09/21/2026
Worth a read…
Cyclospora Lettuce Update:
Six days ago, the CDC officially declared an end to the 2026 Cyclospora Outbreak.
The Bad News: It was the largest outbreak in US history, spanning over four months, with 19,883 confirmed cases, 570 hospitalizations, and 2 deaths. And by far, Michigan was the hardest hit state.
The Good News: Our farm (and basically every other small vegetable farm in America) never had anything to do with any of it. Instead, mainstream grocery store consumers sought out local lettuce for its safety and superiority in a time of need.
The Reality: Once the perceived danger passed, most mainstream grocery store shoppers returned to their regular routines and demand for local lettuce has mostly returned to its pre-Cyclospora levels.
Why does this matter?
In the near-term:
This is GREAT news for our loyal Bear Creek shoppers!
Because for the first time in 10+ weeks, our 5oz bags are reunited with the 9oz and 16oz size bags of Spring Mix that have returned to our shelves!
And they are joined by the 5oz, 9oz and 16oz bags of Spinach!
Plus 5oz and 9oz Arugula!
And 8oz and 16oz Kale!
It's a local, organic, salad celebration over here at Bear Creek!
In the long-term:
This highlights a unique trend in local food behavior we've now witnessed more than a handful of times in the last several years. When something goes awry in the corporate fresh food supply chain, consumers flock to local farms for safety and security. Local farms are overwhelmed by demand, consumers are frustrated that smaller producers are not ready to meet the need, and some folks suggest local farms should scale up and be thankful for the opportunity.
Therein lies the rub: Consumer attention spans are short. Farm expansion and crop planning are not.
We told almost everyone who asked the same thing during this outbreak:
If the demand for lettuce this summer was our 'new normal' you would witness a tremendous expansion of local agriculture to adjust to this need. But our experience has shown us that that would be a rash and irresponsible decision on our part.
Because after the major Romaine Recalls of 2018, 2019, and 2020, and the massive Carrot Recall of 2024, and now Cyclospora in 2026, the same pattern played out each time. Initial fear of corporate ag and shift to local agriculture. Fear subsides, depart local ag and return to corporate options.
And let us be clear on one thing, this is not a 'complaint' or a 'woe-is-me' grievance. We're quite content with our lettuce growing operation and we have thousands of loyal lettuce shoppers who understand the superiority of our lettuce with or without a nationwide recall.
In fact, and perhaps most unfortunately, it is those very shoppers - the loyal, local, core customers who support local farms on a daily basis - who suffer the most during these recalls. Because their ability to access the quantity and consistency of local food they have come to expect is most disrupted.
So to conclude the 2026 Cyclospora Lettuce Saga, we share this:
Local farmers are putting in the work every single day to put food on YOUR table. With or without a nationwide panic.
We work hard days, long hours, and do many things most days that most people would never put up with. We work too hard for our money. There are several hundred easier options to earn a living. But we care about the food that we eat. And we know the importance of the work that we do. And we are grateful and honored to serve and nourish those who understand the value of this work.
And if you find yourself on a farm, for the first time, in a time of need, please be kind. We promise to welcome you with open arms and delicious produce. And we hope your first visit, is not your last. Because there's a lot to love about local agriculture. And we'd love the chance to share it with you. Each and every day.
Your farmers,
Anne & Brian
