Meet Moser’s Farm Partners: LR Farms -- You May be Enjoying the Same Produce that's Showcased at a Local Restaurant

Did you know that Local Roots restaurant owner Jessi Iams also owns LR Farms – both located in Powell, Ohio? The farm allows her to provide farm-to-table freshness on her restaurant menu, and also supplies Moser’s with locally-grown produce and honey to sell at the market. Read our interview with Jessi to learn more about this unique partnership.

Q: How did you get started in farming?

A: I was raised on a 200-acre family farm in Marysville. My grandma had a big garden to feed the family. She raised, made or used everything –nothing went to waste -- and I learned a lot from her.

Q: Which came first – Local Roots restaurant or LR Farms?

A: The restaurant opened in 2009. When I opened it, I always planned to use fresh produce. A couple of years later, I found land on North Liberty Road with a little farmhouse that was supposed to be developed into a church. I call it a “God story.” Here I am, more than 10 years later.

Q: How has LR Farm grown to support the restaurant?

A: We started growing just tomatoes and peppers to use at the restaurant. Today, we have a one-acre garden, 30 chickens and 21 bee hives. We still grow tomatoes and peppers, but also raise asparagus, strawberries, zucchini, onions, beets, garlic, patty-pan squash and pumpkins. Our three-person staff helps with everything from planting to harvesting and weeding. We feature everything we grow at the restaurant and source meats to showcase our seasonal vegetables on the “Weekly Features” menu.

Q: What’s surprised you most about farming?

A: I’ve always loved digging in the soil, planting seeds and watching them grow into something to eat and enjoy. By doing so, I’ve learned how much our soil is lacking – it truly needs extra nutrients and care. I want to taste the real flavors of the food – not the mass production. It really makes a difference knowing what’s in the soil when you’re raising the crops.

Q: What do you supply to Moser’s Farm Market?

A: It depends on the season. Right now in the height of summer, there are heirloom and cherry tomatoes, zucchini, squash, kohlrabi and some other fresh produce from our farm.

Q: Quite a few people come into Moser’s looking for LR Farms honey. Can you tell us more about it?

A: We bring in an expert beekeeper to help us do all the honey processing here at LR Farms. We produce honey twice a year. We have a Spring variety that’s generally lighter in color – based on where the bees are collecting pollen that time of year, typically from locust flowers, dandelions and tree pollen. The Fall variety is usually darker in color based on pollen collected from the blooming clover and goldenrod. Honey is very local too, as bees usually stay within a 10-mile radius.

Q: What do you think is the benefit of Moser’s selling produce from LR Farms?

A: I met Brad and Christina about 10 years ago through a friend. When I learned they were starting a farm market, I figured it would be great to work together. Like Brad and Christina at Moser’s, I have a commitment to “keeping it local.” There is value in knowing things are grown and raised close to home. It’s also great for both parties to help keep our local economy going here in Delaware County.

“Meet Moser’s Farm Partners” regularly features the area farmers who bring you “farm fresh, flavor first” produce at Moser’s Farm Market and Barn. LR Farms is located in southern Delaware County and primarily sources Local Roots restaurant in downtown Powell. LR Farms also supplies produce to Moser’s and has a self-serve stand by the road of their farm.