Read on to learn what's happening on your
local family farms & country attractions
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Happy Holiday Season from
the Oregon Farm Loop
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We've entered the "ATE" season on the Farm Loop! Now is the time to decorATE, celebrATE, and creATE memories! Gifts from the Oregon Farm Loop come from the heart, and fresh Christmas Trees are waiting for you and your family. Big or small, short or tall, they're on the Farm Loop.
Please call farms ahead of your visit, view their website or check their farm Facebook pages for updates related to hours.
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The 2023 Oregon Farm Loop Gift Guide is HERE! | |
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Now is the time to give the gift of the Oregon Farm Loops' bounty, for whatever you celebrate this season! Shop for gift packs and gift certificates from our beautiful 2023 Oregon Farm Loop Holiday Gift Guide,
A big THANK YOU to this year's Gift Guide participants:
Thank you, also to Damsel of Design, for the design and speedy delivery of this beautiful gift guide! You also see her work in our brochures and on every newsletter. She designed the section headers (Updates, Fresh This Month, Events, and Baby Animal Watch).
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According to Wikipedia, "A holiday is a day or other period of time set aside for festivals or recreation." We celebrate religious holidays, public holidays, and some that are made up just to give us a laugh. (We're looking at you, Talk Like A Pirate Day.) Click here to visit Wikipedia's Lists of holidays article.
Here are the dates for some of the most commonly observed holidays we celebrate on the Farm Loop in December 2023:
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Hanukkah: Evening of Thursday the 7th through the evening of Friday, the 15th
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Solstice: 21st
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Yule: Thursday 12/21-Monday 1/1
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Christmas Eve: 24th
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Christmas: 25th
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Boxing Day: 26th (Anyone else have Canadian and English rels? - ed.)
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Kwanzaa: 26th through January 1st
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New Year's Eve - 31st (Fun fact: celebrating the new year is the oldest holiday among all known human societies.)
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New Year's Day - January 1st
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Orthodox Christmas/Epiphany/Twelfth Night: January 6th (It's the 12th day in the song, too! - ed.)
(Happy Hanukkah, Happy Solstice, Happy Yule, Merry Christmas, Happy Boxing Day, Wishing you a blessed Kwanzaa, a Happy New Year, and a Happy Orthodox Christmas/Happy Epiphany/Happy Twelfth Night from your "ed."—who celebrates and/or acknowledges every one of them.)
Photo courtesy of random woman who enjoys wearing holiday-themed hairbands
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Christmas Trees & Greenery on the Farm Loop | |
Shop for Christmas Trees, wreaths, greenery, and gifts on the Farm Loop (and support local small farmers at the same time)! Some kindly donate proceeds to charities. | |
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Pre-cut
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Al's Garden Center (Woodburn) (Marion) Also check out Al's online Christmas Shop!
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Arrowhead Lavender Farm & Co. (Marion) Open December 1-17, Thu & Fri 10-6, Sat 10-5, Sun 1-4. Proceeds are donated by the grower to her local Humane Society.
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Bauman's Farm & Garden (Marion) Open Mon-Sat, 9a-5p, closed 12/24/23 - 1/3/24. Also check out their Gift Box collection.
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E.Z. Orchards Farm Market (Marion) E.Z. Orchards is ready to help you get ready for the holidays! They have locally grown Christmas Trees, and locally made wreaths, garland, and swag. Hundreds of beautiful ornaments to choose from, as well as holiday gifts, decorations, and foods. And, of course, their famous Cider Donuts. Open Mon-Fri, 9a-6p, and Sat 9a-5p. Closed Sundays.
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Fordyce Farm, Inc. (Marion) Douglas fir & Noble fir Fri, Sat 9-6. They MAY also have baked goods, jams, jellies, apples, quince, sauces and breads. Ask!
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Frog Pond Farm (Farmlandia) offers Douglas fir and Noble fir trees AND has a whole holiday market running through December 23rd Santa Claus and sometimes Mrs. Claus will be there on select dates. No Admission Fee!
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Godfrey Nursery (Marion) Open daily, 9a-4p. They offer trees, wreaths, garlands, and more!
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Helvetia Farm Market at Marion Acres (Sunset) Open Mon-Sat 8A-7P, Sunday 9A-6P. Check out their Christmas Holiday Market on 12/9, which brings you local vendors, as well as Christmas trees, holiday shopping, and "specialty drinks to keep you warm!"
