The Story

The Sawmill Hollow Story   

At the fork of dirt and gravel roads, tradition meets innovation

History.  Born from the best practices of five generations of family farmers, Sawmill Hollow sits in the heart of the scenic Loess Hills — an area renowned for its wind-blown, nutrient rich terra.  This history creates a sense of place and extends our legacy far beyond the reintroduction of the aronia berry nearly two decades ago. With the family’s century farm sitting only miles away, Missouri Valley has played a crucial role in growing what has become not only one of its town’s most famous farms, but also a focal point for many Heartland communities.

Tradition. The traditions of their pioneering family firmly in Pittz’s minds, Sawmill Hollow has always set out to create new ways to engage its community and pioneer whole health. One event is the North American Aronia Berry Festival, which started as a small field day and now attracts thousands of visitors from across the world every year.

Innovation. In the same spirit, Sawmill Hollow Family Farm continues to break new ground. In addition to reintroducing the native aronia berry commercially to the United States, it is also, according to Iowa State University, the first aronia berry farm in the country. Never sacrificing quality for quantity, Sawmill Hollow’s aronia berries are organic and hand-picked, and our products utilize proven nutritive innovations to preserve peak farm freshness.

Leadership. While many companies seek to monopolize their market and push out potential competitors, Sawmill Hollow’s goal is to democratize this native superfruit. By helping farmers start their own aronia berry plots, the farm sees itself as a facilitator of healthy, ecologically sound living. In addition to being the “highest antioxidant fruit” according to USDA studies, the aronia berry’s perennial nature preserves nutrient-rich soil from erosion. But as co-owner Andrew Pittz says “It is our hope to be a part of a movement that will build stronger, healthier rural communities. America’s agricultural preeminence is unparalleled, and we are proud to complement the incredible work being done across the country. We are proud to be farmers first.”

Community. Sawmill Hollow, which started as only a couple hundred bushes, is now proud to provide products and services to its extended community,  including grocers, health food stores, and farmers markets across America’s Heartland, as well as individual families from around the country. This idyllic meeting ground for neighbors and visitors is happy to host weddings, tours, and special events for many community organizations. Sawmill Hollow is also a “silver sponsor” of initiatives dedicated to creating the next generation of farmers, and preserving the traditions of our rural communities.

Values. Together, we can each be part of writing the next chapter in Sawmill Hollow’s unique story. After all, the Pittz family’s home has always been more than just a farm — it is a place that shares the values of family, community, and healthy living.