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Over the years, the variety of plants grown at Edge of the Woods Raspberry Farm has expanded to include not only raspberries, but also blueberries, blackberries, gooseberries, currants, rhubarb, tart cherry trees and much more.

INDIANOLA — Just south of Des Moines sits a scenic 60-acre farm comprised of mature timber, native prairie, and acres of beautiful, flavorful, vibrantly colored berries.

Beth McGeough and her husband, Rick, own Edge of the Woods Raspberry Farm located between Des Moines and Indianola. Rick, an Iowa native and retired Department of Natural Resources officer, manages the timber, while Beth focuses on the berry side of their farm with Rick’s help.

The berry farm blossomed in 1980 with seven acres originally, then expanded gradually over the years. The McGeoughs added adjacent acres that had been used previously for alternative crop rotations and alfalfa. Beth McGeough’s first berry planting consisted of a small section of 45 red raspberry plants, a personal favorite, she said.

When a neighbor started selling vegetables at a local farmer’s market, she invited McGeough to join her with her abundance of berries, sparking her interest in forming the berry business.

“Over the years, the variety of plants grown on our farm has expanded significantly. We cultivate red and black raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, gooseberries, currants, rhubarb, tart cherry trees, plumb, pear and recently planted apple trees,” said Beth McGeough. “Notably, we do not grow strawberries, as our decision was influenced by the presence of Marywood Farms, a well-established local strawberry producer whom we chose to support. Currently, we have reached our land capacity for new plantings.”

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Beth McGeough and her husband, Rick, own Edge of the Woods Raspberry Farm located between Des Moines and Indianola.

Time after time, McGeough sold out of berries at the farmer’s market. Customers began asking her if they could visit the farm to pick up their orders, which inspired McGeough to start offering a pick-your-own option in 2012.

“The scenic half-mile drive through the woods has become a favorite for many, leading to increased interest in on-site visits and pick-your-own opportunities,” McGeough said. “As demand grew, we constructed the Berry Building and expanded our berry plantings. The pick-your-own operation has developed into a full-time seasonal business. Our mission is to provide fresh, locally grown fruit and to offer educational and group experiences, such as tours and catered picnics. Notable group visits this year included the Farm Bureau Youth Advisory Group, local organizations, and the ISU Master Conservationists Seminar, which offered tours of our woods, prairie and berry fields.”

Due to the on-farm demand for berries by customers, Edge of the Woods Raspberry Farm no longer has a presence at the local farmer’s market, but they do hope to return to that sales channel at some point.

“Most sales occur on the farm, primarily through the pick-your-own model. With support from a PFI grant, we have added a cooler in our point-of-sale area to offer fresh-picked berries and baked goods,” McGeough said. “This season, I have taken on the pie baking, along with planting, growing, picking, watering and pruning, fulfilling pre-orders. Fresh red raspberry pie is my favorite.”

Those fresh-baked fruit pies can be picked up Saturdays during the growing season at the Berry Building, where visitors will find special items from others, including honey, jellies and jams, relishes, salsas and pepper jellies, along with gifts and crafts from local artists, such as aprons, garden benches, hand-painted items and more.

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Edge of the Woods Raspberry Farm got its start in 1980. Originally seven acres, the farm has expanded gradually over the years.

Customers can pop by the farm to pick their own berries during the active season, which typically opens in mid-June. July is the peak time for berry ripening.

“Farm hours vary with fruit production, allowing for more day or evening hours or visits by appointment. For those traveling long distances, we recommend calling ahead to ensure the best picking experience,” she said. “Our focus is on providing an enjoyable and memorable visit for everyone.”

No berry goes to waste at Edge of the Woods Raspberry Farm. During berry season, any ripe fruit left on the vine is gathered each day. Perfect berries are frozen for future jam production, while less suitable berries are put in the “chicken bucket,” McGeough said.

“Berry pickers who own chickens are welcome to take these home to their very own happy chickens. Frozen berries are used for making jams — we average 700 to 900 jars per season, plus pies and baked goods,” she said. “Visitors are often surprised by the flavor of fresh, local berries, which are not commonly found in commercial markets.”

The farm serves as the McGeoughs’ full-time family business and allows them to host visitors from the area, across the country and around the world who are interested in learning more about locally owned and operated small farms.

“Maintaining the farm is a physically demanding, daily endeavor throughout the growing season, but sharing fresh food and the farm experience with our community is deeply rewarding,” McGeough said. “Operating the berry farm provides both recreation and the opportunity to promote healthy food and community engagement.”

During the off-season, McGeough closes out the books for the year, focuses on researching new and improved growing methods, and attends ag conferences. Once in a while, the couple squeezes in a much-needed vacation.

They also encourage volunteers to spend time on the farm, helping them with a variety of tasks.

“Many find the farm’s natural beauty to be a magical setting, and their involvement is greatly appreciated,” McGeough said. “My upbringing in Colorado instilled in me a love of the outdoors, while Rick brings a strong conservation ethic to our work. We are committed to responsible stewardship of our land and share our experiences and conservation values through the berry farm, prairie and woodland. After 55 years in Iowa, I am proud to call it home, appreciating its rural landscapes, small towns, community spirit, and, above all, the values and work ethic of its people.”