Andersons donate farm and house to land trust

The Sustainable Iowa Land Trust received a gift Sept. 1 — a 35-acre farm and house from Sara and Jim Anderson.

Plans are to use the donation for the first sustainable table food farm in Jefferson County.

The Andersons, in addition to their home and 35 acres, are expecting to build and donate a second dwelling along with a year-round greenhouse.

The home and property are valued at nearly a quarter-million dollars. The donation means the land will remain affordable for future farmers through SILT’s protection.

SILT will show off the property Sept. 17 at the SILT Landowner Showcase from 10 a.m. to noon.

The event is free, including SILTFest from 6-9 p.m. with live music from Steve and Michaela McLain featuring Eric Hurlin.

The morning showcase includes tours of the farm’s fruit and vegetable operations; presentations on the legal, tax and appraisal implications of preserving land; and stories of landowners and farmers SILT has helped.

RSVP for both the showcase and the SILTFest by calling or texting 319-800-8108. Space is limited due to social distancing. Masks are strongly encouraged.

The Anderson's will continue to live and work on the property, but with a package that includes farmer referrals, advertising and throwing parties.

When all is said and done, and they’re done using the land, SILT will make the farm and building available to natural table food farmers by offering a long-term, affordable lease that will allow them to gain equity, too.

Stuart Valentine, who is the SILT president, is ecstatic to work with landowners like the Andersons.

“Landowners like these are an inspiration,” Valentine said. “It’s gifts like these that make me proud to lead SILT. I hope landowners and all area residents will be inspired to support this work as well.”

Comments: (319) 931-3393; hunter.moeller@southeastiowaunion.com

Union Deputy News Editor Andy Hallman contributed to this story.