330. Pesticide-Free and Purpose-Filled: Taylor Bemis on Running Tumbleweed Farm

What does it look like to farm beyond organic on a small scale with big impact?

On this episode, Michael is joined by Taylor Bemis, co-owner of Tumbleweed Farm in Oregon's Hood River Valley. Since 2012, Taylor and his wife, cookbook author Andrea Bemis, have been growing vibrant, pesticide-free produce on just over two acres. Together, they run a 160-member CSA and sell at the Hood River Farmers Market.

With a strong focus on educating their community about the nutritional power of fresh, local food, Taylor and Andrea go beyond organic standards—often labeling their vegetables with the health benefits right in the box.

Tune in to hear how they built their farm from scratch, how Taylor approaches efficiency, and what keeps their CSA community coming back year after year.

Episode Highlights:

• Tumbleweed's Story: How Taylor got started farming in the Pacific Northwest [1:42]
• Nutritional Value: Why Taylor highlights the health benefits of each veggie in the CSA [9:40]
• What Grows Best: The seasonal vegetables that anchor Tumbleweed's offerings [12:23]
• Labor and Logistics: How they staff the farm and balance the busy seasons [17:14]
• Climate Challenges: What it's like to grow in the unique Hood River Valley [28:18]
• CSA and Market Strategy: How Taylor manages customer experience and consistency [36:17]
  
• Small Farm Systems: What has helped Tumbleweed Farm become more efficient over time [41:23]
  
  

Don't miss this episode if you've ever wondered how to run a thriving small farm while educating your community about the true value of healthy, local food.

About the Guest:

Taylor Bemis is the co-owner of Tumbleweed Farm in Mount Hood, Oregon, where he's been growing nutrient-dense, pesticide-free vegetables since 2012. Originally from Concord, Massachusetts, Taylor farms alongside his wife, Andrea Bemis, a cookbook author and passionate advocate for real food. Together, they've built a highly engaged CSA program and market presence that not only feeds their community but also educates customers on the health benefits of eating locally and seasonally. Their focus on transparency, soil health, and simplicity in farming continues to inspire a loyal following—and a healthier food system.

 

📲 Connect with Tumbleweed Farm:

🌍 Website: Tumbleweed Farm
📸 Instagram: Follow Tumbleweed Farm
📖 Andrea's Recipes & Cookbooks: Dishing up the Dirt

The Thriving Farmer Podcast would like to thank our sponsor, GRIPP. 

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