Agriculture in Hood River

We started our day at the MidColumbia Agriculture Research and Extension Center (MCAREC), an Oregon State University research facility focussing on tree fruit. The students got to see the plant pathology lab and learn about gray mold, bullseye mold and other diseases that effect fruit production in the Valley. In addition to plan pathology, we were introduced to horticulture and a new, unnamed variety of pear (called O184) It was DELICIOUS! We learned about different growing methods and the experimentation MCAREC is doing to develop high yields, good size and get the growers the best "bang for their buck".

Our next stop was Good Fortune Farms Alpacas. The folks at Good Fortune Farms are affiliated with a charitable organization, Quechua Benefit, that provide basic dental and medical services for children in a village in Peru. A portion of the proceeds from the farm and the shop (good*ness alpaca boutique) are donated to Quechua Benefit for ongoing work. The organization was able to purchase land and to begin the process of building an orphanage. We were all inspired by the work that they are doing and the difference they are making in the lives of the children of Peru. AND we all loved the baby alpacas (cria). They're so cute and SO soft...

Kiyokawa Orchards was amazing! They grow 75 varieties of apples as well as pears, asian pears, and "kiwi" - not like you buy in the store. These are little, grape-sized, hairless kiwis grown on an arbor... they provided shade and a tasty little treat! Randy Kiyokawa, a third-generation orchardist in Parkdale, took us on a hayride through the orchard where everybody got to pick an apple. We talked about the challenges of farming in a global economy and discovered a lot about direct sales. We ate a wonderful lunch, provided by Subways of the Gorge, and enjoyed our perfect day!

But it wasn't over yet! Our final destination was Apple Valley Country Store where we learned about "value added" products. Apple Valley makes, jams, jellies, pies, milkshakes (and more) with local fruit, some from their own orchard! They ship products all over the world, literally sharing the fruits of the Hood River Valley with a global market. They made a spectacular nectarine cobbler for us... because no day is complete without dessert!?

Thanks to all the businesses that hosted us for our Agriculture day! It was a great experience and we all learned a LOT!