EUGENE, Ore. — It’s been 19 dry days and counting now in what’s shaping up to be one of the drier springs on record. Local farms have only received six inches of rain since January, about a third of what they’re supposed to get. But where Mother Nature fails, farmers prevail. “When it gets hot, … Continue reading »
The Sustainable Table: That’s My Farmer
JUNCTION CITY, Ore. — Tomatoes, berries, squash–they’re part of the delicious seasons that are summer and fall here in Oregon. Though it will be a few months before people get to taste them, local farms are already preparing for the harvest. “Right now, we’re starting all the seedlings for the season. We have onions, broccoli, … Continue reading »
Residents Fight Livestock Ordinance
JUNCTION CITY, Ore. — A 40-year old ordinance is at the center of controversy in Junction City. It bans residents from owning animals like chickens and ducks and it has residents crying foul. Now, they’re taking their fight to the web, by creating a campaign on Facebook. They call themselves the Backyard Farming Coalition. On the … 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 »
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 »
Farm to School Educates Local Students
EUGENE, Ore. — A nonprofit is helping kids eat fresh fruits and veggies by teaching them about local farms. The Farm to School program, in its sixth year, shows local students the benefits of farm produce. Its goal is to connect students to the source of their food. Fifth grade students at River Road Elementary … Continue reading »
Local Christmas Tree Farms Doing OK
CORVALLIS, Ore. — Christmas tree farmers in the Midwest are feeling the burn of the drought this year. The dry weather is killing off many of their new seedlings. Although Oregon isn’t experiencing a drought, recent hot weather and the lack of rain has affected some of the new local Christmas trees planted this year. … Continue reading »
Oregon Recruiting Young Dairy Farmers
CRESWELL, Ore. — Oregon is recruiting more young dairy farmers than other states. The state Dairy Farmers Association says the enthusiasm of the youth helps the industry keep up with the times. Harrold’s Dairy Farm is a fourth-generation farm. The youngest farmer there to take on the business is 23 years old. Bobbi Harrold just … Continue reading »
