The average age of a farmer in Oregon in 1982 was a moderate 50. Twenty years later, it had risen to 55, according to a report co-released late last year by Oregon State, Portland State University and Rogue Farm Corps; and disturbingly, by 2012, had risen to 60. The change

Gather your re-usable tote bags, dust off your sun hat, and strap a basket to your bike—the farmers markets are back in the Rogue Valley. Springtime means a chance to explore the incredible array of fresh produce, hand-made crafts, baked goods, cheeses, coffee, floral arrangements, and much more that the

I love the growers’ markets. My most frequent pick is the Tuesday market at the Ashland Armory (East Main and Wightman), open from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It’s a special insider-y feeling to visit the market when it opens in March or before it closes in the fall: the

A good job. 2.5 kids. A house with a view. Retire at 65. The American dream—so five minutes ago. Today, an organic, self-sustaining farm with as many kids as you want is the new American dream, according to Dave Salch of Little Sprouts Farm. Little Sprouts produces turkey, chicken, lamb

Gorgeous fall this year, don’t you think? It must have been that cold snap a few weeks ago that splashed our deciduous trees with an amazing palette of color! While the visual scenery is beautiful and soothing, those of you who raise a vegetable garden know that the fall season

Years ago, the farm was often the spoke of the community. People relied on knowing their farmer because he or she was in charge of growing their food. These days, though, it is often easier to grab a box of cereal at the grocery store than pick up a box

Legal cannabis business in Oregon is literally blooming, everywhere. And at the root of this boom is growers, the farmer who spends the seasons preparing for planting, preparing for growing, and preparing for the harvest. And then starting all over again. While there are many Oregonians who excitedly planted their

Nearly 18 months ago, voters in Jackson and Josephine County voted to ban genetically modified crops—or, GMOs, as they are better known. It was David versus Goliath politics. “We won that imitative on $20,000 because a group of citizens came together – liberal, conservative, someone from every stereotype,” says Mary

While plants in temperate zones may benefit from higher temperatures, global warming’s impact in the tropics threatens catastrophe for food security The positive consequences of climate change may not be so positive. Although plants in the colder regions are expected to thrive as average global temperatures rise, even this benefit

At roughly $200 for a pound of trimmed marijuana, it’s no wonder why people flock to our area from all over the country to take advantage of “the harvest.” Much like the migrant workers of the 1950’s, Trimmigrants, as they’re called, travel from farm to farm (or basement to basement),