U-cut, "We-cut" & Pre-cut
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Historic Kirchem Farm (Farmlandia) December 2, 3, 9, 10. (Pre-cut trees available also) Douglas Fir, Grand Fir, Nordmann Fir. Contact them if you are interested in Douglas Fir and Noble Fir up to 20'.
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Lee Farms (Farmlandia & Sunset) - pre-cut & "we-cut" - also tree stands, tree shaking, baling & loading included. Also get wreaths and centerpieces. Check out the bakery and hot cocoa.
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Plumper Pumpkin Patch & Tree Farm (Sunset) Open Fri-Sun through December 10th. Also check out their farm store, farm animals, and cozy fire pits!
Photo courtesy of Plumper Pumpkin Patch & Tree Farm
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Nothing beats the beauty and scent of a fresh Oregon Christmas tree.
What varieties do we have in Oregon? Here in the beautiful Oregon, Christmas trees are affordable and abundant. Different varieties offer different decorating experiences. We found the following information from the National Christmas Tree Association's website.
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Douglas Fir - This is the Pacific Northwest's best-selling Christmas tree since the 1920s. Its needles are dark green or blue green, 1-1.5" long, soft to the touch, and radiate out in all directions from the branch.
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Grand Fir - One of the tallest firs, distinguished by its sprays of lustrous needles in two distinct rows. They are usually spread so that both the upper and lower sides of the branches are clearly visible.
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Noble Fir - Its needles turn upward, exposing the lower branches. Its stiff branches make it a good tree for heavy ornaments. Fun fact: its lumber is sometimes marketed as "Oregon larch."
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Nordmann Fir - Branches are densely clad with flattened, glossy dark green needles (to 1¼" long). Needles have two white bands underneath.
Photo courtesy of History Kirchem Farm
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Also shop and get gift packs—or design your own gift packs—with these other awesome Farm Loop members! Ask about in-person shopping, shipping, delivery, and gift certificates.
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On the Sunset Farm Loop (now growing)
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On the Yamhill Farm Loop
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Bernards Farm has fresh, local farm products available at the farm, where you can also check out their greenhouses for plant starts and baskets, or you can order products online. As their website wisely says, "Nothing beats local!"
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Blue Raeven Farmstand lets you shop online for a wide selection of Fruit Pies, Jams, Jellies, and Syrup. To place an order for in-store pickup, call 503.835.0740.
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Cougars Mark Vineyard features wines made from the pinot grape (aka the heartbreak grape). Oregon pinot wines have a pleasant cooler climate taste that differs from California's pinot wines. Ask about their sister endeavor, Country Cottage Alpacas farm, while you're there!
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Eola Crest Cattle and 71X Farm Store offer their locally-grown, quality angus beef, farm-fresh eggs, high-end food, art, housewares, and goods produced by local farmers and artisans. There's something new every week at this Oregon country boutique! Online shopping reopens on 12/11/2023.
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Tabula Rasa Farms products are available at their Source Farms marketplace. Feed a family you love (that could be your own!) throughout the year by buying Beef, Pork, and/or Lamb Shares. Also learn more about buying local shares of pasture-raised poultry, and seafood, and pre-ordering Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) vegetables.
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Wayward Winds Lavender Farm offers a wide variety of lavender products that extend your enjoyment and gift-giving opportunities well beyond the summer lavender growing season. Shop online now to select from Culinary, Farm, Household, and personal care lavender products. Or purchase gift cards to let your friends and family choose for themselves. Or give yourself a nice little present!
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Wings and a Prayer Alpacas have a hearty selection of clothing and apparel that will keep you and your loved ones warm all winter. Headbands, scarves, chullos (those knitted hats with the nifty ear flaps—different from the Fargo kind), gloves, mittens, and wimples are all available. Alpaca knits are sustainable!
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Yamhill Vineyards Bed & Breakfast may offer the charming getaway someone you know needs. Yamhill Vineyards B&B is a charming, two-room B&B in the heart of Willamette Valley Wine Country. Vineyard owner Ralph offers walking tours around the Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc vines. B&B owner Sue's breakfast includes (non-fermented) grape juice taken directly from the vineyards. Add a package to the room for a few dollars more to enhance the getaway occasion.
Photo courtesy of Wayward Winds Lavender. Recipe for Double Stuffed Lavender Peppermint Brownies is available on their blog.
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On the Marion Farm Loop
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Adelman Peony Gardens Get a gift card for someone you love who loves peonies
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Arrowhead Lavender Farm & Co. Lavender products are available beyond the growing season. Open 12/1 - 12/17 Thurs, Fri, Sat, and Sun. Or make an appointment!
