Author: Brooke Lucy

April… the month of awakening. March might be noted as the month of change, however April is the month that leads once the script is flipped from winter to spring. With the last of the snow receding from the foothills, a menagerie of birds have returned. Meadowlarks; sparrows; hawks and eagles. Swallows, robins, jays and yes bluebirds! To name only a few. Nothing so brilliant as a handful of male mountain bluebirds flitting about the otherwise drab countryside. Oh my; it is no less shocking of a sight year after year. To be sure, one that sanctifies the season.

I know from the years here that a wet late fall, followed by an earlier and solid winter, often gives way to a damp and invigorated spring such as the one that lies before us. Already spring beauties, yellow bells and bluebells dot the greening slopes. Soon enough we will see our first balsamroot in the lower valley and then the aspen will leaf-out and from there it will be a flood of daily changes. I suspect the wind will kick up any day – another harbinger of April in the Methow. This season for the senses is like no other. Welcome!

As we say goodbye to winter and switch out the snow removal equipment for farming tools, I am always amazed how fast the seasons come and go. This may have something to do with growing a year older myself, but how can a place like this fit 4 full seasons into a year were it not otherwise? As I walk the fields that were buried in snow only a month ago, I see the winter peas are not only awake, but beginning to color up and grow! Our soil profile is in terrific shape moisture wise. The snow pack in the mountains is decent and we will have plenty of moisture for our more user friendly annual crops here at Bluebird. Bluebird farming partners in the Columbia basin and on the northern plains are also stirring and anxious to begin the farming season.

Our flour mill has been staying busy as the baking season never really ends. The fresh milled einkorn flour just flies out the door weekly, and we are pleased how well used it is. As are all of our other whole grain flours, and whole grains themselves. Inventory is solid, and with planting season around the corner, there is little risk we will run short of your favorite grains and mixes.

The organic food business has grown to be about $70 billion in this country. It has done so largely unsubsidized. This speaks volumes to consumer confidence, demand, and choice. It is estimated that for every dollar invested in organic agriculture, there is a $20 return. In the next 7 years, this national value is predicted to almost double. Economy, food security, independence and health are all cornerstones of what organic agriculture has always been. These are all points the National Organic Coalition – of which I was a guest member of this year – brought to Washington DC the last week in March during our “Fly-in” event.

Bluebird was asked to participate this year by NOC member PCC Markets, as we are one of PCC’s suppliers. Their hope was for a farmer from District 4 to join the cause, as Representative Dan Newhouse ( District 4) sits on the Ag appropriations committee, and has shown support for organic agriculture over the years. Thus, yours truly jumped on a plane for Dulles airport, DC.

I will say it was a full 3 days. All of our meetings on the Hill were condensed into one day however, we took a full day to prep, and a full day to debrief. There were about 25 of us in total, and we broke into sub-groups for most of the meetings. Our Washington State group consisted of PCC Markets, Seattle; Nature Path’s Foods, Blaine; the Organic Seed Alliance Port Townsend, and myself from Winthrop.

Policy, policy, policy. Each year, US taxpayers hand out roughly $30 billion… yes billion in subsidies to farm business and agriculture. A whopping $23 million of that goes to the National Organic Program which has to cover label enforcement, research, minimal certification cost share and a host of other things. Still, organic thrives. It remains the only growing sector in Agriculture.

NOC was there simply trying to save what little organic support we have at this point, and did ask for a $7 million increase to and even $30 million. This was an ask directly to Newhouse, who I felt we had a very good meeting with, as well as several other Senators and Congress members while we were there. Given the fact that the Farm Bill flounders along on extensions – going on two years now – all of this “discretionary “ spending is at risk. It may seem like small potatoes, but seed spuds at the very least, to what I like to think will become a much bigger movement. I think the timing could be ripe. Organic: Independent, (import free), free market (capitalism), healthy (MAHA). Making Agriculture Great Again.

I had a dear Uncle who once quipped that there were three basic rules to business: Politics, politics, politics. Everyone seems to be enthralled with politics these days. I encourage us all to be civil as we get involved while attempting to move the needle back toward the middle. One way to do this is to work with one another on the ideas we agree on, not always the ones we don’t. This is politics – frustrating as it is at times.

