Falling Oaks Farm in Junction City

Falling Oaks is a well situated farm on Territorial Highway in Junction City. Their quaint, friendly store hosts treasures from local artists. I was greeted by April and her son, Alex, who himself is a budding entrepreneur with a mobile detailing service. Several red barns dot the property while trees and gardens spill out across the landscape. I met with April, who is 4th generation on this farm. Here is a retelling of the information she shared.

1. How long have you been in business?
Our family bought the property in the 1940s. It has always been a working farm raising cattle and poultry. We started raising pigs about ten years ago when our son became interested in 4H and breeding pigs. The new barn was erected four years ago and the farm stand/gift shop was opened two years ago.

2. How did you choose this area?
My grandfather worked at a mill in Arkansas and the company moved him to open another in Springfield. They chose this farm to live and commute from.

3. What are your favorite things about this area?
I love heading off to Florence and Newport to enjoy the beach. I enjoy spending time with friends and family as well as the folks at Kings Grace church. We also love visiting and touring other local farms.

4. What is your background and how did you get into what you do?
When my family first came here, they had cows and had a huge chicken farm producing eggs for local stores back in the late 50's early 60's (was even published/featured in a regional magazine article). As my dad and uncle grew up, they married and moved onto the farm and built their homes here. That was before the EFU land use laws forbid additional housing structures. I grew up here and spent many weekends riding ATCs around the property with my cousins, playing and harvesting hay every summer. I owned a gift basket company in the past and we use that to create gifts for customers in our gift shop. I have a professional background in the financial industry and financial software. My husband has a history in water treatment and is currently working in accounting for a local credit union.
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5. How would you describe your business?
We support local vendors and artists by selling their products through our store. If our customers need something, we make every effort to find it and carry it in our store. Every Saturday we sell our yummy cinnamon rolls which are a customer favorite. Our meat is also very popular which is why we created our CSA beef/pork boxes. Although we are not a certified organic farm, we work to do everything as natural as possible. This year we planted raspberries, marionberries and boysenberries and the year before was a variety of apple trees. Currently we are focused on humanely raised animals for meat, fresh eggs, baked goods and spices.

6. What makes your business unique?
We have built lasting relationships with our customers and community. We’ve also created great relations with our vendors and competitors. It is essential to work together to educate people about farming in our community. We have been attending neighboring farm tours as well as visit other farms when traveling. We enjoy learning as much as we can about various topics relating to humane animal raising, new crops, and niche farming. We have found most farmers are eager and willing to share what they have learned. We participate in the OSU Extension Small Farms Program and attend workshops and tours they put on throughout the year. 

7. What do you hope for your business in the next 5 years?
We will continue to learn and grow and find the areas that we can be successful and contribute to the community. We have created a gathering space and hope to have small gatherings as we go forward.
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8. Are there any local causes you support?

• Lane County 4-H
• Oregon Women in Agriculture (Lane County)
• Donate to Junction City High School and local school activities, clubs, and sports
• Donate to Bags of Love whenever possible – a great organization providing essentials to children in our community. Bagsofloveinc.org

9. What is the best way for people to reach you?
Come by our store Friday 10am to 4pm, Saturday 10am to 4pm and Sunday 12pm to 4pm now through Christmas or call 541-740-0819 to make an appointment.
(Store is open Saturdays from March/April through Christmas each year with additional days during the late fall/Holidays) 
www.fallingoaksfarm.com
Falling Oaks Farm Stand | Facebook
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