Selma-based I.V. Organics crops up with parade awards, healthful produce
By DARLENE ANDERSON
(Photo provided)
Illinois Valley Organic Farms in Selma was presented the top Best Theme entry award in the Illinois Valley Lions Club Labor Day Parade, and offered fresh locally grown produce during the three-day festival in Jubilee Park.
Dell Spurgin, in partnership with her husband, Darrel, initially was reluctant to enter the parade. The farm keeps them busy every day, holidays included.
Choosing to enter the parade turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Their vintage produce truck, a 1955 Ford 350, not only gained them the Best in Theme award, but also in the Commercial & Antique Auto category.
Said Dell, “Illinois Valley Organics is dedicated to producing nutritious food and making it available to the public at affordable prices throughout the Illinois Valley.
“I take our produce to the people at different venues around the valley to ensure everybody has the opportunity to purchase organic produce locally grown.”
With their farm market at 5555 Deer Creek Road in Selma, they also can be found at the Selma Center Farmers Market on Sundays, afternoons at the Lake Selmac Resort throughout the week, and at the Junction Inn parking lot on Tuesday afternoons.
Their operation began in 1996 with sons Aaron and Jason (at the time 18 and 20 years old). The boys sold their produce at farmers markets in Ashland, Medford and Brookings. In 1998, as boys do, they left the farm to pursue other interests.
The ground lay fallow for a few years with the exception of home garden use. In 2003, Darrel was home on vacation from long-haul trucking when Dell suggested they dive back into the farming business.
Although Darrel and Dell adhere to all farming practices that are stricter than national organic standards, they are still researching certification. During 2008, Illinois Valley Organics will be in a seventh-year full land rest with product benefits donated to the needy.
Plums, pears, apples, figs and berries will be donated during the season, and the farm will be back in full field business for the 2009 season.
“We have found the work to be hard, but the health benefits and the community’s acceptance have been well worth it,” said Dell. She added with a smile, “Winning the awards wasn’t half bad either.”
Illinois Valley Organics Farm is open Sundays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through October. The business is closed on Saturdays.
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