Thank you NOC for inviting me along on this informative trip. Thanks to all of you conscientious and loyal customers! I wish you all a healthy spring!

Your farmer, Sam

Upcoming Events

May 10th – September 27th Bluebird Storefront will be open on Saturdays from 9-2 pm. Stop in, stock up, and bring your baking and cooking questions. We will have a home baker on staff to answer any questions. We also will have our organic chicken scratch available in 25 lb. sacks!
May 23rd from 5-7 pm: Sample and learn about Miso with Creative Koji Join local business owner Gabe Garms for an engaging event dedicated to the flavors and versatility of miso. This unique experience will feature six soy- and gluten-free miso varieties made with non-traditional ingredients such as dandelion root, pumpkin seeds, and a range of beans. Sample the miso pastes on their own to appreciate their distinctive flavors, and enjoy tasting three delicious dishes that highlight how miso can be incorporated into everyday meals. From savory to sweet, this event will inspire new ways to use this incredible ingredient. Jars of miso will be available for purchase, giving you the opportunity to take home your favorites and experiment in your own kitchen. Space is limited, so register today to reserve your spot here.
May 24th Farm & Granary Tour 10am-11am: Join us for an open house and tour. Open house will be from 9-2pm, farm tour is from 10-11. Please register for our tour here.

Announcements

April Promo: We’re honoring Earth Day by celebrating the soil, the seed, and the stewardship that feeds us all. Keep your eyes peeled for our special promo and giveaway offer which will land in your inbox in the next few weeks. Hint: it involves bluebirds!
Our best selling flours hit PCC Markets! Three more of our whole grain flours will hit the shelves at PCC Markets this month. Einkorn Flour, Spelt Flour, and Rye Flour will compliment our Emmer and Hard Red Wheat Flour. We are thrilled to be offering our organic whole grain flours at PCC Markets. If you are a customer that shops at PCC please give us a shout out to your friends and neighbors (social media is always appreciated). We need to make sure that our launch is a success. Not sure how to use wholegrain flour? Check out our recipe page for ideas.

Ahhh… the mighty month of March. This year it comes in lamb-like on the coattails of a February wherein we experienced both the coldest, and warmest temperatures of the new year. In truth, February seemed more like March can be with a fierce start but mellow finish. Following a few -10 degree nights, the final couple days rose above freezing and that fast, March is rolling along with stunning, sunny days and a torrent of bird life as the snowy hillsides begin to soften and south ridges shed their winter blanket.

At first there was a shift in the chickadee’s song, then a handful of robins showed up then the winged parade began for real: blackbirds; juncos, finches, grosbeaks; phoebes; geese and yes, even mountain bluebirds! All in a week’s time. Never have I seen the shift so sudden nor so musical. The pace seems almost frantic. Coyotes sing throughout the night and sometimes even during mid-day. Owls keep to the dark woods except one evening just as the sliver of a moon rested atop the Butte with Venus straight above, a great owl soared across the lasting horizon. The silence and swiftness of that bird sanctified the mood. I just love this place!

Meanwhile, back at the Farm the main yard has all melted out. Now freight and grain trucks can come and go more easily as they resupply our field crops, so that in turn we can clean, grade and fresh mill them for packaging and then send them back out to a door near you. Or maybe your own door? Our supply remains solid and our thoughts turn toward spring and subsequent plantings. There remains plenty of snow on the fields here, and I suspect excellent soil moisture this year as we had wonderful late fall rains before the snows that insulated the ground winter-long. This is so important for planting purposes, plus it will ease the strain on irrigation needs. Our grain crops are pretty gentle on water-supply. However, I’d guess there will be good water supply for even the water-hog crops such as alfalfa, too.

I do not like to see winter go yet with the rapidly building daylight and strengthening sun. I can’t help but feel the age-old excitement that spring brings, particularly if one is a farmer. I will do my best to keep skiing so long as it lasts, but I’ve also begun switching the tractors over from their winter duties of snow plowing and removal. Now they are ready for farm implements, instead. By next month the fields will be melted and full of robins. Did I mention this month’s upcoming full moon is the Worm Moon? Here’s to all those wageless workers of the soil.

