From One Family Farm to Your Table: 10 Years Organic

Decades ago, the smell of peppermint was unmistakable at the Christiansen family farm in Oregon. The owners could smell it, neighbors could smell it, and there’s a good chance, according to science, that cows could smell it too. You see, it was a peppermint farm when the family bought it.

The family will celebrate its 10-year anniversary as Organic Valley dairy farmers on July 1. While the peppermint smell has slowly faded, their commitment to organic dairy farming has not.

Brian and Megan Christiansen farm with Brian’s father, Marshall, and mother, Nancy, who lovingly named the organic farm Meadowood Dairy. Their 20-year-old son and 17-year-old daughter help. And a few years ago, Brian’s brother Erik left his business to come back to the farm. Together, they milk 240 cows, including pasture-loving Holsteins and Brown Swiss breeds.

The family transitioned its farm from conventional to organic in 2015. They follow USDA Organic standards to produce certified organic products without the use of antibiotics, artificial growth hormones, toxic pesticides, or GMOs.

They understand the importance of raising cows organically so they can “be cows, be outside, and live life,” Brian Christiansen said. While cattle at some conventional farms are stuck in barns, never seeing the light of day, cows on Organic Valley farms graze a minimum of 120 days in organic pastures eating organic grasses and plants in accordance with National Organic Program standards.

Farming isn’t always easy financially (and let’s face it — working with family day in and day out can have its challenges). But for farmers like the Christiansens, being part of a farmer-owned co-op and caring for the land and animals outweighs the challenges.

A co-op dedicated to allowing farmers to make a sustainable financial income is important, as is the sense of pride when people react to the products their cows produce, Brian said.

“Everyone I know says ‘Wow, this is delicious,’” he said. “Organic Valley’s flavor is clear, richer, creamier, tastier — the whole works!”

Brian’s favorite Organic Valley^® product: Stringles^® string cheese

Their daughter, Anneka, is deeply involved in agriculture at school and beyond. She participates in FFA, shows dairy cattle, and is a judge in dairy cow competitions. A well-spoken 17-year-old, she enjoys teaching others about agriculture to help people understand where their food comes from and how it is produced. She said, “Agriculture is one thing everything benefits from, so it’s very important.” On organic agriculture, she adds that organic farming means, “following rules to make sure every step is safe and everyone is getting a high-quality product.”

Anneka’s favorite Organic Valley^® product: Whole Milk (because it tastes just like it does at their farm, she says.)

Brian and Megan’s son, Scott, says he does “anything and everything on the farm.” He helps repair equipment, cares for cows, and does whatever it takes to keep the farm strong for the future. The 20-year-old is considering taking over the farm when his parents and grandparents are ready to retire — if they give him the OK. He knows the hard work that goes into not just farming but farming organically. Organic farmers are much more reliant on Mother Nature and timing, based on things like weather, Scott said. "You can’t willy nilly it — it takes more focus and attention to detail.”

Scott’s favorite Organic Valley^® product: Smoky Cheddar Slices

Megan grew up on a farm and is glad Scott and Anneka also have the same opportunity. She learned the skills and responsibilities of caring for animals and the land. As the youngest of five, she laughed that farm kids also find their own ways to get in trouble, such as getting covered in mud riding go-carts or messing around electric fences that can give a little zap. Her children are expected to help on the farm and figure out problems on their own. “Both my kids can pretty much outwork anyone at the school,” she says proudly.

Megan’s favorite Organic Valley^® product: Whole Milk (she did not hear Anneka’s response but also says it tastes just like it does at their farm! Like mother, like daughter)

Marshall purchased the cows from his parents and started milking them when he got out of the Army in 1976, after eight years of service. He says, while serving in Germany, he learned much about mechanical systems that helped him in his farm life. Even when farm life gets hectic, he’s enjoying it too much to quit and likes the variety. Some days are good and others, not so good. You can come across a newborn calf to make you smile or come upon broken equipment that makes you cuss. “I never regret getting up in the morning — I'm happy doing what I’m doing. There’s the sense of accomplishment and always a surprise every day.”

Marshall’s favorite Organic Valley^® product: Stringles^® string cheese (like father, like son)

Along with being a busy mom, Nancy was the “chief calf feeder” on the farm for decades. She also took on farm finances and paperwork. While she wanted her boys to stay in agriculture when they grew up, she didn’t push them. “It’s up to them to do what they want to do.” But it worked out; her boys are farming and know how to do it well! “Growing up, they learned, you name it, mechanical, carpentry, and hard work.”

Nancy’s favorite Organic Valley^® product: Whole Milk (tastes as fresh as when we take it from the tank at the farm. Like grandmother, like daughter, like granddaughter!) “However, if Organic Valley had ice cream, that would be my favorite.”

Erik came back to the farm after working as an electrician a few years ago. And honestly, with all the help he provides to his neighbors and family, he has never truly stopped being an electrician. The difference is, he laughs, that now he does not get paid to do it. Like the others, he enjoys the variety farming affords him, whether fixing equipment or taking care of animals. There is always a job to do. “I show up and end up doing something different than I expected. Plus, being outside, it is a beautiful, gorgeous place to work,” he said.

Erik’s favorite Organic Valley^® product: Stringles^® string cheese (again, like father, like son)

And we can’t forget about another integral part of the Christiansen family — Bonnie. While we can’t discern this doggie’s favorite Organic Valley^® product, we do know that Bonnie loves to swim in the lagoon and is a sucker for car rides.

A Commitment to Organic Ag

The smell of peppermint can still sometimes be caught on the breeze from neighboring farms — a reminder of where this farm came from and where it is going. The Christiansen family is a tight-knit crew, with each person taking on challenges to help the farm thrive. With their combined talents, perseverance, and commitment to organic agriculture, Meadowood Dairy carries on a legacy.