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. Ketrina and I live downstairs in a one bedroom area that is completely separate from the upstairs. There is a studio apartment w/ bathroom and kitchenette with a private entrance that is currently rented. There is also a larger 2 bedroom/1 bath area with a large kitchen, laundry and the game room that will be available in the Fall.

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.

FAQs

What is the Rent?

$1600 a month, includes the 2 bedroom/1 bath plus shared farmable area. Share electric costs.

*A reduction of rent in exchange for some project help and house/pet sitting when needed. Other creative solutions to reduce rent can be discussed.

$1000 refundable deposit + $200 pet deposit if necessary.

Are Pets Allowed?

Yes, pets are ok on a case by case basis. Dogs must be flock-friendly as we free-range our chickens and ducks, not bark excessively and get along with our animals. There will be an additional deposit.

What requirements are there?

We required some property maintenance help like pruning fruit trees and removing snow from the hoop houses and driveway in the winter. Just a few hours a week depending on the season.
The farmable area you are responsible for must not get taken over by weeds and you must take care of any equipment you use.
We split the Chicken/Duck Chores with everyone living on the farm- letting them out in the morning and/or putting them away at night.
There is a reduction of rent for help with some improvement projects and house/pet sitting when we travel. Let's discuss.

How is the land being used currently?

We grow plants (vegetables, herbs, flowers) from seed and sell them at our annual plant sales. Ketrina grows flowers for weddings and we all grow a vegetable garden for personal use. In the past, we old sold produce at local farmer’s market but are uncertain if we will do that again this year. We may host a few educational events at the farm in the Fall.

Can you tell me more about yourselves?

We are animal lovers (2 dogs, 1 cat, 1 indoor disabled duck + outside chickens and ducks), nature lovers, music lovers, travelers, educators and lifelong students. We love the rivers (Jeff) and beaches (Ketrina), go on hikes with our dogs, wild mushroom hunt as much as possible and enjoy regional music festivals. We also love to Scuba Dive when we get the chance. We frequently host dinners at the farm and love a good campfire discussion: everything from pie to pi! Our goal is to become self-sufficient and sustainable while helping others also reach their goals. We consider our property a sanctuary and would like to preserve it for future generations by using regenerative farming practices.

We are planning on spending more time in Baja in the winter months and would prefer someone who will be able care for the farm while we are away.

Are there Buildings and Structures available for farm use?

There is a greenhouse with electric, a large double-bubble hoop house also with electric, multiple open-ended Hoop Houses, a tool shed and a storage barn which use to be used for goats and a chicken coop.

Is there Farm equipment available for use

We have a variety of hand tools, broadfork, irrigation parts, harvesting supplies, nursery supplies, orchard ladders, etc. We do not have tractors or rototillers as we are currently a no-till farm and would prefer to keep it that way.

What is the Soil Quality / Type?

Xerofluvents / Silty Loam.

We’ve tested our soil yearly and amended organically. We’ve used a combination of composts, compost teas, animal manures, and specific organic amendments based on the soil test. Here’s a link to the soil analysis charts from 2013 to 2020: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1bs3v6lmGT9P3QQUGw_j9k0DdtSt1S4-PWJC6XU0dri4/edit?usp=sharing (willing to mentor on soil health)

Are you 420 friendly?

Yes, and you can grow a few of your own plants too as long as we are at the legal Oregon limit of 4 per household. However, if you are asking if you can grow cannabis as a crop, we prefer keeping it a vegetable farm.

Can we raise livestock for meat?

Sorry, no. We are a no-kill farm.