JEFFERSON, Iowa – An attraction in rural Jefferson that brings in thousands of visitors every fall is Deal’s Orchard. During the spring and summer, the family farm is busy with preparations.

Workers just finished planting, and apples are already growing on the trees. But that’s not all you’ll find. There are also fields of sweet corn, tomatoes, pumpkins, flowers, and Christmas trees.

This century farm has allowed five generations of the Deal family to grow a thriving business and teach people about farming.

“Iowa has a history of growing apples, growing fruits. That changed back in the 40s but it’s starting to become more and more common. There’s more people getting into specialty agriculture and so…we enjoy being able to tell our story. We really enjoy being able to help people come out and create memories and do so in a way that lets them experience agriculture too,” said co-manager Chris Deal.

And when life gave the Deal family apples, they eventually decided to make hard cider. There are different flavors to try at the orchard and they are also on tap at a handful of bars around the Des Moines metro.

“Anybody that wants to put a small guy on like us I just feel fortunate that people are willing to give us a chance,” said head cider maker Benji Deal.

Deal’s Orchard received a grant that allowed them to purchase a canning machine and the family hopes to expand its offerings beyond glass bottles.

You may have seen Deal’s hard cider at the Craft Beer Tent at the Iowa State Fair, and they will be back this summer, bringing a new flavor to try — Strawberry Lemonade.

You can learn more about the orchard and its offerings here.