grains grown right here on the farm—wheat, rye, buckwheat, and corn.
In 2011, the stone mill became a permanent part of the farm, allowing us to mill our grains on-site in small batches. This process preserves the full flavor, natural oils, and nutritional integrity of the grain—resulting in flour that is truly fresh, wholesome, and alive with character. Today, that simple beginning has grown into a diverse line of over twenty stone-milled products, trusted by home bakers, chefs, and families alike.
Our commitment to regenerative organic farming means we focus on building healthy soil without synthetic chemicals, knowing that better soil produces better grain—and ultimately, better flour. From seed to sack, we take pride in offering products that reflect the care and intention behind every step.
Aquaponics Greenhouse
Our aquaponics greenhouse is one part of our broader commitment to thoughtful, sustainable farming. First brought to life in 2010, the system pairs fish and plants in a natural cycle, creating a unique growing environment within the farm. Over the years, it has been a space for learning and experimentation, alongside producing fresh vegetables for our community.
Growing Forward
In 2020, demand for our stone-milled flour increased dramatically as more people returned to baking at home. What had once been a steady pace quickly grew, and we expanded production to meet the moment—introducing many new customers to the difference fresh-milled flour can make.
Growth has continued in meaningful ways. In 2022, Jeff and his wife Shannon expanded operations by bringing That Iowa Girl distribution to the farm. Today, it helps connect customers to over 150 mostly Iowa-made products, delivering throughout Iowa and across the Midwest.
With each passing season, Early Morning Harvest continues to grow—sharing our stone-milled flours with more kitchens, supporting local producers, and staying rooted in the regenerative practices that guide everything we do.
Jeff Hafner
Owner of Early Morning Harvest
As a recreational thinker, Jeff is always coming up with new and innovative ways to do things, often while operating some kind of farm equipment.
Over the years Early Morning Harvest was always a hobby; however, in late 2021, Jeff decided to move forward and transition into business full-time. When asked, Jeff will tell you his hobby now is “a hot shower and bed.”
When time allows, Jeff reads books. One of his favorites is a book by Colin Powell, It Worked for Me: In Life and Leadership.
Jeff also collects quotes that capture his eye or as a recreational thinker, he comes up with his own. Some of his favorites are:
"The healthier the soil is, the healthier and more nutrient dense the plants will be. Therefore the healthier the humans and livestock will be, who consume them or their products.." — Jeff Hafner
“The land and soil are not for us—we borrow it from our kids and their futures.” — Jeff Hafner
“Embrace change, don’t fear it; Mother Nature survives on change and adapting … but never forget and respect the old ways.” – Jeff Hafner
“Believe in people. Treat people the way you want to be treated. Respect all opinions, ideas, cultures, and people, especially if you disagree with them.” – Jeff Hafner