We want to profile an amazing business that Jason visited this week - Afton Field Farm. While chatting about local sustainable agriculture with a pal from Corvallis Brewing Supply, Jason learned that Tyler and Alicia Jones of Afton Field Farm followed in the practice of one of Jason's agricultural heroes, Joel Salatin, owner of Polyface Farms. Jason and I both read about Salatin and his "grass farming" ways in Michael Pollan's book, "The Omnivore's Dilemma." Jason learned that Tyler had apprenticed with Salatin and was eager to see the sustainable farming guru's methods put into practice in real life.
Afton Field Farm is self-described as "a pasture-based, beyond organic, multi-generational family farm in Corvallis, Oregon." Their website boasts a wide variety of meats and other animal products including beef, chicken, pork, eggs, and turkey. Customers can make purchases right at the farm, at local farmers' markets, or in a myriad of regional and local restaurants and grocers.
The Jones' are very welcoming of visitors, having an open farm policy Monday-Saturday. All they ask is that people give a call before arrival so they they know someone is coming. Jason sent them an email and was invited to come by on Wednesday afternoon.
Happy pig out on the farm (picture from Alicia's blog)Jason found the Jones' very friendly. They offered him a view of the farm from up on top of a hill and were apologetic that winter is a slow time with less to observe. Jason enjoyed seeing the pigs who were hanging out near the orchard. He also saw the laying hens in the coop, and the 'fleet' of eggmobiles in the field housing the broilers. He was able to see their new slaughter house where they prepare chickens for sale.
Jason found the experience to be inspiring and exciting. Not only did he get to meet an incredibly cool young couple who share our ideals, but also walked away with pork chops, bacon, a roast, and plans to return for eggs at $4.00/doz. The best part of his experience was being able to actually see the innovative methods that he'd only until then read about.
We are currently thawing the roast for dinner tonight, and will update you with a review.
Jason found the experience to be inspiring and exciting. Not only did he get to meet an incredibly cool young couple who share our ideals, but also walked away with pork chops, bacon, a roast, and plans to return for eggs at $4.00/doz. The best part of his experience was being able to actually see the innovative methods that he'd only until then read about.
We are currently thawing the roast for dinner tonight, and will update you with a review.
I was really excited to be able to check out Alicia's blog, describing how a city girl brings her own style and thought to the farming experience.
Thank you both, Clare and Jason, for the kind thought and words about us and our farm! We thoroughly enjoyed having Jason around this past week to help us with the brooder. We look forward to seeing and working with you in the future and to hear of all the adventures you partake in.
ReplyDelete