These are strange and interesting times some might agree. As I’ve been mentioning more in recent notes, policy is very important and current Agricultural policy can use some improvement. The Farm Bill’s latest extension runs out Sept. 30th, if the federal government doesn’t shut down sooner (Mar. 14?). With so much rhetoric flying around right now?? It so happens that I’ve been invited to travel to DC the last week in March as part of the National Organic Coalition to weigh in on farm policy, and lobby for strengthening organic farming support. The organic industry receives very few subsidies and thus, the few that we do receive – such as certification cost share – are very important. Keep in mind we have to PAY for the USDA’s organic certification label. And this certification fee is based not on profit, but on gross sales. In other words, the stronger the sales, the more we pay. Hmmm. Such incentives?

Regardless, as many of you know Bluebird has been a voice for organic agriculture for 20 years now, and I’ve been a certified grower for 25. I believe in what we do as much as I ever have, but also realize the difficulties and realities of all the paperwork involved, and that many small farms can easily become overwhelmed. Also, there is an increasing temptation by some to “cook” the system. Therefore, more and more enforcement of the guidelines is needed.

I will be part of a team meeting with State Rep Dan Newhouse, and also with Maria Cantwell’s team and Patty Murray. Do they have more important things to do? Well, is there anything more important than our health?

I will report back soon. Stay tuned!

Your farmer, Sam

Fun Times with The Seattle Garden Club

We had a fantastic time connecting with the Seattle Garden Club, where Brooke Lucy presented insights on Bluebird’s journey towards regenerative farming, ancient grains, and soil health. It’s always inspiring to talk with passionate people and food enthusiasts about the future of sustainable agriculture. We just loved their enthusiasm!

Bulk Days Are Coming Soon

Get ready! We’re launching a special promo this month on our organic whole grains in bulk—perfect for stocking up your pantry with the finest, freshest grains. Share with your friends and family because you’ll need a promo code to take advantage of this deal!

Not signed up for our Online Promos yet? Now’s the time! Go to the bottom of our home page to subscribe. Make room in your storage zone and stay tuned for details on how to save big on your favorite organic whole grains.

Sam Heads to Washington, D.C.

Sam is heading to Washington, D.C. alongside PCC Community Markets and the National Organic Coalition to meet with policymakers—including Rep. Dan Newhouse—to ensure farmers’ voices are heard loud and clear. Supporting organic, regenerative, and small-scale agriculture is more important than ever, and we’re honored to be part of the conversation.

New Product Alert: Ancient Grain Blend – Now in 4lb. Units

We’re excited to introduce our Ancient Grain Blend in a convenient 4 lb. package—a versatile, nutrient-packed mix of seven organic ancient grains. Whether you’re a home cook or a professional chef, this blend offers incredible depth, flavor, and nutrition to your meals.

Why You’ll Love It:

✔ Perfect for Grain Bowls – A hearty base for salads, power bowls, and Buddha bowls.
✔ Swap for Rice or Pasta – Serve alongside proteins, in pilafs, or as a stuffing ingredient.
✔ Hot or Cold Applications – Enjoy warm as a side dish or chilled for refreshing grain salads.
✔ Packed with Flavor & Texture – Naturally nutty with a delightful chew, complementing all cuisines.

This blend is easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, making it a must-have for any whole-food pantry.

View Ancient Grain Blend HERE.

Ancient Grain Blend

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April 4, 2025: Introduction to Whole Grain Sourdough Baking Class

Join us for another hands-on workshop on whole grain sourdough baking! Learn how to work with whole grain flour, naturally leavened bread, and traditional fermentation techniques from expert baker Laura Martin. Sign up for this class HERE.

Stunning, crisp, cloudless winter days closed out the long month of January. The holidays are past, daylight lengthens, and the solitude of mid-winter permeates the land. Deep and star-studded night skies: owls at dawn and dusk; lively chickadees, nuthatches and finches in the brilliant afternoon sun; coyotes throughout. Hard as winter is on many creatures, I can’t help but love it as much as any other season. One season, of course, is not the same without the others.

