Meat buying clubs in the Willamette Valley

Buying clubs are an effective way for ranchers to sell meat products directly to customers who don't live near the farm. Customers typically place orders via email and pick up their products at a designated time and location. Buying clubs usually operate year 'round.

Goat milk products and goat meat in Oregon

by Nate Rafn

Goats are fascinating animals. They have a varied diet, which includes plants that other livestock refuse to eat. Goats will often browse on blackberries, weeds, and tips of woody shrubs and trees. They excel in converting otherwise-unused plant matter into high quality meat and milk.

Chickens to hit green pastures as temperatures rise

Young chicks are sheltered in a brooder box at McK Ranch.

 by Nate Rafn

Throughout the Willamette Valley, pasture-based farms are gearing up for chicken season.

Chickens that are raised for meat don't perform very well in wet, rainy conditions. When birds use energy to stay warm, they don't gain weight; and the fluctuation in temperature is harmful to their respiratory system. With that in mind, most growers only raise chickens on pasture in the warmer months of spring and summer.

Eugene food bank purchases lentils from local farmers

The Washington Post published an article today about the protein shortage at Food For Lane County, a food bank serving the Eugene area. To meet the demand, Food For Lane County is purchasing lentils from local farmers. [Read More]

Farmers' markets in the Willamette Valley and Columbia Gorge

Growers throughout Oregon are getting ready for the 2012 farmers' market season!

Farmers' markets are perfect for consumers who like to browse the marketplace and purchase products from a wide selection of vendors. Most farmers' markets feature vegetable growers, ranchers, beekeepers, bakers, cheese-makers, mushroom foragers, etc. In fact, it's increasingly common for families satisfy their entire food shopping list at their local farmers' market.

We hope this helps you connect with growers in your area. And if there's a market you think we should add to the list, please contact us to let us know. Happy shopping!

How much do you spend on local foods?

We'd like to know how much you spend on local foods as a percentage of your total food budget. For this survey, let's define "local" as something grown within a 400-mile radius of your home or within the State you reside.

This is a challenging question to answer, so please give us your best estimate.

Spring Gardening Guide for the Willamette Valley

Spring is just around the corner, which means it's time to start planning your garden!

This year's gardening guide features several businesses that offer garden-related services in the Willamette Valley. Many of these businesses also have extensive knowledge about raising chickens, beekeeping, rainwater harvesting, etc. Their advice can be very helpful as you take your garden to the next level.

Second annual Fill Your Pantry Market

On Saturday, November 12th, the second annual Fill Your Pantry Market will be held at the former Methodist Church in Shedd, Oregon. At this event you can purchase bulk quantities of staple foods directly from local farmers, including grains, flour, beans, frozen meats, honey, cured produce, and more. This event is sponsored by Willamette Seed & Grain, Ten Rivers Food Web, and the Southern Willamette Valley Bean & Grain Project.

Quantities of 100 lbs. or more must be pre-ordered, although the pre-order cut off date was November 4th. Attendees can still purchase smaller quantities at the event. Visit the Ten Rivers Food Web website at www.tenriversfoodweb.org to see a list of participating farms.

The market is open from 2pm to 6pm and Oregon Trail tokens will be accepted after 3:30pm.

“When Picks Fly” will provide live music. Baked goods will be available for sale and non-alcoholic refreshments provided.

Payment will be made directly to the farmer on the day of the event with cash or check only. All orders must be picked up at the event. For orientation and other information, visit www.tenriversfoodweb.org.

Fill Your Pantry Market
Saturday, November 12th 2011, 2pm - 6pm
30090 Hwy 99E Shedd, OR 97377
www.tenriversfoodweb.org

The beauty and bounty of Salem's farmers' markets

Teal Creek Farms offers a wide variety of organic produce.

Photo Essay by Nate Rafn

Farmers' markets in Salem contribute greatly to the culture and quality of life in the Mid-Willamette Valley. In this photo essay, we highlight the Salem Saturday Market and Salem Public Market.

Summer events at Beaverton Farmers' Market

The Beaverton Farmers' Market is one of the most popular and exciting farmers' markets in Oregon. There are nearly 200 vendors, selling a wide variety of produce and agricultural products. We highly recommend visiting. Listed below are two events at the market this summer.

E.Z. Orchards shortcake stand opens with arrival of fresh Oregon strawberries

by Nate Rafn

The opening of the shortcake stand at E.Z. Orchards Farm Market seems to signify the official start of summer. June brings strawberries and raspberries, followed by blueberries in July, and peaches in August.

