Minto Island Growers farm stand open through November

www.mintogrowers.com

Conversation with Sloan Aagaard, co-owner of Teal Creek Farms

Sloan Aagaard and her partner Keith Nelson operate Teal Creek Farms, a 40-acre farm in the beautiful rolling hills south of Dallas, Oregon. Nearly 2 acres are devoted to organic fruits and vegetables, while the rest is used to grow hay and a small amount of livestock.

Fresh produce from Teal Creek Farms can be found at LifeSource Natural Foods in Salem, and at Salem Public Market every Saturday. Because Sloan and Keith grow for a relatively small local market, they focus on raising a diverse selection of foods. They grow raspberries, potatoes, onions, kale, chard, lettuces, and herbs, among other crops. They also grow vegetable starts for those interested in cultivating backyard gardens.

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