With the late fall rain followed by the snow cycle that lasted until January our soils are cozily tucked in and insulated for the remainder of winter. Weather cycles tend to last a long time in the Valley here. Although high pressure with zero at night; teens during the day was the norm for much of January, snow is beginning to fall again here to start the short month of February. Hard to know how much precipitation we will get out of this incoming cycle, but we remain grateful for what we already have. This month’s full Wolf Moon is less than two weeks away. Maybe if we are fortunate we will finally get to hear the howl of a wolf from our back steps, to go along with the other nighttime sounds I previously mentioned?

Here at the Farm we’ve held off running any of the milling equipment most days until late morning or afternoon as equipment always is more fretful once the mercury drops below 10.

Our daily schedule typically shapes out to be packaging and shipping in the mornings, and milling and filling in the afternoons. So far, we’ve been able to keep up with orders, and the cold will moderate sometime this month I suspect.

I didn’t miss the constant snowplowing and yard clearing last month! Trucks are able to get in and out of our yard easily now, taking our Bluebird goods far and wide. Our website continues to be busy and our faithful wholesale customers keep us cranking along on bulk orders. We are thankful to all. As more and more folks think about where their food comes from, and look to a consistent, reliable supply of a quality product, I feel we are well staged here at Bluebird to meet this demand. We have always promoted, and continue to support this sort of food ethic.

Meanwhile, “Big Ag’ is facing many challenges with well known equipment manufacturing companies structuring vast worker lay-offs; meat processing and packing plants closing down; government hand outs in question… uncertain times indeed. The Farm Bill extension will come up again before spring, and tariff talk could play a significant role in export/import. While this all feels a long way away from Bluebird as I sit and type these notes while watching the setting sun, “Farm Policy”, I realize, affects us all. Again, I’m grateful so many of you know the importance of sustainably raised, fresh foods. Fair labor compensation, community-base decision making, and embracing change is all part of true Regenerative Agriculture. As we enter our 20th year, Bluebird looks forward to continuing its role on the leading edge of farm to table food. This was our beginning; this is our future.

Embrace the calm of the season. Breaking bread around the family table – the friend table – the community table couldn’t be any more important than it is now as we move full-swing into 2025.

Cheers,

Your Farmer, Sam

Farmer Sam’s New Book is Here!
Big news from Bluebird Grain Farms—Farmer Sam’s book Colors, a beautiful collection of short stories and poetry, is hot off the press! Filled with the vivid imagery and heartfelt reflections you’ve come to expect from Sam, this book is the perfect winter read. Snag your copy now on our online store and cozy up with some inspiring words this season. You can also purchase a book directly at the farm. Help us sell 150 to cover our costs. Purchase Sam’s book here.

A reading is slated for February 8th at Bluebird Grain Farms. You can sign up here. Space is limited to 40.

Winter Fancy Food Show- Las Vegas January 19-21 ! Brooke is packing her bags for the Winter Fancy Food Show, and she’s bringing along her daughter, Larkin, to share in the excitement! Together, they’ll be serving over 600 samples of a probiotic winter salad, in partnership with our friends at Firefly Kitchens. Whether you’re a grocery buyer, a food service pro, or just curious about all things ancient grain, be sure to stop by and say hello. They will be at Booth 2004B.

New Baking Class Alert!
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and bake with us! We’re excited to announce a Intro to Sourdough baking class happening on February 21st. It is now posted on our website. Classes fill up fast, a perfect valentine gift. Purchase your spot here.

That fast, we are at the beginning round of 12 more moons! The dark month of December was all the darker due to continued storms and thus, very few nights were clear enough to see the moon whether full or new! Truth to tell, December delivered a lot of moisture right on the coattails of a wet November and our snowpack is in very good shape as we begin this new year. I love the silence and comfort of full snow banks and pure white fields. However, as I pointed out in last year’s notes, this sort of snow is hard on many other creatures.

