(Le Mars) — Harvest is now underway in Plymouth County. No, not the traditional corn and soybean harvest, although it won’t be long before we see the combine harvesters criss-crossing the fields. The aronia berry harvest is what I’m referencing. What are aronia berries you ask? They are a purple colored berry, similar to the size and color of a blue berry, that grows on a bush and people are interested in their antioxidant qualities. Justin Daale of the J and K Berry Farms says although the aronia berry has a tart taste in its raw form, many people are incorporating the aronia berry into various types of foods, drinks, and candies to take advantage of the health benefits.
Daale says he along with Randy Kroese and Bill Klohs began growing the health berry back in 2017.
The three Plymouth County aronia berry farmers decided to share the harvesting equipment. Daale says harvest requires many hands.
The aronia berries are placed on totes, then stacked on to pallets, then loaded into a semi trailer. Daale tells of the destination of the aronia berries after they leave Plymouth County.
The part-time farmer, full-time police officer, tells how the aronia berries are harvested.
Daale further explains the harvesting process.
Daale says he is pleased with the yield from this year’s aronia berry harvest.
The aronia berry grower says the aronia plant is a hearty plant that is able to withstand the cold Midwest winters.
Growing aronia berries is so far a niche’ market, but Daale is counting on more people will turn to the aronia berries as they demand additional means to remain healthy.
Besides the three growers and members of the families, also assisting with the harvest of the aronia berries were members of the Le Mars Community FFA chapter, as well as hired hands from a silage chopping crew from the Plymouth Dairy.
