At Oregon Kid, it’s no secret that we LOVE our local farms. From u-pick adventures and flower fields to pumpkin patches and cider tastings, agritourism is a huge part of what makes Oregon special. Over the years, we’ve visited and shared stories from beloved places like Triskelee, The Wooden Shoe, and The Pumpkin Patch. We have explored Hood River’s Fruit Loop, countless u-picks, and family-run spots around the state. But now, those farms that we love could be in trouble.
Proposed rule changes could restrict what farm stands are allowed to offer, potentially limiting experiences such as on-site food sales, events, and other activities that help farms remain financially viable. These changes could create real uncertainty for farms that rely on welcoming the public not just for business, but to build community and share the joys of farm life with families like yours.
If your family has made memories at any of these farms, now is the time to share your story. Your voice matters. Let decision-makers know what these farms mean to you, your kids, and your community. Your voice needs to be heard by July 25, 2025.
According to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm website, and echoed by many other farm owners, these proposals could have a serious impact (below is their statement). They’re asking for public support, and we’re here to help spread the word. There is also a video posted on Instagram from Topaz Farm and Wooden Shoe if you want further context and to hear from the farmers themselves.
From Wooden Show Tulip Farm:
Help Us Protect Oregon’s Family Farm Stands
Show your support by July 25
Proposed rule changes by the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) could make it more difficult for farms like ours and many others across the state to remain open to the public. These changes could limit what we’re allowed to offer at our farm stand and create uncertainty for how we operate into the future.
We need your help to speak up for local farms, family-run farm stands, U-picks, flower fields, and pumpkin patches across Oregon.
How You Can Help
Please take a few minutes to send a written comment to the DLCD by July 25. Your message can be short and straightforward. Please share a favorite memory of our farm and let them know why our farm and others are important to Oregon agriculture. Email your comment to: farmforest.comment@dlcd.oregon.gov
In your message, feel free to include:
- That you support local farm stands and the families who operate them
- Your favorite memory from visiting our farm
- Why you believe farms should be allowed flexibility and trust
- Why it’s important to keep farms open to the public
Be yourself. Your personal experience speaks louder than perfect wording.
Farms like ours rely on flexibility to grow, adapt, and welcome visitors. These proposed rules could limit what we offer or even threaten our long-term viability. Your support helps not just our farm, but farms all across Oregon that open their gates to share agriculture, beauty, and community with others.
Thank you for standing with local farm families. Thank you for helping us continue to grow.
To learn more and read the proposed rules, please visit: https://www.oregon.gov/lcd/LAR/Documents/RAC%20Meeting%204%20Materials%20Packet.pdf
Johanna is married with two kids, three dogs, three cats, one leopard gecko, several chickens, and a few fish. She has been in the Pacific Northwest since the dream was alive in the 90s but has Southern roots and hails from Arkansas. The family spends a lot of time at some sort of sporting event for the kids. Johanna likes to fast craft, garden, host parties, and bake. Johanna and her crew go hard traveling, DIY-ing, and are always up for a new adventure or challenge.