Birds like the chickadee we might associate with joy for a white and quiet landscape, wherein their ‘chickadee-dee-dee’ cadence sounds more cheery and poignant. Owls of the night sanctify the depth of winter, and one snowy day I saw the most perfect little northern pygmy owl along a brushy, unfrozen seep. A deep winters’ landscape can be so quiet, one’s own breathing can seem disruptive. Let alone the sound of squeaky footsteps…

The fields are snug, the holidays have come and gone, and the new year of work has begun here at Bluebird Grain Farms as we enter our 20th year. Twenty years… As the younger generation exclaims: Really!? It has gone that fast and we have learned so much. We’ve met a vast host of customers over these years, and look forward to continuing to serve them while welcoming many new customers.

We took a week here at the Farm to regroup following the holiday buzz, and have streamlined a few of our systems even further. We’ve added a couple new and energetic staff members as we plan for a busy year ahead doing the same thing we have always done: Delivering top-quality, organic whole grains and flours grown with deep care, and custom milled on a weekly basis.

With our recently certified Regenerative food processing facility, as well as a number of our Regen certified products, we now offer not only the USDA organic certification, but a Regenerative certification as well. We feel confident that true and certified Regenerative crops will play a very large role in the future of agriculture, and consequently, our climate. And the Regenified certification is as comprehensive and thorough as any. The goal is not only to protect our precious soils, but to improve them. These have always been our main beliefs at Bluebird. We do not go through sometimes expensive, time consuming certification processes just to add another label on our brand. We do it because we believe. As always, we welcome feedback.

We’ve had our hands full with all this new snow while just keeping the Farm cleared for operations! Storm cycles are a double edged sword. While they add twice the work to operations, they bring beautiful moisture for our semi-desert landscape, and this is critical for it to thrive. I always am willing to put up with the greater work load for the overall gain.

Farm Bill update: Another extension has been passed, to the tune of 10 billion USD in farm aid. The majority of this aid will go to three crops: Corn, soy, sugar. None of which will be certified organic, Regenerative, or otherwise. Diabetes anyone? The incoming administration mentions not being in support of this extension? Obviously, there will be a lot to do on any actual Farm Bill – now two years overdue. The most recent extension ends March 14.

Meanwhile, please know that although there are few subsidies for organic crops, our inventory is very strong going into the new year and we will not be running out of our grains anytime soon. Although we think of the holidays as the eating season, really, it is just the beginning of the eating season! Hearty soups and fresh breads warm the soul during these deep winter months. So, please enjoy. We love the thought of our goods leaving our Farm directly for your table. Let’s hope field- to- plate never goes out of style.

Up next: The full “Wolf Moon” !

And the holiday season has begun! This is hard to believe yet as I write this on Thanksgiving weekend I’m quite aware the year is nearing the end-zone and next up is the “Big One”. Like many, I actually enjoy Thanksgiving as much as Christmas. More so, in some ways. No matter, the joy and thankfulness of both sanctify this darker and quieter time of year I love. November.

Blessed and glorious November that, once again, delivered. Big time, giving us the nice, steady rains I’d so hoped for, as these rains softened and opened the soil. Then before the ground could freeze, we received a substantial dollop of first-snow to the tune a foot or so, with more that followed. The snow itself had a lot of moisture in it, as temps stayed barely below freezing. Now we have pliant, soft ground under a beautiful winters’ quilt and this starts a great moisture profile for the next growing season. Thank you, November. My favorite month and perhaps one of the most reliable, like any old friend.

Now the chickadees chime in and the nuthatch crawl up and down the porch beams and winter seems to be settling in as the calendar turns to this final month. It was another fulfilling year here at Bluebird as we still worked out some adjustments and made more efficiencies within our new digs that are already over two years old! Many of you may have noticed that the quality and consistency of our products have remained good as ever. As is our promise, we are just doing more of what we feel we do best: Offering quality foods and punctual service.

Punctual as we can be on our end, that is. Many might have noticed the poor ole’ postal service has been struggling as of late, as have a few other freight companies. We can’t always predict these sorts of things. If you are planning holiday orders please consider giving both us, and you some extra ordering time! We love putting together gifts for so many, but we want to make sure they get to where they are going on time! There are lots of empty spaces out there, still. That isn’t a bad thing.

