One Cache Valley farm is providing a fresh new way for residents to buy their produce. According to the owner of Mt. Naomi Farms, it also helps the growing population develop an appreciation for farmland.
Owner Brenda Meikle said every year more farmland is being taken over by development.
“It means that our profit margin is smaller and smaller and you need a lot of acreage because our profit margin is so small,” Meikle said. “Either we can hate everybody that moves into Cache Valley or we can embrace it and say, ‘Come to the farm, there’s still little pockets of hometown USA.’”
Meikle said she's observed that when people see the area where the farm is located, they would love to build a home there.
“Well everybody thinks that, then there’s no more beautiful view. That all goes away,” Meikle said.
Mt. Naomi farms is a “U-Pick” farm, meaning customers take a drive out to the farm to pick their own produce. Meikle said her favorite part about the farm is how it helps people find a connection to the land.
“I love it because people come here and they’re like, ‘This is like a Garden of Eden.’ I love giving that to people,” Meikle said. “We get a lot of moms with their kids it is really nice to just have a little break in the day where their kids are happy and you actually get something done. It’s really nice because the kids aren’t necessarily watching T.V. or playing on their video games. The people who get are like, ‘This is a spiritual experience.’ There you go, this is what we wanted to create. People are more content with their lives, as my grandma used to say, ‘Bury her problems in the dirt.’”
The farm helps the customers who visit, but Meikle said it has helped her learn and grow as well.
“We have people that come and say, ‘This is a beautiful view.’ And I keep looking at the weeds and one of the biggest lessons that I have learned is to look up,” Meikle said. “Quit nit-picking at all the little problems and look at the overall beauty.”
Meikle said it isn’t just about selling about produce, it’s about getting your hands dirty, connecting with the land and the only worry you have is finding the next ripe berry.
