Written by Logan Bennett
If you frequent the Umpqua Valley or Canyonville farmers markets, you are used to being greeted by smiles and a warm “hello!” from Matt and Lucie Day. They run Harbinger Farm in Myrtle Creek and have been bringing fresh produce to the farmers’ market since the fall of 2020.
The Days come from Maryland but moved to the west coast about 10 years ago. In 2020, they found the land that would become Harbinger Farm. The farm found its namesake in their journey: the term “harbinger” indicating a major change, like Matt and Lucie’s transition from the east coast into farming in Oregon. The farming practices at Harbinger are designed to be in tune with the land. Matt and Lucie have created a permaculture system on their farm, working to coexist with the natural landscapes and seasons of their land. The farming system is designed to function within the natural cycles of their environment, producing their crops while maximizing their ability to be stewards of the land.
Harbinger produces food for 10 months out of the year, providing staples to the farmers’ market, and their CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) customers almost year-round. Matt and Lucie are often well-stocked with vegetables, tomatoes, and peppers at their booth on Saturdays, but they also experiment with fun, out-of-the-box crops at their farm too. On a recent farm visit, I noted that they were experimenting with growing ginger root at their farm. This kind of crop diversification is part of the reason that Harbinger farm is such a great addition to the agricultural community of Douglas County. The innovative, sustainable farming practices of Harbinger Farm make them an important facet of our market and community.
If you haven’t met Matt and Lucie of Harbinger Farm, visit their booth at the UVFM, and inquire about their CSA boxes.