Feb. 8, 2024

A Farmer's Biggest Worry: Will They Be The Generation That Loses the Family Farm -- with Mike & Laura Ellis of Mt. Hope Farms

On this episode of Talk Farm To Me, we invite farmers Laura & Mike Ellis from Mt. Hope Farms to talk to us about their fifth-generation farm in Oregon and how they have created a successful business by bridging the gap between the old ways and new ways of farming.Known for their award-winning Oregon fruit spreads, table grapes, and specialty crops, Mt. Hope Farms has gone through a substantial amount of evolution during their five generations of being on this farm, which historically isn't the easiest task to accomplish in multigenerational farming families. However, Laura and Mike approached this issue with respect, understanding, and grace, which is what they want to share with all of you today!Also, in this episode, you will hear how Laura and Mike make decisions with their family on what to grow, how gender roles play a part in farming duties, how their farm has evolved over the years, and how they set themselves apart from other locally grown farmers in the market.In addition to this, we discuss the importance of creating relationships between farmers and consumers. Understanding where your food comes from and having a say on how it's grown, and conversely for the farmers, knowing who is buying and eating your food, is a lost connection that we hope to shed some light on in this episode.Be sure to tune in to hear this and more!Topics discussed in this episode:The Ellis family’s rich history in OregonThe benefits and challenges of multigenerational farmingGender roles in farming familiesDiversity and innovation in farmingThe importance of farmer-customer relationshipsWhat it means for Laura and Mike to grow local organic foodConnect with Laura and Mike Ellis on Mt. Hope Farms in Oregon:https://mthopefarmsoregon.comhttps://www.instagram.com/mthopefarmsTalk Farm To Me ResourcesRate the Show: https://www.talkfarmtome.com/reviews/new/Website: https://www.talkfarmtome.comGlossary of useful Ag terms: https://www.forfarmersmovement.com/post/glossary-of-farm-termsConnect with Host, Dana DiPrimaWebsite https://www.forfarmersmovement.com/ On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xoxofarmgirl Blog: https://www.forfarmersmovement.com/blogTalk Farm to Me CreditsProduction: Dana DiPrima and Sonia DhillonSound Design & Original Music: Russell Chapa www.chapamusic.com

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Show Notes

Known for their award-winning Oregon fruit spreads, table grapes, and specialty crops, Mt. Hope Farms has gone through a substantial amount of evolution during their five generations of being on this farm, which historically isn't the easiest task to accomplish in multigenerational farming families. However, Laura and Mike approached this issue with respect, understanding, and grace, which is what they want to share with all of you today!

Also, in this episode, you will hear how Laura and Mike make decisions with their family on what to grow, how gender roles play a part in farming duties, how their farm has evolved over the years, and how they set themselves apart from other locally grown farmers in the market.

In addition to this, we discuss the importance of creating relationships between farmers and consumers. Understanding where your food comes from and having a say on how it's grown, and conversely for the farmers, knowing who is buying and eating your food, is a lost connection that we hope to shed some light on in this episode.

Be sure to tune in to hear this and more!

Topics discussed in this episode: