Oregon Valley Farms in Albany is committed to feeding locals sustainable meats free of hormones and antibiotics. In addition, owners Josh and Jessica Parker pride themselves on showing respect for nature and the animals they raise.
“We believe in eating meat that is sustainably and ethically raised and humanely slaughtered,” reads the OVF website.
The Parkers also have a genuine love for the Willamette Valley, where they both grew up and currently reside. However, their journey towards creating their beloved farm began over 2,000 miles north in the obscure town of Kotzebue, Alaska.
In the late 1990s, Jessica ventured to the Last Frontier state for what began as a summer visit and manifested into a four-year adventure of a lifetime.
Back then, Jessica had been a long-time vegetarian, having grown up on the belief that all meat was damaging to our bodies and nature. However, during her time in Kotzebue, she discovered a completely new way of living.
Running water could only be found naturally in nearby streams or rivers, and there were no grocery stores or restaurants to grab groceries or a quick bite. The town only received monthly rations of vegetables and other essential items, so residents were incredibly limited on the foods they could prepare for their families. On her first night in the Alaskan wilderness, the family she was staying with prepared moose for dinner. This is where she discovered “nose to tail” ideology — the idea of consuming as much of the animal as possible so that little goes to waste. The family even ate the marrow from the moose’s bones.
During the next few years, Jessica’s mindset transformed dramatically. She watched families rely on hunting for their meals and the genuine joy that came from living sustainably. Jessica’s passion for healthy living also motivated her to become a certified holistic health coach, which she practices today.
Oregon Valley Farms was birthed nearly 20 years later after the pair married on the Parker family’s farm. They relocated to the 13-acre property and began raising cattle. Today, the farm sells affordable, grass-fed beef, pork, and chicken online — as well as condiments and drink ware. The OVF website also contains mouth-watering recipes and convenient options for subscription boxes.
For orders under 15 pounds, you can ship items to your home for $15. You can pick up your orders at the farm free on Wednesdays between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
By: Rebekah Harcrow
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