Published in Spring 2024
By: Evie Smith, OSU Extension Service Small Farms Program
Sara O’Neill runs Euchre Creek Farm, which is located in Siletz, OR. Sara produces hay, wool, pasture-raised lamb and beef, flowers, and vegetables with the help of her farm crew- her 1.5 year old son Graeme and her 4 maremma guardian dogs. She is passionate about using sciencebased strategies to care for her animals, her land, and the environment in the best way possible. I caught up with Sara during her lunch break at the Central Coast Food Web in September of last year to learn more about her work at Euchre Creek Farm.
What do you like most about farming?
‘I like being able to say I’ve fed somebody,’ says Sara. Sara farms to feed her local community, and prioritizes selling her produce, meat, and wool in local markets.
What’s your favorite thing about farming on the Oregon Coast?
Sara likes the challenge of farming on the Oregon Coast. Sara threw herself into learning how to farm in our unique conditions when she moved here in 2017, learning a lot from other local farmers and resource providers, and doing her own research on her farm.
What is something that you’d like your community to know about your farm?
Sara is committed to responsible management of her farm. She doesn’t farm under any certification, and she doesn’t follow one specific ideology. She carefully chooses farm management practices that make sense for her livestock and land and align with her values, and she respects how every farmer chooses to manage their farm. ‘I think it’s important to keep your mind open and take a good idea from anywhere, but I’m less interested in ideology and branding’ Sara says.
What’s next for your farm?
When Sara started farming, she built a business that had lots of options so that she could see what she liked. Now, she’s in the process of choosing what parts of her operation to focus on and which ones to leave behind. She plans on focusing on high quality beef and lamb moving forward.
If other farmers want to connect with you, what should they talk with you about?
Share your undignified farming stories with Sara! She likes to talk about farming shenanigans with other farmers. She wants to hear how you solved your farming predicament and what decision making process led you to your solution. She’s got some good stories of her own to share too!
Get in touch! If you’d like to connect with Sara, check out her website (https://euchrecreekfarm.com/) or follow Euchre Creek Farm on Instagram (@euchrecreekfarm).