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French Prairie Gardens offers baked goods and gift cards! You can even pool money from multiple contributors for one recipient. #WhoKnew?
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Lady Hill Winery Visit or shop online! They offer wines under five labels, each focusing on an expression of Northwest wines. Non-wine items are offered, as well.
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Maudie's Flower Farm offers subscriptions and gift certificates. They honor first responders and military with a 15% discount. Give someone you love flowers throughout Spring, Summer and Fall.
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Nottinghamshire Farms lets you order online for pickup at their Saint Paul, Oregon location. Noble Wreaths range from $16-130. Special wreaths are available from $1.50 - $30. You may also see some familiar names, including Blue Raeven pies and Ken & June's Hazelnuts. Non-food items include soap, t-shirts, bags, and hats.
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Pudding River Wine Cellars can ship in box quantities of 3, 6, and 12 bottles (minimum 3) to 39 states—including Alaska and Hawai`i. Shop online now or visit their tasting room Fri-Sun 12p-5p throughout December.
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Scenic Valley Farm Vineyard and Winery have been decorating for the holidays. Shop for wines and some SVF merch!
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Sebright Gardens has a vast array of plants that beautify your home, or the home of someone you love. They offer Oregon's premier selection of Hostas, Ferns, Epimediums and shade-tolerant plants. Give a gift that with a bit of love and care will last.
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Sublime Organics is offering online ordering for young Muscovy duckling, organic lamb and goat meat products. Also taking reservations for pasture raised lamb and goat. Humanely raised meats can make wonderful holiday gifts. Or enjoy with your family.
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Willamette Valley Pie Co. offers two very attractive selling points: 1) Pie. 2) Free shipping. Minimum two products to order online, or use their Store Locator to see if you can your pie from local retailers a bit closer to home.
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Willamette Valley Vineyards has wines, collections, and gifts to share the bounty of our beautiful state. Shipping and e-gift cards are available.
Photo courtesy of Scenic Valley Farm Vineyard and Winery
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On the Farmlandia Farm Loop
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Barn Owl Nursery will end their season on December 9th, but there's still time to shop their products and plants pages. This small business does not ship or deliver plants or products.
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Bosky Dell Natives can help you give the unique gift of Oregon's native plants to your Oregon loved ones. Or find something your gardening friends may enjoy using in their gardens. Planting native plants helps preserve the natural balance of our beautiful land.
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Graham & Tooze Farm Store specializes in gifts! This is THE place to find just about everything on your holiday shopping list—and a few things even YOU didn't think of, such as Dog Snoot Salve (a product to soothe your pup's dry, chapped nose). Art prints, clothing, candles, ornaments...no one would dare regift the Standard Solid Bamboo Mason Jar Lids. (I have my eye on the Crochet Mini Bunny Kit! ed.) They have kids covered, too.
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Hartnell Farms gift cards let your loved ones select farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, berries, and herbs and spices later in the year when they're at their most flavorful and nutritious stage. You can even pool money from multiple contributors for one recipient. #WhoKnew?
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Park Place Perennials' online shop offers local "porch pick up" and free shipping over $55 on all orders. All products are handmade in West Linn, Oregon using lavender and flowers grown on their farm.
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Pete's Mountain Vineyard has an online shop that lets you avoid the crowds! Pick up or ship your wine. Check the site to choose ways to mix and match your order and make the packaging special for the recipient. They can ship to 24 states and the District of Columbia—including Alaska and Hawai`i. Sorry, no international shipping.
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Terra Vina Wines Vineyard lets you share the flavors of the Chehalem Mountains AVA. The only way to get these fabulous Oregon wines at this time of year is from their wine club, McMinnville Tasting Room, or online. Shop now...and think about their sparkling Rosé blend (Syrah and Cabernet Franc) or go very non-traditional with their Sparkling Zinfandel at the New Year.
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Tollen Farm has a cute "I Minis" sign on their Facebook shop. (Many apologies: my web settings won't let me in to see Tollen Farm's website, but maybe you can check and see if they have in-person and/or online shopping opportunities. It's not them, it's my settings. ed.)
Photo courtesy of Graham &Tooze Farm Store. And proof that Dog Snoot Salve is really a thing!
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On the South Clackamas Farm Loop
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Alpacas at Marquam Hill Ranch has a nice online store. Give the gift of cozy alpaca fiber. Or, if you know someone who will knit, crochet, or weave for you, they have alpaca and alpaca blended yarn.
