Wintergreen Farm

You may find Chris Overbaugh studying the astrological positions of the stars before he plants the new season’s crops.

You may also find him mixing up a homeopathic application of cow manure placed inside a cow horn and then burying it under the soil to bring on the land’s earthly forces. It’s all part of the program at Wintergreen Farm, a biodynamic farm located in Noti, Oregon – just west of Eugene. This holistic method of farming looks at the farm as an organism, composed of crops, animals, plants, and land – all working in tandem with the cycles of nature. The end result: a robust commercially successful farm producing a surfeit of organic fruits and vegetables.

Chris was originally hired on as a field hand 13 years ago, and during his tenure at the farm he has done it all – from driving the tractor to managing cultivation and irrigation to dehydrating herbs. As of late, he has taken on the mantel of product manager for the area Farmers Markets that Wintergreen attends.

A self-described jack of all trades, Chris lives with his wife Shannon; 2- year-old son Alden; and two other families who together run the farm that was established in 1980. Certified organic in 1984 and transitioned to biodynamic in 1986, Wintergreen Farm produces more than 40 different fruits and vegetables for farmers markets and its bustling 500-member CSA. They also grow medicinal herbs and basil for wholesale and raise beef cattle, which are custom slaughtered for their CSA clientele.

Wintergreen farm joined the Eastbank market line-up last year and joined the Saturday market roster in fall of 2006. Overbaugh has been pleasantly surprised by the loyalty of market customers, coming back each week for more of Wintergreen’s offerings – helped along by mindful preparations and a nod to the stars and moon.