Ida Valley Farm sells produce to customers and restaurants

Jeff and Jane Way of Garfield are no strangers to the farmers market. The couple have been selling produce at the Alexandria Farmers Market for the past nine years.

They raise their produce on their Ida Valley Farm. Although the farm is comprised of four acres, they plant about one and a half to two acres in produce. They also have a couple high tunnels which has lengthened their growing season. One was built in 2012 and the other in 2014, Jane said.

The two have farm backgrounds and are using that farm knowledge to use through the vegetables and products they sell.

Both work off the farm and work different times at the farmers market. Jane sells at the Alexandria Farmers Market on Saturdays from 9 to noon. Jeff takes produce to the Thursday market which is open from 3 to 6 p.m.

While their produce sells range from rhubarb, lettuce and other summer season vegetables during the spring, summer and fall, the two also sell through the winter offering root crops and micro greens to restaurants.

“We always try something new,” Jane said. “I like to look at what’s out there and what our customers like. WE will try different varieties.”

Their innovative nature includes their production methods. They are trying a few different growing methods including 30-inch beds.

Jane invites people to stop by their stand at the Alexandria Farmers Market. She enjoys meeting customers and is ready to answer questions on production and vegetable preparation.