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Campfire Farms offers meat boxes and more in their online store. Consider giving someone you care about a meat box subscription!
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Christopher Bridge Wines offers lovely Oregon wines for you and your family to enjoy or to give as gifts to people who may kindly share them with you. Call Chris and Susanne Carlberg at 503.269.6267 or send them a message on their Contact Us page to enquire about current tasting room hours.
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Clarkes General Store & Eatery is open every day to feed you good food, and you may find something in their shop that makes the perfect gift for the holidays.
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Forest Edge Vineyard offers shipping to 39 states and the District of Columbia. If you're local, consider stopping by their tasting room, open Sundays, 12-5 December 10th & 17th. Closing December 18-January 6.
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Hopkins Demonstration Forest Why not take a break from all of the holiday hustle and enjoy a self-guided exploration in a beautiful, 140-acre forest? Enjoy over five miles of trails any day during daylight hours. Get a little exercise. Let the kids run around until they're tired. Make coupons to redeem for family visits to the forest!
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Lady Lane Farm's Farmstand shop offers dairy products, farm-fresh milk (in glass bottles!) and humanely raised beef and pork. They're open 10-6 daily. You may get a little break from holiday stress when you visit and feel that relaxed dairy farm vibe.
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Martson Farm Highland Cattle, Inc. Shop online now to give the gift of beef that is family farm raised and grass fed. Steaks, Ribs, Roasts, Burgers, and more to enjoy now and throughout the year.
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MoonRidge Farms sells Lavender and Yacon products directly on-site at their farm. Check the web pages linked here, and then send them email at info@moonridgefarms.com (best) or call them at 503.632.0462 for more information.
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Morning Shade Farm & Nursery Do you know someone who may appreciate getting a blueberry—or other type of berry plant or a fruit tree? Call or text Micah at 541.543.7566 to make an appointment and get details.
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Puddin' River Chocolates Of course! Shop from the Holiday Collection and the Gift Sets. Handmade chocolates and confections are always the right size!
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SuDan Farm Dan and Susie Wilson have Border Leicester and Coopworth breeding stock, USDA lamb, and many wool products the sheep provide. Check their list of lamb and poultry—grass fed, no hormones, growth enhancers, or antibiotics! Their wool products web page is under construction, so you'll have to ask about their wool products. Call them at 503.651.LAMB (5262). Shipping available!
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Swan Island Dahlia Farm Order dahlias now for spring delivery! Or check out their gardening tools and supplies. Gift cards available!
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Union Mills Feed Visit the store in Mulino to find some unique gifts! They carry toys, belt buckles, Montana Silver gift items, and more. Do you know someone who would appreciate equine supplies? They have tack: ropes, saddle pads, rodeo supplies and accessories. Just check out this page and then stop by the store Mon-Sat.
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Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm Check out the online shop that belongs to the home of the world-famous Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival (March 22 - May 5, 2024)! Find a nice gift for the holidays...and get someone a ticket to the 2024 Festival!
Photo courtesy of Puddin' River Chocolates& Confections. I need this. You do, too!
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December Events on the Farm Loops | |
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December 2023 Farm Loop events include:
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Check the Oregon Farm Loop Events page and follow the instructions to display one or more Farm Loops at a time! Or, click a Farm Loop logo to see the Events calendar for just that site. Keep checking: we add events as soon as possible when we learn about them. | |
Recipe from the Farm Loops | |
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We celebrate with food on the Farm Loops, of course! What is a holiday season without cookies? This time, we'll share the link to the recipe.
Salted Hazelnut Chocolate Chunk Cookies - from Ken & June's Hazelnuts (Marion Farm Loop)
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Encourage your favorite Farmers Markets in Clackamas, Multnomah, Washington, and Yamhill counties to join the Oregon Farm Loop! We're taking applications for 2024 now. Contact us at farmloop@gmail.com for a link to the application form. | |
Did we humans forget anything in this newsletter? Please let us know at farmloop@gmail.com. Watch our Facebook page for whatever we missed! | |
Oregon Farm Loop
NEW! P.O. Box 9444 Brooks, Oregon 97305
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This e-newsletter made possible by the generous support of many people & entities:
- Oregon Agritourism Partnership, an Oregon nonprofit that benefits agritourism farms
- Oregon State University Extension Service
- Oregon's Mt Hood Territory
- Travel Salem
- Cities/Chambers of Canby, Lake Oswego, Milwaukie, Molalla, West Linn, Oregon City and Wilsonville
- Clackamas and Marion Counties, Marion County Extension 4-H Service District
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