Minto Island Growers' farm-stand opens on May 4th

 The farm-stand at Minto Island Growers is beginning its first full year of operation. Starting Wednesday, May 4th, the farm-stand will open its doors to the public, offering seedlings and spring vegetables.

Old Mill Feed & Garden hosts Chick Day

The Hendersen family has organized this annual chicken-keeping event at their store in Dallas for several years. They've incorporated educational tools, resources, and helpful products to help those interested in raising chickens at home.

Here's a note about Chick Day from co-owner of Old Mill Feed & Garden, Jon Hendersen:

"Chick Day at Old Mill Feed & Garden is “The Poultry Event of the Year.” This year, join us in welcoming Salem residents to the flock of chicken owners.

We begin taking reservations for chicks in January. A list of choices is posted at our store and on our website, oldmillfeed.com. By Chick Day, 75% or more of our available chicks have been reserved. On Chick Day, customers hand-select their chicks with the help of Chick Day volunteers. Once they have chosen their new family members, the proud parents are given a brief “Baby Chick Care” handout and can speak one-on-one with experienced chick owners who guide them through the chick-raising process. Feeders, waterers, brood lamps, bedding, feed, supplies, and coops are all available in the store.

Mushroom Resources in Oregon

by Nate Rafn

Oregon is home to a wide array of edible mushrooms, both wild and cultivated.

Wild mushrooms are often served at fine restaurants, and at specialty stores and farmers' markets. Varieties include Morel, Chanterelle, Lobster, Cepe, White and Black Truffle, and Hedgehog.

Cultivated mushrooms can be grown indoors or outdoors, depending on the variety and location. Mushroom farmers typically grow Shiitake, Oyster, Maitake, Crimini, Portobello, and Button.

The businesses and organizations listed below specialize in mushrooms. They are a valuable resource for those interested in cultivating, hunting, and/or cooking mushrooms.

Report Card: Rating the nation's top organic egg producers

Posted by Nate Rafn

Have you ever wondered about the true quality of organic eggs at the grocery store?

The Cornucopia Institute, based in Wisconsin, has created an Organic Egg Scorecard. Their list of 84 egg producers rates quality based on outdoor access for hens, space allowed, rotation of space, feed, lifespan of hens, and ownership structure of the business, among other factors. [View the List]

A few local producers are recognized on this list, including Portland's Phoenix Egg Farm and Trout Lake Abbey in southwest Washington.

Mobile hen house at McK Ranch.

Related Links

McK Ranch Eggs & Poultry

www.mckranch.com

Questions being raised about "organic" eggs
www.livingcultureonline.blogspot.com

New television commercial for McK Ranch

by Nate Rafn

The owners of McK Ranch have expanded their farming operation to include pasture-raised chicken and eggs, fresh milk, McK Ranch wines, and regional buying clubs.

This new television ad for McK Ranch airs during Living Culture commercial breaks on KWVT in the Willamette Valley, and CGN-7 in the Columbia Gorge.

2010 Holiday Gift Guide

by Nate Rafn

Is there a "foodie" in your family who's always difficult to shop for? With Living Culture's 2010 Holiday Gift Guide, we hope to provide a wide variety of gift options from Mid-Willamette Valley artisans, restaurants, and farmers.

Food items actually make pretty good gifts, as long as they aren't perishable. Look for products that have a longer shelf-life, like dehydrated fruits and meats, nuts, candies, honey, jams, baking mixes, canned foods, etc. Better yet, purchase a gift card for the recipient to use at a later date. Traditional holiday breads also make great gifts. They evoke the spirit of the holiday season, and they can be shared with the whole family.

We also have sections for charitable giving and locally-produced fiber.

2010 Thanksgiving Grocery Guide

Thanksgiving dinner is a rare opportunity to join with family and show appreciation for all the positive aspects of life.

Living in the Willamette Valley, we have a lot to be thankful for. The air is clean, water is plentiful, and farmland is fertile. Agriculture is very important here. We have some of the best crops in the world, and some of the most talented and knowledgeable farmers.

November 25th is not only a time to give thanks, it's a time to support the farmers and artisans who provide wholesome, delicious foods we rely on everyday.

This year's Grocery Guide is comprised of Mid-Valley ranchers, farmers, artisans, and grocers, who offer superior products. We also have a section for those in need of food assistance.

Note: This is not a complete list. We know that. If we left anything out, please leave a comment below.

