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Opportunity knocks
Birky is just one of the many producers who have turned to Purdue Extension to find ways to cope with the changing farm landscape, whether it’s from metropolitan encroachment or consumer tastes.
“Porter County has demand for local foods, and local foods can really do a lot to strengthen the community,” says Kris Parker, Purdue Extension educator in Porter County, who helps transitioning farmers, small producers and budding entrepreneurs hone their business and marketing skills.
One new strategy, Parker says, is community supported agriculture (CSA), through which consumers purchase produce in advance directly from the local farmer. This helps secure the market and brings community members and farmers together. The yearly pre-season purchase is a reservation that allows the farmer to have funds for supplies, labor and fuel to plan for harvest based on community needs.
A pioneer feeds families
Producers Linda Ebert, in Wheatfield, Ind., and Liz Aquino, in neighboring Lowell, joined forces to start Indiana’s first CSA. In 1998, they launched Garden Lane CSA, growing produce for 10 families for 10 weeks. Now, they provide produce for 80 families for 20 weeks.
“I have to give credit; Liz Maynard was instrumental in helping us get started,” says Ebert, who farms six acres. “She is always willing to find information for us and suggest changes that we should research or consider.” Through Maynard, Ebert made some key industry contacts. “If it hadn’t been for Liz and attending the Horticulture Congress, I wouldn’t have developed nearly as many relationships as I have.”
In addition to CSA, Ebert sells her produce at local farmers’ markets. “One reason I like the farmers’ markets is that I like to know the people who buy my products,” she says. “Some of us even keep in touch during the winter months. Many of our CSA members and regulars at the farmers’ markets refer to me as ‘their farmer,’ and that always makes me feel good.”
A growing network
Crème de la Crop, a small farm in Valparaiso, Ind., produces more than 200 varieties of fruits and vegetables on 10 acres. Crème de la Crop offers standard produce, such as watermelons, cucumbers and carrots, as well as specialty items, such as purple hull peas, okra, edamame, tomatillo and edible flowers.
Founder Leann Landgrebe Stephens takes pride in selecting the variety of seeds to be planted. “We search internationally for unique organic and heirloom seeds,” she says. “I search for produce that is going to provide lots of flavor.”
Stephens followed the guidelines to grow organic produce for five years but was not certified. She attended a Purdue Extension videoconference last fall about organic certification and plans to be certified this year. “At the videoconference, I met other farmers in the region who were interested in similar farm practices and heard what they were doing to diversify their farms,” she says. “Not only did I meet others with a passion for organic agriculture, but it gave me the confidence and confirmation that I was headed in the right direction.”
Stephens also turns to Parker for information pertaining to her business. “Kris helped clarify a
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