Farm Journal  ·  February 9, 2023

The US Lavender Growers' Conference

I headed to the US Lavender Growers Conference this January for a week of learning, networking, and planning what the new year will hold for our farm.

Quickly making friends with several other farmHers (and FarmHims) across the country, we shared best practices, funny anecdotes, and many memories.

A really interesting thing about this industry is that the majority of farms are about the same size as ours! I was convinced that Farmstead 1868 was a “boutique” farm, but as always- data is power!

I also took the opportunity to explore the viticulture surrounding Portland, because 1) when in Rome… (or Oregon), and 2) so much of agriculture is transferrable knowledge that you don’t realize you can benefit from. Again- knowledge is power!

With the help of my “travel besties” (some not pictured), we explored several lavender farms, wineries, olive orchards, and got a behind the scenes vineyard field walk to better understand their irrigation, grafting, environmental impacts, harvest and fulfillment processes. Truly, days well spent!

May thanks to Knudsen, Domain Serene, Durant at Red Ridge, Blakeslee, Sunderland Acres, Wayward Winds, Hambly Farms, Winterton Farms, The US Lavender Growers Association, and American Hub World Tours (and our outstanding driver, Phil!!) for answering alllllll of my questions with a smile and a splash of wine!