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Show Volume XIV THE Issue I OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Page 13 October 1, 2006 AGRICULTURE cont. from page 1 maintaining socially responsible farmworker conditions. This unique geographical position provided me with an up close view into two vastly different food systems: the small-scale organic movement and the corporate, industrialized food system. By simply observing the soil and the vegetables, and how the people worked the land, it was quite clear to me which food system seemed to promote a healthy land and the healthiest foot the region continued to teach me sheet food system issues, | became increasingly drawn to the art form of “biological agriculture.” Also called “organic aerial. ture,” this is a way of growing food that traveled north to their favorite fields of grain. More sandhills. I looked south again to see five more cranes in perfect unison flying directly towards me. Golden light began to travel across the flanks of the Seven Brothers. I walked towards the row of beets whose green leaves seemed to dance in the early morning breeze. This land where we live is sacred and beautiful. I realized then that I was living my dream—the dream of becoming a farmer. I began this journey into agriculture at the age of three in my mom’s vegetable garden. As she tells it, “Pete would harvest carrots, onions, and lettuce, and take his little wagon around to the neighbors to sell the harvest for a quarter per vegetable. One year he harvested my whole carrot patch to sell to our neighbors.” iring my university education, I studied agriculture in California, a state that produces more than 70% of the vegetables Americans eat every year. Studying food in the agricultural belt of the Monterey Bay put me in an extremely unique region of central, coastal California. Santa Cruz seemed to be nestled between two drastically different forms of agriculTo the south is America’s “salad bowl,” the Salinas Valley of Monterey County where hundreds of thousands of acres are planted in row after endless row of salad, broccoli, strawberries, and artichokes. I had - Pete Rawmanen with a bounty of. haat most gardeners have done for centuries. Priority is given to soil fertility and its long term management using compost, crop rotation, and resting fields. Rather than using chemical pesticides to kill insects, farmers and gardeners plant an integrated, living system. fields every day, many of them covered from head to toe in white, protective clothing. Plastic covered most of the soil. One day I pulled over on the side of Highway 1 to see about picking a strawberry. Besides the barbed wire fences, the sign with a skull and cross bones caught my attention, warning of pesticides on fruits. I was shocked to learn that this plastic covered, chemical filled landscape represents the way America is nourished. To the north end of the Monterey oe agriculture looks quite different. Smal ao family owned farms pulled their oe nto the Farmer’s Market each Wednesday afteernoon. People wwalked from stand to san talking with friends and talking = e farmers who grew their Sig hanging from farm stands highlighted “Organic” certifications. Other farms ed to attract pest predators to the garden. Thanks to the farms I visited, I knew that, if given the chance, I would choose to grow “biologically.” During the 2005 growing season, I came home to Ogden Valley to live with my family and try my hand at starting a garden. | cultivated a small area in the field and with the help of dear friends and my family, we planted our garden. All season long I watched things take form and saw the interactions take place. I spent an afternoon with Haynes Fuller and he helped me sharpen a scythe which I used, clumsily at first, to cut the field. Over the summer I fell in love with the Ogden Valley. I knew I would come home after I graduated to continue informed customers of their commitment to gardening. When I returned to Santa Cruz, was inspired by my time in Utah to write a thesis about my dreams of designing and managing a small-scale vegetable farm in Ogden Valley. After graduation, I drove straight across the desert and home to this valley to plant. This summer we grew garlic and beets, spinach and beans, and much, much more. Randy at the Valley Market agreed to sell our garlic and basil, and I’m thankful for this opportunity. Jack at the Red Dog Grille shares an excitement about serving organic, locally grown food in his restaurant and his inspiration is a god send. Three local families have supported the farm by engaging in a trial season of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). The families pay a set unt at the beginning of the