Blue Moose Farm

Blue Moose Farm 14+-acre diversified, non-mechanized family farm. Find us at the Salem Saturday Market and Silverton Farmers Market! What do we grow? Think of Mr.

Blue Moose Farm, located in the heart of the mid-Willamette Valley, is a 14+ acre diversified family farm raising animals in addition to food crops. We practice sustainable farming techniques, following guidelines for organic production, use no synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers, and manage the farm without the intrusion of large, agricultural equipment, or much in the way of fossil f

uels. We own a small BCS walking tractor and a riding mower, very modest entrants in the era of industrial agriculture. The animals we raised, in past years, sheep, pigs and turkeys, were all heritage breeds listed by the Livestock Conservancy and were kept on pasture. Currently we are raising 80 Heritage chickens, on pasture. We also raise some chickens which are no longer listed as endangered. We grow food in the manner of traditional market gardeners, primarily with hand tools, some of them fairly sophisticated. We use the intensive method of planting, modeled after French traditions, and produce high volumes per square foot. We follow organic practices but have not yet been Certified Organic. Most of the time the non-mechanized approach to labor is rewarding, but I must admit on sweltering days I do gaze longingly at the giant combine in the neighboring field with its’ air-conditioned cab, stereo and wi-fi. McGregor’s garden - asparagus, beans, beets, carrots, lettuces, onions, peas, radishes, tomatoes, etc.…with a nod to some vegetables not in fashion then, like Asian greens and Kalettes. There is a beautiful, very old walnut grove on the property as well as numerous old fruit trees and grape vines. Mike and Lacy Gage, established Blue Moose Farm as a way to make a small, but positive difference in the way food is produced. Mike was the driving force of the project, which he conceived during a brief attempt at retirement. Lacy has enjoyed a life long involvement with growing and cooking. Early efforts in both ended in disaster, but she persisted and never lost her enthusiasm for these areas.

Address

9992 Saratoga Drive NE
Salem, OR
97305

Telephone

(503) 551-7615

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Meet the Moose

Blue Moose Farm, located in the heart of the mid-Willamette Valley, is a 14.2 acre diversified family farm which raises Market Garden food crops in addition to some heritage livestock. We practice sustainable and regenerative farming techniques, and following guidelines for organic production, use no synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers. We manage the farm without the intrusion of large, agricultural equipment, or much in the way of fossil fuels. We own a small two-wheel BCS walking tractor, a small riding mower, and a Kawasaki mule. Rather modest entrants in the era of industrial agriculture.

Our guiding principle, for growing fruits and vegetables is that healthy soil makes for healthy plants. Lots of organic matter, minimal tillage and keeping cover crops on our beds nearly year round help us get there. We grow food in the manner of traditional market gardeners, primarily with hand tools, some of them fairly sophisticated. We use the bio-intensive method of planting, modeled after French traditions, and enjoy high volumes of produce per square foot. We follow organic practices and have recently been Certified Organic.

What do we grow? Think of Mr. McGregor’s garden - asparagus, beans, beets, carrots, lettuces, onions, peas, radishes, tomatoes, zucchini etc.…with a nod to some vegetables not in fashion then, like Asian greens. There is a beautiful, very old walnut grove on the property as well as numerous old fruit trees and grape vines.

The animals we have raised include sheep, pigs, turkeys, and chickens on pasture, focusing on heritage breeds listed on the Conservation Priority List by the Livestock Conservancy.