Photos from the Long Walk Farm Facebook page

A small farm in Council Bluffs, Long Walk Farm has experienced growth in the past year as the team continues to build a presence in the local food scene.

Community members can often find the Long Walk Farm team at the Aksarben Village Farmers Market on Sundays throughout the market season. The farm specializes in produce such as peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, kale, lettuce, garlic and herbs, which are available at the market and featured in local restaurants such as Carter & Rye and Au Courant.

While Long Walk Farm is a newer operation, the team is making strides as the farm works toward sustainable agriculture. In addition to fresh produce, Long Walk Farm raises heritage and other unique breeds of livestock. All produce and livestock are raised naturally and sustainably.

Owner Matt Johnson says sustainability plays a big part in Long Walk Farm's mission. 

"At Long Walk Farm, we are passionate about growing natural and sustainable produce year round," Johnson says. "We don’t stop eating when the seasons change and we believe there needs to be local produce options throughout the year."

Johnson says Long Walk Farm has worked throughout 2022 to add infrastructure to make year-round growing possible. At the Aksarben Village Farmers Market, the team has also offered a new local food option through Utmost Toast.

"Utmost Toast exists to provide another food option to the market that focuses on use of local produce and products," Johnson says. "We want to encourage the Omaha metro area to eat local."

In honor of Long Walk Farm's efforts, Food Day Omaha has nominated the farm for Producer of the Year in the 2022 Food Day Awards. Johnson says the team is grateful for the recognition from the food community.

"We are beyond honored," Johnson says, "especially considering the short time that we have been at this."

For people living in large cities like Omaha, buying local produce is a way to support small businesses and eat healthier diets. Johnson encourages Omahans to purchase local food when they can. 

"Buy locally raised produce and products whenever possible," Johnson says. "Eat at restaurants that source from local producers. The local food system will remain healthy, strong and will continue to grow if we all eat local as much as possible."

Visit Long Walk Farm's Facebook and Instagram pages for more information and updates on available produce.