Shifting Seasons: Sustainable agriculture in Central Oregon
Shannon Brady
Bend, OR (KTVZ) –
Agriculture is one of the biggest contributors of climate change, accounting for roughly 10% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. In an attempt to reduce their footprint, farms in Central Oregon are finding ways to stay sustainable while providing healthy, quality food for their community.
Russel Simpson from Around the Bend Farms in Bend told KTVZ about some of their methods. He said, “We use organic principles here at Around the Bend Farms. That includes having no pesticides, no herbicides, minimum amount of fertilizer. We have drip lines installed rather than overhead sprinklers, which use a lot less water than overhead sprinklers do.”
Techniques can include everything from crop rotation, special irrigation practices, reducing waste, and promoting biodiversity on a farm. Around the Bend Farms has two beehives to help pollinate their plants.
Katie Williams from Flying w Bend prioritizes eco-friendly practices with her produce and animals.
“We’re planting clover and wildflowers that our livestock goes on an eat, but that brings in the bees, and those bees pollinate my garden. And then that just puts more fruit and vegetables on my shelves. And in the big picture, it helps everyone.” She told KTVZ in January 2025.
The purpose of sustainable agriculture is to protect the environment so that future generations can continue to farm and feed their communities with nutrient rich food.
Whether you’re a farmer, a rancher, or just someone who enjoys fresh food, you can rest assured that many Central Oregon Farmers are doing their part to protect the environment so that you can always eat fresh, healthy, and local.