Baked Goods

Baklava Central
503-378-7704
Salem, OR
Products: breads, pastries, desserts, catering, yogurt, special diet foods

Cascade Baking Co.
503-589-0491
229 State St. Salem, OR
Products: sourdough breads, holiday breads, pastries, rolls

The Bread Board
503-787-5000
404 N. Main Street, Falls City, OR
Products: sourdough breads, scones

Dairy Products

McK Ranch
503-623-6214
3415 Ballard Rd. Dallas, OR
Products: fresh milk

Willamette Valley Cheese Co.
503-399-9806
Salem, OR
Products: artisan cheeses

Food Assistance

Marion-Polk Food Share
503-581-3855
Salem, OR

Fruits & Vegetables

Minto Island Growers 
503-799-6967
3394 Brown Island Rd. S, Salem, OR
Products: organic vegetables, fruit

Nikko Farm
503-749-2724
6334 Shaw Hwy. SE, Aumsville, OR
Products: Asian vegetables, mushrooms

Teal Creek Farm
503-623-6605
18360 Bridgeport Rd. Dallas, OR
Products: organic vegetables, fruit

General Grocery & Gourmet Products

E.Z. Orchards Farm Market
503-393-1506
5400 Hazel Green Rd. Salem, OR
Products: fruit, vegetables, nuts, dairy, baking mixes, jams, jellies

LifeSource Natural Foods
503-361-7973
2649 Commercial St. SE, Salem, OR
Products: organic produce, bulk foods, meat, turkey, dairy, baked goods

Salem Public Market
503-623-6605
1240 Rural Ave. Salem, OR
Products: produce, honey, meat, eggs, baked goods, gourmet soups, olive oil, mushrooms

Victory Estates
503-393-2128
Keizer, OR
Products: Oregon-grown olives, olive oils

W.C. Kester Apiaries
503-623-5411
Rickreall, OR
Products: Willamette Valley honey, beeswax candles

Meat & Eggs

Fitts Seafood
503-364-6724
1555 12th St. SE, Salem, OR
Products: fresh seafood, free-range meats, turkey, local wine, cheese, condiments

Good Earth Farm
503-508-2803
5141 Vitae Springs Rd. Salem, OR
Products: free-range eggs

McK Ranch
503-623-6214
3415 Ballard Rd. Dallas, OR
Products: grass-fed beef, chicken, lamb, eggs

Rain Shadow El Rancho
541-259-5006
Scio, OR
Products: pastured buffalo, duck, rabbit, turkey, chicken, eggs, custom poultry processing

Rocking K Farm
971-275-4987
33364 S Dryland Rd. Molalla, OR
Products: free-range eggs, chicken

The Chick Inn
503-917-9968
14580 Airlie Rd. Monmouth, OR
Products: free-range eggs

Turkey

Fitts Seafood
503-364-6724
1555 12th St. SE, Salem, OR
Products: fresh seafood, free-range meats, turkey, local wine, cheese, condiments

LifeSource Natural Foods
503-361-7973
2649 Commercial St. SE, Salem, OR
Products: organic produce, bulk foods, meat, turkey, dairy, baked goods

Rain Shadow El Rancho
541-259-5006
Scio, OR
Products: pastured buffalo, duck, rabbit, turkey, chicken, eggs, custom poultry processing

Poll Results: Is raw milk safe?

Raw milk has been in the national news quite a bit lately. Raw milk dairy farmers have been harassed, spied upon, or even shut down; retailers have been raided, and the FDA, in cooperation with the dairy industry, is pushing to ban raw milk throughout the United States.

Under Oregon law, raw milk can be purchased at farms with no more than three milking cows. Retail sales have been banned. Advertising the sale of raw milk is also illegal.

Questions being raised about "organic" eggs.

Are organic eggs actually produced in a healthful and humane manner, or are they just like factory eggs with an overused marketing term attached?

This subject is explored in a great article today from mercola.com. Visit the link below to learn more.


If you eat these eggs, you are being ripped off.
mercola.com, October 2010

My Recommendations

Purchasing pastured eggs from a local producer is ideal. Most small-scale farmers allow customers to visit the family farm, observe the operation, and ask questions about production methods. This is the best way to judge quality, and build a trusting relationship with the person growing your food.

Look for eggs that are produced without added hormones, antibiotics, or soy. Also, make sure laying hens are given adequate space to roam on pasture.

Free-Range Egg Sources That I Trust

Good Earth Farm
503.508.2803
Salem, OR

McK Ranch
Dallas, OR

Rain Shadow El Rancho
Scio, OR

Rocking K Farm (eggs are available at Salem Public Market)
971.275.4987
Molalla, OR

Silver Grille (chef Nizlek uses eggs from his farm in recipes at the restaurant)
Silverton, OR