Paul’s Grains

by Anne Paddock

Paul’s Grains is a hidden gem in a land of few jewels. Most farmers in Iowa grown genetically modified corn and soybeans but Paul’s Grains has been growing a variety of grains (spelt, barley, buckwheat, oats, corn, soybeans, millet, flax seed,quinoa, and more) without chemical fertilizers since 1964.

Going against the grain, Wayne and Betty Paul purchased 160 acres of land in a small town in central Iowa called Laurel. After graduating from Iowa State University with a degree in agriculture, Wayne was introduced to chemical-free farming using healthy, natural fertilizers for weed and insect control, which is how it’s been done for 51 years.

Certified organic, Paul’s Grains are now grown and managed by Wayne and Betty’s second son, Steve and his wife, and children. Paul’s Grains is an old-fashioned family operated business that sells the types of grains we all covet along with a variety of cereals – 7 grain, oatmeal, cracked wheat, spelt, wheat bran, oat bran, grits – corn, soy, and barley, cornmeal, 13 types of flours, mixes (pancake and cornbread).

Paul’s Grains are not widely distributed. In fact, the only way to obtain the farm’s products is to go to the farm in which they have a small store about 50 miles northeast of Des Moines, buy the products at a farmer’s market (Des Moines Farmer’s Market) in which they have a stall, or place an order on-line. Not always easy, but worth it.