Agriculture tours slated

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In the wake of a tumultuous national economy, coupled with the increasing price of fossil fuels, it is hard to imagine how farmers and ranchers can survive here in Southeast Idaho. Yet, the secret seems to lie in sustainability. Local nonprofit, Three Rivers RC&D, is seeking to raise awareness of the growing network of small acreage farms and ranches in the region by hosting a series of farm tours this fall.

The tours are open to the public and showcase a variety of successful small farms/ranches that focus on sustainable farming methods, successful enterprises, and above all — the cultivation of community. First stop? Bindweed Farm in Blackfoot.

When pulling into the driveway of Bindweed Farm, it is hard to see the farm for the intense beauty of all the flowers, trees, and colorful shrubs. But maybe that is what makes Bindweed Farm such a unique operation. The farm is actually a thriving cut-flower business and a demonstration for sustainable agriculture in action.

Husband and wife team, Ralph Thurston and Jeriann Sabin, grow nearly 90 species of perennial and annual flowers on five acres, hosting four greenhouse structures (all unheated except one), an elaborate drip irrigation system, and a passion for small-scale farming that is contagious.

From March to September, Bindweed delivers fresh, high-quality flowers to designers in Jackson, Wyo., and the Sun Valley area, each two hours away from the farm. While not a certified organic operation, Bindweed strives to operate as sustainably as possible, protecting the farm’s natural resources while planning and maintaining their business.

Bindweed began as a habitat for leafcutter bees, which Thurston had raised for 30 years (these bees help pollinate alfalfa). As large-scale commercial agriculture grew around them, it also reduced the bee’s foraging area. So, Thurston planted two acres of wildflowers, hoping it would replace the colonies’ natural needs. These two acres turned into more flowers, which then evolved into the beauty of Bindweed today (leafcutter bees no longer included).

“It just happened!” says Thurston, who will cut more than a quarter-million flowers before the farm shuts down in late September. “I absolutely knew nothing when we first started. It took a lot of time and we started with a great deal of help from Pocatello, including support from local florists and the Farmer’s Market.”

It is this kind of support that underlies the possibilities of successful small-acreage farming/ranching. “(The consumer) must be willing to take a chance on local growers,” says Thurston. “People don’t realize that we are in essence, subsidizing other states through our agricultural purchases.”

If consumers aren’t willing to purchase things locally, be flexible with seasonal products, and be dependable in their purchasing power, small-scale farms like Bindweed could fail to exist.

Since Bindweed specializes in high-quality cut-flowers, their market lies in places like Jackson Hole and Sun Valley, with a population that is willing to work with their short growing season and diverse flower crop. Their clients participate in a clear two-way street of dependability, which Bindweed cultivates as carefully as the flowers.

This type of farmer/consumer relationship seems to be growing rapidly here in Southeast Idaho.

When asked what is the biggest challenge facing communities like Pocatello and Blackfoot when it comes to supporting local growers, Thurston believes it boils down to the consumer. “It is easy to go to a big chain store, buy from one spot, order from one warehouse or one distributor. (Whether it’s food or flowers) people get used to having certain things a certain way. Yet, we must be willing to make the effort and trust our local producers.”

Agricultural tours

Three Rivers RC&D will offer three more farm tours this fall to explore various aspects of sustainable agriculture in Southeast Idaho, including vegetable and livestock production. These tours are planned for Sept.13 (LadyBird Farms, Pocatello); Oct. 4 (TBA) and Oct. 11 (Lau Family Farms, Soda Springs area). Anyone interested in attending a tour can contact Jessica at 221-8390 or e-mail to mcaleese39@hotmail.com. Tours are $15.

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