MEET YOUR FARMER – SEVEN OAKS FARM

Nestled on Highway 99 in Central Point, Seven Oaks Farm is a bustling center of activity.  On a warm Monday afternoon, the Country Store was packed with eager customers. Several people were waiting to grab sweet corn from Jerry as he brought a large bin of fresh-picked corn into the store.  Other goodies in the store include eggplant, cucumbers, tomatoes, all types of peppers, many varieties of melons including watermelon, pumpkins, summer and winter squash, decorative gourds and decorative Indian corn, jams, pickles and relishes.  Baskets made in Ghana are also sold at the store.

Seven Oaks Farm (120 acres) is a five-generation family farm.  William Bohnert started his farm in the late 1880s.  His son John took over the farm and, when John’s daughter Doreen married Don Bradshaw, John brought Doreen and Don into the family farm business. Today, Don, Doreen, their daughter Lori and son-in-law Jerry run the farm.   Two grandchildren, Clint and Taylor, also worked on the farm but have since gone to Oklahoma State, where they are majoring in agriculture. 

Seven Oaks farm believes in buying local and sustainable farming.  Local purchases include strawberries, peaches and blackberries.  Apples come from the Hood River area.  Local bees are kept at the farm.  Don, Doreen, Lori and Jerry take care of the soil, rotate crops, and use drip irrigation to save water.  Farm employees are paid good wages so they can make a living working at the farm.

Twice a month, the farm sponsors Master Food Preservers who give free demonstrations on how to preserve food by canning and dehydrating.

Bring the family to Seven Oaks.  There is a U-pick area where you pick flowers and several types of herbs.  Children have a play area and a petting zoo with geese, goats, bunnies, a mini donkey and a mini horse.  During October the farm sponsors school tours- everyone gets a hayride and a pumpkin!  On weekends in October, the 4H club provides food and the Carter Equestrian team gives pony rides.  On October 13, come to the Great Pumpkin Weigh Off!  The biggest pumpkin will win a prize.

Seven Oaks Farm is located at 5504 Rogue Valley Highway (Highway 99) in Central Point. Their phone number is 541-664-2060.