Yule Tree Farms
Protecting Oregon’s natural resources for future generations. By Misty Zakrzewski While most of us have yet to take down the Halloween decorations, Yule Tree Farms is in full swing, hard at work harvesting half a million Christmas trees that will adorn families’ homes this holiday season. Unfortunately, not everyone will buy a real Christmas tree this … { more }
Wilco
This diverse, farmer-owned cooperative moves into the twenty-first century as “One Wilco.” By Julie Pederson As a farmer-owned cooperative 3,000 members strong, with thousands of non-member patrons visiting the farm stores each year, Wilco serves a diverse clientele. Satisfying the needs of all these customers, from hobby farmer to production agriculturalist, is a challenge that … { more }
Willamette Egg Farms
By Shannon Larson Established in 1934 in Clackamas County, Willamette Egg Farms is now one of Oregon’s largest egg producers and a leader in animal welfare education and research. Willamette Egg Farms has always dedicated itself to providing consumers with a quality product at an affordable price, but changes in consumer preferences have meant changes in egg production and, along with it, … { more }
Pearmine Farms
Rising to the challenge of modern farming By Shannon Larson Farmers in Oregon and around the country are currently facing challenges not dealt with by previous generations. Changes in laws concerning everything from the environment to the production of goods are forcing farmers to re-think the way they used to do business and the ways in which … { more }
Amethyst Hill / Hydrangeas Plus
Representing Oregon agriculture across state and country lines. By Shannon Larson Tucked away on a back country road in Aurora, Oregon is the home of one of the largest hydrangea retail businesses in the country. Amethyst Hill Nursery/Hydrangeas Plus is one of three well-known operations in the U.S. to specialize in growing hydrangeas for both … { more }
Doerfler Farms
Surviving tough times with an optimistic look toward the future. By Julie Pederson In the early 1970s, grass seed began to take hold as a predominant crop in the Willamette Valley. At the forefront of this movement was Bob Doerfler, a farmer who had learned the grass seed business from his father and was eager … { more }
4 B Farms: A Mt. Angel farm embraces its roots.
By Julie Pederson 4 B Farms sits in the shadow of its past. On a hill overlooking the Butsch family’s fields, Mt. Angel Abbey serves as a constant reminder of their connection to the town of Mt. Angel, Ore., and their historical significance in this part of the state. In 1873, Mathius Butsch arrived in … { more }
French Prairie Gardens: Sharing Farm Traditions Since 1987
By Julie Pederson In 1987, the Pohlschneider family opened a produce stand on their farm. This roadside attraction was a small added-value to a family farm already rich in tradition. Dating back to the 1920s, this grass seed operation was founded when Alwin Pohlschneider emigrated from Germany to the Willamette Valley to make a new … { more }
Gingerich Farms
Thirty-five short miles from the Portland Metro area is an expansive and blossoming farm with an inspiring story to tell. Roughly 1,000 acres of blueberries, hazelnuts and grass seed are under the management of Verne Gingerich, a fourth generation farmer on this land. Gingerich Farms has been in operation since 1919 when the Gingerich family … { more }
