Shopping on the farm

Farmers markets are everywhere, these days. But most of the produce is hauled in from California farms.

So where can you get Nevada-grown produce in the area? Although many regional farmers do sell at farmers markets, several farms feature old-fashioned, down on the farm, produce stands during the harvest season.

IF YOU GO

Custom Gardens Farm & CSA

3701 Elm Street

Silver Springs

577-2069

Saturday and Sunday, June-October

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

From Highway 50 East in Silver Springs, turn south Highway 95A; right on Idaho Street and left on Elm Street. Look for the sign on the gate.

Be sure to close the gate so the Johnson's greeter, "Bear" doesn't exit.

Custom Gardens Farm & CSA, owned by Ray and Virginia Johnson, is Nevaa's first certified organic farm. They grow vegetables, herbs and fruit from A to Z.

The Johnsons have owned the Silver Springs farm since 1988. They have 2.7 acres of their 5.2 acres is in production with crops grown from certified organic seeds without pesticides. For the first time this year, the Johnsons have certified organic seedlings for sale.

In addition to the produce stand open only on weekends, the Johnsons are part of the Community Supported Agriculture program - distributing a weekly box of produce to members.

If you stop by the farm this weekend, you'll find freshly picked, organically grown, baby carrots, green onions, pixie tomatoes, herbs, garlic, variety lettuce, string beans, artichokes and baby turnips. Cardoons are also in bloom for flower arrangements.

IF YOU GO

Lattin Farms

1955 McLean Road

Fallon

867-3750

Bakery open Monday-Saturday 7 to 3

Produce stand opens July 17

From Highway 50 East near Fallon, turn right on McLean Road (County Road 715) and go to the end at Sheckler Road.

The Lattin family settled in Fallon during the horse-and-buggy days. The land on McLean Road with the bakery, produce stand and corn maze was purchased after World War II, bringing the Lattin Farms to a total of 450 acres, most in alfalfa and corn. Twenty to 30 acres are planted in produce, partly certified organic, which they sell both at their produce stand and regional farmers markets.

Lattin Farms has become a destination for family outings, wildlife viewing and elementary school tours. The Lattins have a farm-animal petting zoo, ponds on the migratory route, a bakery and gift shop and, in the fall, a corn maze, pumpkin patch and scarecrow factory.

The corn maze opens the end of August for Friday and Saturday evenings, then longer hours in September.

The Lattins produce stand opens July 17 Sally J. Taylor 7/6/04 need to confirm date, they'll call randy. At various times during the summer and fall, the Lattins sell corn, watermelon, pumpkin, cantaloupe, raspberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, ochra, green beans and beets.

WORKMAN'S FARM

Highway 50 and Soda Lake Road

Fallon

867-3716

Open Monday - Saturday 8 to 6; Sunday 8 to 5

From Highway 50 near Fallon, turn left at Soda Lake Road.

The Workman family has farmed in Fallon for 42 years. They opened their first produce stand 30 years ago.

They have a total of 300 acres in production, mostly alfalfa, with 30 acres in row crops with a variety of produce to sell at regional farmers markets and their on-the-farm produce stand.

Currently, you can expect to see zucchini and beets for sale, followed by six to eight varieties of squash, tomatoes, corn, heart of gold melons - for which Fallon is famous, watermelons, green beans, cucumbers, crenshaw melons, honeydew melons, and pumpkins.

Produce isn't the only reason to take a trip out to Workman's Farm. The family has expanded their services with a nursery and craft store.