If you didn't know already, I am lucky to farm in one of the most beautiful places on the planet(Parkdale Oregon). My grandmother picked Parkdale to call home almost 100 years ago because of the wildflowers, rivers, wildlife, agriculture and magnificent vistas of Mt. Hood. It is ideal in climate, temperature, rain fall, ample mountain run off irrigation water, clean mountain air and a lovely community of fellow farmers. This past Sunday evening one of my farming neighbors on trout creek ridge rd (Saur farms) let me know about a new gathering that is beginning once a month called Sunday Suppers.
I was thrilled to be included and thoroughly enjoyed talking to a variety of farmers about what they are growing, what worked, what tanked and enjoyed all the delicious vegetables they brought to the potluck. Farmers really are Salt of the Earth type people and if you don't know many farmers yet in your life I suggest to get to know one. Farmers for the most part known for being very generous, authentic, hopeful, responsible, honest, hardworking, unafraid to sweat and patient people. There was so much to glean from farmers who have farmed for 40 years and also from farmers who are in their first years and have less than an 1/4 acre of land they have planted.
I am so looking forward to attending another Sunday Supper next month. If you also love farmers and are curious to know some real practical ways you can keep us farmers sustainable this time of year you should ready consider......
1. Joining a CSA(everyone agreed that these are the lifeblood of their farming businesses) Investing in your farm/farmer truly matters and keeps us going strong.
2. Buy your fruit/veggies directly from a farmer at a Farmers Market or at their farm stand(Big box stores do not usually support small family farms)
3. Buy what is in season, grown here in the USA, from this years crop.
4. Eat more food that grows and include fruits and veggies in every meal of the day
5. When you go to a farmers market buy from as many vendors as possible and share the love.
I sure love being a farmer and I just wanted to take a moment to thank all of you for following along and caring so deeply about supporting our small family farm and farmers in our region. Long live farmers and small family farms! xoxox your grateful farmer.