Land Partners

About Us

Hi there!  We’re Jeff and Ketrina. For the past 12+ years, we have enjoyed transforming a 1910 dairy barn and river property located in Hood River, into an organic market farm and homestead we call “Fiddle Farms”. A variety of microclimates can be found on the 15 acre property ranging from cool and shady near the lower pond and river, to dry and windy along the steep and rocky outcroppings higher up on the hiking trails. A large, fenced area is dedicated to growing annual vegetables which leads into a budding forest garden area featuring perennial fruit trees (plum, quince, cherry, pear, apple, peach, etc.) and berries (raspberry, aronia, seaberry, etc.) There are several outbuildings and structures including a greenhouse, tool shed, storage barn, 2 cabins, 7 hoophouses, woodshed/chicken coop. In the past, we’ve managed goats, rabbits, waterfowl and chickens on the property and now are content with a small flock of ducks and chickens we keep for eggs and entertainment. In 2013, we began hosting wwoofers and work-traders. We sold our produce at farmer’s markets, a few local restaurants, a small CSA and even tried our hand at commercial outdoor cannabis. Today, we focus on growing spring veggie, herb and flower starts and wedding flowers for a local market. As we look towards the future, we want to concentrate on finishing projects on the property, hosting educational events (i.e. classes, workshops), maintaining our small agriculture retail business, “Grow Organic, LLC” , and taking time to travel. We are looking for that special person(s) to join us on the farm as we move this amazing place into its next phase. 

We have been a part of the local organic community for over 12 years. We invite local farmers and their helpers / wwoofers to the farm on a regular basis to socialize at potluck gatherings. We have education events at the farm that discuss soil conservation and safe mushroom foraging.

We are positive, inclusive thinkers who welcome the opportunity to share our knowledge of growing food and taking care of animals with all who are interested. The Wwoof organization made a quick video when they visited a few years ago that will give you an idea of what we are about: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvSGuCMOGMY&feature=emb_imp_woyt

Who are you?  

• Experienced with small farms or large gardens
• Passionate about growing organic food 
• Concerned about the future of the environment
• Proficient growing plants and caring for animals
• Comfortable living in a rural, private setting
• OK with snowy winters
• Excited to learn and practice new skills
• Kind & Open-minded 
• Reliable and Trustworthy
• Please no tobacco smokers
  

Are you interested in selling what you grow at the local farmer’s markets, restaurants, or would you want to start your own CSA and/or flower/herb farm? If so, we can help. We have a built-in following from years of owning an organic farm store and can work with you on how to expand this market. We have all the infrastructure to make it happen: greenhouses, hoop houses, tools, great soil, retail outlet, knowledge & resources. You just need to be willing to put in the time, organization and financing. 

As for the living situation, the house is a very large converted barn. We have a studio apartment w/ bathroom and kitchenette available which has a private entrance. It is attached by a hallway to a larger 2 bedroom/1 bath area with a large kitchen, laundry and the game room.  There are currently 3 young adults who live in that area of the house who are also passionate about growing healthy organic food. 

Our Vision for the Property

Once we find the right person(s) to share the land with, our short-term focus will be maintenance projects and a few new fun ones such as a raised bed kitchen garden and a wood-fired sauna. Long-term, we will continue to cultivate an onsite community that is committed to land and soil regeneration for future generations.