DEXTER, Ore. — The Willamette Valley has certainly made a name for itself in the wine world, but there’s another up-and-coming industry that’s winning international awards too: Cheese. At Fern’s Edge Dairy, goats are incredibly productive, friendly and curious. “I’ve had the goats since 1972,” said owner Shari Reyna. But it wasn’t until just a … Continue reading »
The Sustainable Table: PremRose Edibles
CRESWELL, Ore. — What’s your favorite kind of jam? You can get almost every kind of fruit or berry flavor, but why stop there? A local woman is putting a flowery twist on an old favorite. Tucked away in the hills outside of Creswell, Linda Shumate is putting the finishing touches on several jars of … Continue reading »
Sprout Indoor Market Open Year-Round
SPRINGFIELD, Ore. — The Lane County Farmer’s Market is an amazing resource for anyone looking to buy local produce. During the winter it shuts down, but it’s not because local farmers aren’t growing crops. Under the vaulted ceiling and stained glass windows at the old Springfield Church, farmers set up their booths and get ready … Continue reading »
The Sustainable Table: Local Egg Farms
COBURG, Ore. — It’s feeding time at Brigg’s Egg Farm in Coburg. The farm has been in co-owner Elizabeth Lehman’s family for generations. “They did all this when my mom was a little girl,” Elizabeth said. A slowdown in business led her grandparents to convert the chicken coop into a cattle shed. “That’s what … Continue reading »
The Sustainable Table: Organic Hazelnuts
EUGENE, Ore. — The winter can be a challenging season for local farmers. Western Oregon’s constant rain is hard on crops. That’s why some farms are growing products that are good all year, like one farm that grows hazelnuts. “We’re in our fifth season of growing hazelnuts,” said Linda Perrine, Honor Earth Farm owner. Not … Continue reading »
Sustainable Table: Biodynamic Farming
NOTI, Ore. — It’s a soggy December day, but it will take more than rain to keep the staff from Winter Green Farm out of the fields. “Right now, we’re just harvesting the remnants of crops,” said Wali Via, Winter Green Farm Co-Owner. Crops like cabbage, Brussels sprouts–plants that can survive this far into the … Continue reading »
Sustainable Table: Red Wagon Creamery
EUGENE, Ore. — Blackberry black pepper cardamom, buttermilk brown sugar strawberry–they’re combinations you might not think about, especially for ice cream. But a local couple is mixing up some unique flavors, using local ingredients, for your sustainable table. “I’ve been a chef for 14 years and was tired of working for other people; I wanted … Continue reading »
Kurzhal Family Kickin’ Pickles
ELMIRA, Ore.– In the food industry many small businesses get their start with family recipes. That holds true for Kurzhal Family Kickin’ Pickles. Even though Kurzhal Family Kickin’ Pickles is less than two years old, co-owner Matt Kurzhal’s grandmother started it decades ago. “She started making pickles a long time ago. It was a German … Continue reading »
Cornbread Cafe Up for National Award
EUGENE, Ore. — A local restaurant is up for a national award for its all-vegan menu. peta2, PEAT’s youth division, says the Cornbread Cafe is a finalist in the category of best vegan local restaurant. It’s part of the Libby Awards–Libby, short for “animal liberation.” “It’s definitely an honor to be nominated for this and … Continue reading »
Growing Fish and Produce Together
EUGENE, Ore. — Oregon is home to the largest aquaponics farm in the country. The Farming Fish started with a lot of conversations. The farm’s three partners spent years researching their idea. “It’s the marriage of aquaculture–raising fish for food with hydroponics–which is raising produce or plants in water; so when you combine those two, … Continue reading »
