Local farmers provide quality produce

How do Oklahoma farmers and producers decide to make the jump to organics in their businesses? For some, the decision was made decades ago; others simply wanted to help make this world a little better for everyone.

Organic options abound

“You can’t be organic without being certified,” said Susan Graff of Crestview Farms, located near Edmond, who grows a variety of organic fruits and vegetables to sell at the OSU-OKC Farmers Market and through her community-supported agriculture (CSA).

In Graff’s case, her family decided to go organic when it incorporated Crestview Farms in 1998.

“So we have not used any chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. If you ever come out here, you’ll see the weeds are rampant.” The farm officially became certified organic in 2003.

“Your soil has to be free from all residues. You have to be chemical free for three years,” Graff explained.

For an operation such as John’s Farm and Cattle Tracks in Fairview, where owners John and Kris Gosney grow organic wheat, raise organic livestock and sell organic meat from the livestock, the operation needed three separate certifications from organic inspector and certifying agent Bryan Buchwald with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry.

“We certify the land for the feed that goes to the cattle, the livestock and the processing facility they use in Kansas to process the beef,” Buchwald said.

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