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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Hillcrest Orchards
On of the longest standing family orchards in the Rogue Valley Nestled in the foothills surrounding southern Oregon’s RoxyAnn Peak is a Century Farm called Hillcrest Orchard. They are one of the longest standing family orchards in the Rogue Valley and are accompanied by RoxyAnn Winery Purchased by Reginald H. Parsons and Maude Bemis Parsons […]
Cal-Gon Farms
Promoting agricultural unity and prosperity for over thirty-five years. Story and Photos by Shannon Larson Over forty years ago, Bernie and Mary-Lou Faber moved from Southern California to the lush land just west of Salem, bought seventy Holstein cows, and established their dairy farm with a mission to protect and nurture all forms of agriculture. […]
WillaKenzie Estate
Bringing Old World craft and New World technology to the art of winemaking. By Shannon Larson WillaKenzie Estate sits on over 420 acres in beautiful Yamhill, Oregon. Out of those 420 acres, only 102 are comprised of vines. The rest of the land is dedicated natural pasture and Douglas fir forests, including over 50 fruit […]
Tillamook County Creamery Association
Celebrating 100 years of excellence in the dairy industry By Julie Pederson If you are from Oregon, you know Tillamook cheese. This familiar product, with its Morning Star logo and waxy orange packaging, is a staple in many northwest homes. In 2009, the Tillamook County Creamery Association will celebrate their 100th anniversary – commemorating the farmers, community and […]