growing season in exchange for a weekly box of locally grown, seasonal vegetables. The farm was even supported by occasional deliveries to the wonderful people at the Eden post office and Zion’s bank. My parents are fully encouraging and inspiring as always. For all these people I am very thankful Each day I begin to understand how much I don’t know, and I see how humbling gardening can be. Late frosts, gophers, and early frosts. Yet one thing I’m beginning to sense is that agriculture is about community, it’s about connecting people, food and place. Local food production is an ancient and fundamental part of human nature, and everyone who tends to a garden knows how right it feels to sew seeds, care for your plants and share the harvests with family and neigh- ors. Not too long ago, communities were selfsufficient. Now we rely heavily on foreign food, but there are signs of “localness” and self-sufficiency returning. I know of at least one Ogden Valley couple who, from a small, bio-intensive backyard garden, harvest Edeh Subscriptions available for out of area Hills Home 3,596 sq.ft. residents at $18.00 annually. on .62 enough vegetables and garlic to keep them eating locally all winter long. Just as they begin to sew the seeds ofa new season, they finish their last bowls of tomato soup and baked garlic. Farmer’s Markets are bustling on Saturdays around the country and more and more people want to know the origins of the food we feed our families. have dreams of agriculture in this Valley. I see the Valley Market full of locally raised vegetables, Valley restaurants featuring locally raised meats, beets, and cheeses. I see a Valley Farmer’s Market with Pat Fuller’s gorgeous quilts, local goddess artwork, local pottery of brilliant colors, and an outlet for the 631 tons of zucchini and summer squash this Valley produces annually. Maybe I’m dreaming of an agrarian revival in the — Valley. Could such a “revival” support community uniqueness, local flavor, and local economies in a time when rural communities across the nation are rapidly disappearing? As for now, we can nourish that which we have the ability to nourish, our family, our community, and the land. Next season, we will plant seeds and sell our fresh produce to all local markets that will support us. As | first began to write, I was tentative to share these dreams, but then it occurred to me that this is what community members do—we share. We share advice, sugar, flour, the food we grow, and the eggs our chickens lay. And I believe we must also share our ideas, aspirations, and dreams. And dreams do come true on this land. After all, Eden is in the center of the Valley; Liberty and Paradise are to the north; and Bountiful is just on the other side of these majestic mountains. For information about next season’s CSA program, or for any other questions or comments, please contact Pete Rasmussen at 745-0584, Sandhill Farm, Eden Utah Price Reduéed a On-2’sides. sécluded to $459,000 lot with open space ly thoughtout floor, plan With--y~ 6 bedrooms Gl cS 5, baths. Must See! Send payment with mailing address to: PO THE OGDEN BOX 130, VALLEY NEWS EDEN UT 84310 REAL ESTATE “Gage is a proven leader and strong supporter of Weber County. Gage has worked hard to improve the county and the city of Ogden. It has been my pleasure to work with Gage in = past and ; am pleased to support him for State Rep for our ea. | hope at you will join me in supporting Gage to help bring results wae to Ogden.” Joe Murray raw.voregage-09 = THE VY MEET GAGE ISSUES Local Control & Involvement act not state government. The State of Utah ‘should e Fourth a Valley Residen ¢ Born in Ogden Valley + Small Business Life time Weber County Resident ” We the Valley residents must work hard to ensure the Valley we leave our kids is still the best place earth. Ogden | Education Our Kids | believe that if we all agree to “put our kids first” the answers to our education issues will become clear. We must work together to ensure that families, communities and businesses take an active interest in our local schools where teachers are appropriately paid and appreciated. en Small Farm & Ranch Operator Yi Economic Growth | believe it is time that Ogden receives the economic incentives to prosper and grow that are presently going to other areas. It is time to elect state leaders that are committed to bringing real economic growth to Ogden and Weber Co Real growth means more = higher paying jobs & less pressure on local counties to raise revenue by increasing our eropert taxes. Our managers have more than 23 years of experience in the Valley grass F Gage would love to hear from you! Call 801-621-0505 il 5554 E 2200 North, Eden, Utah plus cnn 84310 e te. www.grassplusinc.com |