Casad Family Farms

HOST FARMERS: Chris & Cate Casad, Casad Family Farms

Led by the husband-and-wife team of Chris and Cate, Casad Family Farms is on a mission to provide their community with nutrient-dense foods while improving the ecosystems they steward. It all starts with healthy soils, and the Casad team utilizes organic, biodynamic, and permaculture principles to sustainably manage 1,200 acres here in Central Oregon. Closed-loop farming means pastures are constantly rotating with the seasons, grazed sequentially by chickens, beef cattle, and heritage pigs. In addition to organically grown hays, grains, and specialty seed crops for their animals, the Casads tend rows of mixed vegetables and root crops, which also will make their way to our table.

Fun fact: Cate is an OITF tour veteran and was one of our first “satellite” staff members. Satellites are essential to the success of our tours. As many as ten or more travel the country independently in their own vehicles, hang together and work by the hour, providing skilled dinner staffing and great stories. Cate is also a renowned milliner. Outstanding founder Jim Denevan sports one of her cowboy hats, and so does Post Malone and a bunch of other folks you may have heard of.