Larry Thompson - Boring,
Oregon
Larry Thompson's parents, Victor and Betty,
began raising raspberries, strawberries,
and broccoli in the rolling hills southeast
of Portland in 1947. They sold their produce
to local processors, where agents for the
canneries always set the purchase price.
In 1983, Larry took over the main responsibility
of operating the farm and sought more profitable
channels.
After Larry Thompson started working on
the 140-acre farm, he quickly grasped that
selling to the canneries failed to cover
production expenses. The family flung open
the farm gate to the suburban Portland community.
They began by offering pick-your-own berries
and selling the fruit at a stand they built
at the farm. Strawberry sales were so strong
that Thompson decided to plant new varieties
to extend the season.
The Thompsons soon attracted a loyal following,
primarily from Portland, which is 20 miles
away. They began selling at area farmers
markets, too. Today, the family and 23 employees
raise 43 crops and sell them at 6 markets
and 2 farm stands and through on-farm activities
such as farm tours and pumpkin picking.
Profitability
To Thompson, profitability means that at
year's end he has earned more money than
he spent. "I reach that level consistently," he
says.
As ruler of his destiny, rather than the
more passive role the family once took with
processors, Thompson makes sure he earns
a profit. He figures the cost of planting,
raising, and harvesting each crop, then doubles
it in his asking price. His most profitable
crop, consistently, is strawberries.
Retaining different marketing channels gives
Thompson a chance to cross-promote.
Environmental Strategies
Thompson is a dedicated advocate of crop
rotations and planting a succession of flowering
species to control pests without pesticides.
He relies on cover crops to control weeds
and provide habitat for beneficial insects.
Thompson allows native grasses and dandelions
to grow between his berry rows. The dandelion
blossoms attract bees, efficient berry pollinators.
The mixed vegetation provides an alluring
habitat that, along with flowering fruit
and vegetable plants, draws insects that
prey on pests. Late in the year, Thompson
doesn't mow broccoli stubble. Instead, he
lets side shoots bloom, creating a long-term
nectar source for bees into early winter.
Runoff used to be a major problem at Thompson
Farms, which sits on erodible soils.
Thanks to cover crops and other soil cover,
virtually no soil leaves the farm anymore.
Community, Outreach, Quality of Life
Thompson was a finalist for the Sustainable
Agriculture Research and Education's 2002
Patrick Madden Award for Sustainable Agriculture.
Many call him a pro at "relationship
marketing,” forming bonds with customers
who see a value in local produce raised with
few chemicals. Thompson regularly offers
tours—to students, other farmers, researchers,
and visiting international delegations—to
show off his holistic pest management strategies
and bounty of colorful crops. As a result,
the farm attracts people by the busload for
educational seasonal events.
"Instead of seeing my farm as a secluded
hideaway, I am getting the community involved,
bringing them to see our principles in action," Thompson
said.
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