PHILOSOPHY

Afton Field Farm is a grass based livestock farm. We use a multi-species rotational grazing method that has its basis in studies of the symbiotic relationship between different animal species of grassland ecosystems.  We feel that mimicking natural grazing patterns in domestic production helps balance human interests with respect for the land and its organisms.

All of our animals live the majority of their lives out of doors. We strive to provide an environment for each species that allows them to express their natural inclinations, e.g. raising pigs in the woods where they can root—as opposed to industrial confinement operations with no fresh air or sunshine, on concrete with little space to move.

Though we are not certified organic we follow organic practices.  We do not use any pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers in our farm operations.  Our animals do not receive routine antibiotics or any growth hormones.

We feel that the healthiest relationship between humans and the environment includes a dedication to local markets that helps reduce our collective footprint and fosters a level of personal connection with the food we consume.  We are committed to open interaction between farmer and consumer, encouraging people to visit and learn how their food is being produced.  We believe this kind of transparency promotes healthy and responsibly raised food.

OUR STORY

Afton Field Farm is a small family farm located in the heart of the Willamette Valley in Corvallis, Oregon. It is owned by Tyler and Alicia Jones.

Tyler grew up on a small acreage in the foothills near Corvallis called Thimblefield Farm. The family had a large vegetable garden, flocks of chickens and geese and a bevy of dogs. Tyler and his brothers also began keeping honeybees, and raising cattle, and hogs when they joined 4-H. In addition, Tyler helped his dad cut firewood and selectively log to return their woods to oak savannah. These experiences fueled a desire to make farming a vocation and his parents thought it would be a fulfilling way of life for them as well, once his dad retired from teaching.

However, research into livestock farming based on current conventional models of production was only discouraging in terms of profitability, healthy food, and respect for land and livestock. In searching for alternatives they came across an article written by Joel Salatin, an innovative leader in sustainable livestock farming, that described a model for small farm livestock production that was not only environmentally responsible but also economically viable.  At that point they read all of Salatin’s books along with other key authors of this burgeoning farm movement and started making plans. Aware that Salatin offered an apprenticeship program Tyler’s parents encouraged him to apply in 2001. By this time he was a history major (with an emphasis on ancient agricultures) at Oregon State University but when he received an acceptance letter from Salatin he put his degree on hold and at age 22 went to Virginia to spend an intense year at Polyface Farm.  Upon returning, while finishing his degree at Oregon State, Tyler, along with his parents, started his farm, on a small scale, using the production models and methods that he had learned from Salatin.

Alicia, born and raised in Portland, Oregon joined the family and the farm when she married Tyler in October of 2008 after spending much of her engagement time in a “crash-course” in grass-based livestock farming, and searching for farm property with Tyler.  Her parents have become involved in the farming venture as well, and contribute a great deal.

THE FARM NAME

“Afton” refers to the River Afton area of Scotland where some of the family’s ancestors originated. The “Field” part of the name refers to the focus on grass based rotational grazing and the preeminent role the land itself plays.  The search for an ideal piece of land ended in December 2008 when, with the help of a family friend, the present property was acquired by Tyler and Alicia from an elderly acquaintance who was a member of their church.

HISTORY OF THE PROPERTY

The farm is a long, narrow, 106-acre piece, originally part of a donation land claim made by Hiram Allen in the 1850’s. Caleb Davis, who purchased the property from Allen, built the existing Gothic Revival style farmhouse and stone ice house in 1878.  The farm is comprised of a small pasture, an oak wood, a heritage orchard, a small arboretum and a 90-acre alluvial field reaching to the Mary’s River.

ANIMALS

We offer pastured poultry (eggs, broilers, and turkeys) oak savanna pork, and grass-fed beef and lamb. The beef and lamb are strictly grass fed.  All other animals—layer chickens, broiler chickens, turkeys and hogs— forage a portion of their diet from the pasture and woods and are supplemented with local custom grain mixes.

Though we are not certified organic we follow organic practices that preclude the use of pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers, growth hormones and routine antibiotics in our farm operations.

We process all of our poultry on-farm in our state licensed facility and our large animals at a local custom USDA Facility- Mount Angel Meat Company.