Our Story - in a Timeline
2015
The Holton Homestead was accidentally founded in 2015 when we moved to our small acreage in Elkhart. Immediately, we wanted fruit trees, a garden, animals, and bees. We had a small flock of chickens that produced more eggs than we knew what to do with. We started selling eggs. Eventually, this led to our Ankeny egg route, delivering eggs to 40+ families weekly. Word quickly spread, and we had more customers than products to sell.
2016
In the spring of 2016, we prepared to be first-time vendors at the Ankeny Farmers Market. Neither of us had ever been to a farmers market and had no idea what we were doing as vendors. The first year, we didn’t have much to offer but fell in love with the customer interaction and support from our community. This was the gateway to our new lifestyle.
2017
In 2017, we sent our bees to California for the first time. They spend the winter months participating in almond pollination. Over the years, the Homestead has ventured in many different directions, including managing a 26-acre apple orchard, raising and breeding pasture pigs, raising and processing poultry, market gardening, cast iron cookware restoration, natural remedies, and keeping bees. Amidst all these activities, we were able to narrow down to what we were most passionate about. Today our focus is beekeeping, honey, market gardening, natural wholesome products, and vintage cast iron cookware.
2018
In 2018, Tyler connected with a bee broker located in California, and he took a leap of faith in accepting a seasonal job position. From January through April, Tyler manages beekeepers’ hives from all over the country for almond pollination. Tyler loved this position so much he continues to work in California every season.
2019
In 2019, Tyler coordinated with local beekeepers to send a semi-load of bees for pollination. We obtained our food processing plant license for producing flavored creamed honey and Elderberry tonic.
2020
In 2020, we accomplished big goals. We got multiple employees on the payroll, a small retail store on our farm, and you can find our products in numerous retail locations throughout central Iowa.
2021
2021 was such a blur. Our team grew, consisting of six employees, Tyler, & Sara. We sold nucs for the first time and started raising queen bees to sell. We have a bountiful market garden and were present weekly at five farmers markets in the area. We also grew our retail accounts to over 40 local stores across Iowa. Another huge accomplishment was Sara leaving her part time jobs and working (with pay) full time running the Homestead.
2022
2022 turned out to be something completely different than we had planned for. In fact, it was our most challenging year yet. Our team shrunk substantially and there were new faces. We pursued new wholesale locations and are in over 60 locations across Iowa. We even bgean shipping to other countries, like Canada and the United Kingdom. Tyler took a leap of faith and also became self employed this year.
2023
We were presented the opportunity to lease a commercial space in Elkhart. So scary, but exciting! We were given a blank canvas to design our commercial kitchen, honey extraction area, classroom, and warehouse. We started construction in January and had our kitchen licensed by August. This year we also joined the Downtown Farmers Market in Des Moines.
2024
Tyler worked really hard to expand the apiary this year. We grew the operation to 850+ beehives and had a fantastic honey crop!
2025
2025 was another year of growth. We really expanded our beeswax candle market and were added to many more retail stores. Tyler hired a couple employees to help him in the bee yard, Dane & Taylor. He also sent two semi loads of bees to California for almond 'pollination in the fall and we attended the American Honey Producer Association conference in Florida in December.
2026
This year is already flying by! We have expanded our team again to add Jordan, Jacqueline, Caleb, and Anna. While also welcoming back Dane for the summer. Hope to see you at a farmers market soon!
Our promise to you: Our products will always be made in house, by hand, by us. We will never outsource and we will never skimp on quality.
Meet The Team
Tyler
Hi, I’m Tyler. You might know me as the Beekeeper. Sara and I started The Holton Homestead in 2015. Back in 2018, I took a leap of faith to go to California for the winter and work as a broker connecting beekeepers from all over the United States to almond growers. I enjoy beekeeping because it keeps me on my toes and I am always learning.
Sara
Hi, I’m Sara. You may not know this, but I am a third-generation beekeeper. My dad and grandpa Todd kept bees together in the ’80s. Marketing has always been a passion of mine, but I never thought I’d be marketing our business. I love working on our land and making amazing connections with all of our customers.
Amy
Hi, I'm Amy! I joined the team back in March '22. I LOVE ALL THE THINGS! My favorite honey is Hot Honey–its great on everything. I enjoy every job that comes along and, most of all, spending my days with Sarabean!
Jacqueline
Hi I'm Jacqueline and I am so excited to support the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City area! I think bees are fascinating and love all the tings farm to table. I enjoy decorating and gardening and hanging out with my new pup Jovi!
Camryn
Hi, I’m Camryn and I’m so excited to be here!
As a lover of small businesses, I’m so glad I get to work for a local one. When I’m not working, I’m usually with my friends and family, on the farm hanging out with our horses, or traveling! Learning all about the homestead has been so much fun and I’m so grateful I get to be a part of this team!
Izzy
Hi, I'm Izzy! I am 15, and have been working with the Homestead for a couple of years now! You can find me at the farmers markets and events, I'm always happy to help out!
Jordan
What's up, I'm Jordan. I'm 19 and I'm as sweet as honey and I love my job working at the Homestead.
Anna
Hey, My name is Anna. I have multiple allergies, and love learning & teaching others about all natural things! I've been an elementary teacher (special education and substitute) since 2003. I love helping and meeting others. When I'm not teaching or working here, i also babysit and pet sit.
Dane
Hi, I'm Dane and im a student at Iowa State. When i'm not beekeeping with Tyler, you can find me at the gym or hanging out with friends!