Our Story

JC Organic Farm is a family owned farm built on generations of agricultural tradition, hard work, faith, and a love for the land. The farm's story begins with Henry J.C. Miller, whose initials tell a story all their own. J.C. stands for Junior Chester, named after his father, Chester Miller, a lifelong farmer. From the time he was a little boy, Henry was outside helping on the farm, learning firsthand the values of stewardship, perseverance, and caring for both the land and livestock. Growing up, his family raised pasture turkeys. 

Following in his father's footsteps, Henry developed a passion for farming at an early age. In 1982, he worked for Dick Swartzentruber milking cows, gaining valuable experience and knowledge that would help shape his future. In 1985-86 he also worked for Edward F, he continued working with turkeys. Then, in 1987, Henry purchased the farm's current location on Juniper Avenue near Kalona, which became the home of JC Organic Farm. For many years, he continued dairy farming, milking cows until 2002.

While dairy farming was a significant part of his life, Henry's love for agriculture extended beyond the dairy barn. In 2002, he began raising organic fresh turkeys for Thanksgiving, offering local families an alternative to conventionally raised birds. What started as a seasonal endeavor has grown into an annual tradition, with fresh organic turkeys being provided to families throughout the surrounding communities each Thanksgiving season.

That same year marked another important milestone for the farm with the construction of the first chicken house. A second chicken house followed in 2004. What began with a single building has steadily grown into a thriving organic egg operation. Today, JC Organic Farm operates two houses: one for raising young Hy-Line pullets and another dedicated to egg production. The pullets are raised until they are mature enough to be transferred into the laying house, where they begin producing eggs daily.

Currently, approximately 6,100 laying hens call JC Organic Farm home. The farm takes pride in producing much of its own feed, growing corn, soybeans right on the farm. Feed is ground and mixed several times each week using farm raised ingredients, including orange corn, which contributes to the rich color of the egg yolks, and roasted soybeans. One of the things that sets JC Organic Farm eggs apart from conventional eggs is their commitment to organic practices, including raising birds without the use of synthetic insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides.   

For the Miller family, being organic is more than a certification or production method, it's a way of life. They believe God created the world with a natural balance and design, and they strive to farm in a way that honors that design while providing wholesome food for others. Organic farming certainly comes with challenges, including pest management and higher production costs, but the family remains committed to those principles and trusts God's provision through every season.

Daily life on the farm begins early with family devotions and a hearty breakfast before chores begin. Animals are fed and cared for, including sheep, cattle, turkeys, and chickens. The poultry houses are checked, eggs are gathered, and any floor eggs are collected. After the morning chores are complete, the day's activities often depend on the weather.

For Henry, one of the greatest joys of farming is working the fields as it gives him time to reflect, pray, and thank God for His blessings. He enjoys being surrounded by God's creation, admiring the beauty of the land and praying over the fields as he plants. If weather permits, hours may be spent in the field before returning to gather and process eggs for delivery. The day often concludes with another round of checking livestock and returning to fieldwork when needed.

While Henry oversees much of the farm's operations, including planting crops, caring for livestock, and managing daily farm activities, JC Organic Farm is truly a family effort. His wife, Ila, and daughters, Retha and Renita, play a vital role in processing eggs and preparing them for customers and deliveries. 

One of the values that has always been important to JC Organic Farm is supporting local businesses and strengthening the local community. At the beginning of the year, the farm had started processing eggs independently. Today, JC Organic Farm proudly supplies fresh eggs to local restaurants and stores.

Through generations of farming, commitment to organic agriculture, faith in God's provision, and meaningful partnerships within the community, the Miller family continues to care for the land, animals, and the people they serve. At its core, JC Organic Farm is a story of family, faith, hard work, and a dedication to providing wholesome food while preserving the values that have guided the farm from the very beginning.