Business Solutions for Fall 2021

4 FALL 2021 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT His first water tank filled with tilapia was installed in 2011, and Early Morning Harvest now does year-round aquaponics production of vegetables including tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, several types of lettuce, kale, Swiss chard, collard greens, and fresh herbs. But the story of this small family farm goes back many more years. Lots of Family, No Chemicals Jeff Hafner started farming with his father Earl in 1993, and they transitioned their farmland located just east of Panora to organic production in 2000. In addition to vegetables, Early Morning Harvest also produces flours made from certified organic cereal grains, free- range chicken eggs, grass-fed beef, as well as its own honey, cereal, and granolas. “We take pride in the fact that no chemicals are used on our farm. Our highest priority is caring for our land and animals so that the food we grow and offer to our community is fresh and healthy,” said Hafner. Early Morning Harvest is a busy place. Four members of the Hafner family work there, supported by three full-time employees, three part- time employees, and a summer intern. While they all love farming, most don’t feel the same way about computers. That’s where Panora Telco comes in. Panora Telco Handles Technology Hafner explained, “We have Panora Telco do a variety of IT work for us since nobody here at Early Morning Harvest likes computers much. We just call the Panora Telco team if we have a computer- related question or issue. They’re local, they’re close by, and I know them. Plus, they’re responsive and take care of the problem quickly. I don’t have to dial an 800 number and wonder who in the world A love of growing vegetables but a dislike of pulling weeds led Early Morning Harvest owner Jeff Hafner to start raising vegetables in an aquaponics greenhouse. This sustainable food production system combines traditional aquaculture (raising fish in tanks) with hydroponics (cultivating plants in water) in a symbiotic environment. This small family farm is a big believer in naturally wholesome foods Early Morning Harvest