The Healing Properties of Whippoorwill Creek Farm
And why you should visit in 2025
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I’ll never forget the first time I saw someone call to their cows. It was one of the funniest, most magical things I had ever seen or heard.
The person doing it was John Hogeland, husband of
() and co-owner and operator of Whippoorwill Creek Farm in Lovilia, Iowa. I was there for one of their first writing retreats called “Writing on the Farm.”
Before the retreat, the couple offered a tour of their sprawling farmland, which spans almost 600 acres. The farmland is 100% free of pesticides, weird sprays and GMOs. Beth wrote about their decision to farm that way in her book “Bet the Farm: The Dollars and Sense of Growing Food in America”.
The retreat happened in October 2023. It was cold enough outside to wear multiple layers. I was there with
and about six other people. During our tour, we got up-close and personal with some of their cattle. John had to call them up. It was amazing to watch.After the tour, we wrote together in a cool-looking, nicely furnished barn outside of their home. I didn’t have anything to write, so I edited the second part of my series on LINE OUT WATCHES, a Black-owned watch company. It turned out to be some of my best work. The farm’s atmosphere contributed to the outcome. Check out the video here:
After writing, we ate delicious food and did some networking. Beth and John provided an amazing meal derived from meat and vegetables that were raised on their farm. The meal alone was enough to warrant a return to the farm.
A year later, Beth invited me back for a class that explained the differences between grass-fed beef and those fed corn. We also got to taste both kind of meat. I would tell you which was better, but that would be a spoiler. Visit their farm next time and see for yourself!
During both trips, we had some face time with their goats, too.
During the second visit, John explained that when the livestock was feeling sick, or “wormy,” they would seek out specific herbs and other plants for their unique healing properties. That may be common knowledge to some. I am not a farmer, so I didn’t know that. I probably should have put that disclaimer way higher in this column.
Visit the Whippoorwill Creek Farm website to learn about their upcoming events and classes. The farm is definitely worth a visit.
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Their farm truly is magical. John also prepares the most delicious vegan meals and the veggies I buy from Beth are always fresh. Great column, Nik. Glad your visit inspired your new project--it's excellent, just like everything you produce.