Thinking of empty spaces, the night skies have been quiet around here lately. If it hasn’t been raining or snowing, there have been some crisp stars and a waning moon. However, I’ve not heard the owls as of late, and the coyotes come and go like usual. To step out and stroll before bed this time of year is a lesson in listening. Deep listening can lead to reflection, particularly when the only sound is one’s own rustling. I remain amazed by Nature.

I am more amazed by Nature all the time, I should say. The sudden and heavy snow is beautiful in my mind, but not all creatures feel this. Most, actually, feel undo stress. Walking up our driveway the other evening several deer were using the roadway and were not anxious to bound out across the snowy fields. I saw where both partridge and quail had moved toward the crabapple tree at the edge of our yard where they’d been scratching away for fruit. Up on the hill above our place, I noticed small partridge tracks weaving among the bunchgrass tips that barely poked above the snow. Not much to eat there, but something at least. Being ground feeders, these poor little birds were having to make fast adjustments. Likely too fast for all to survive. Some silence is lovely; some eerie I suppose. Nature. Resilience. Easy for me to say beautiful.

This time of year we think of Peace on Earth if for some reason we’ve not been thinking about Peace the rest of the year? It is always my wish. And I wish that all of you have had a nice Thanksgiving gathering, and look forward to Christmas as do I. I hope we can all take some quieter moments and think about what we can do for others.

I appreciate all that you customers do for us here at Bluebird as we enter our 20th year! Couldn’t have done it without so many of you and we are most grateful. Here is to your health. Here is to many more years together. More so than ever, we truly do rely on one another.

Merry, Merry and I’ll be in touch with you next year!

Your Farmer, Sam

I simply can not get enough of fall. This fall’s weather has been as pleasant as any, perhaps even too pleasant. We did not receive the moisture I’d hoped for in October, though the final couple days promised storms. Still, it would be hard not to have liked the endless fine, cool nights; the mild, sun-dappled days. This was true most of last month. The latter leaving songbirds stuck around, well, pretty late! Now, the greatest month of all is upon us! Summer birds have left, darkening clouds gather, and badly needed moisture is coming in November – the month of “worsted gray…”

Autumn in the northern prairie couldn’t have been more classic as I made my way through Montana to the Schmaltz Family Farm in North Dakota. Then north from there to O’Canada. I’m not a big fan of driving around much, sometimes even just to town! However, if locked and loaded for a road trip, yee-haw! The drive from here to ‘there’ is stunning as one travels along some of Montana’s fine rivers: The Clark Fork; the Madison; the YELLOWSTONE, and on to the wide open prairie. Western North America has to be one of the prettiest and most varied places on this Earth.

As always, my visit with the Schmaltz Family was rewarding on many fronts. We exchanged deeper conversations about food, farming and places. I got to see how inventive, hard working and successful they have been with their full-scale regenerative farming practices. Their success isn’t so surprising – since they’ve been at it a dozen or more years now – but these restorative systems are very impressive. Their crop yields show for themselves, however, it is the noticeable quality that speaks the loudest. This quality and consistency come only after a great deal of investment and belief in a system that is constantly improving both soils and the food from these soils. Schmaltz’s farm is now working for itself in this sense. Still, the critical decision making and planning is all Kent and Blaine. This is a very involved process, and one that requires having a variety of scenarios since – like with all farming – things often do not go as “planned”! Gosh it was fun to see, and I couldn’t be more grateful for our relationship. Oh, we got some solid pheasant hunting in, too! Much to Clyde’s delight.

Fall is always a busy season at the Bluebird mill as the eating season kicks into full swing. October was a bit busier than the past few months, and we anticipate November being busier yet. Soup, bread, yummy side dishes; ‘ tis the season for firelight and hearty foods as the countryside begins to quiet and soon winter’s blanket will settle in. Our lean, and sometimes mean (not really!) crew here at the Farm are eager to serve up all the good grains and flours for your cozy kitchens. Brad Baylie who grows our soft Sonora white wheat in Connell, Washington brought in another solid crop for us this year. This versatile soft flour works great for pie crusts as well as other goodies.

It is hard not to think about politics this time of year. For those of us who voted early we are left to fret. Once again, things I often fret over never even get onto the political platforms: Environment, education, proactive health care. These issues are all relevant in many ways, and tied closely to the Farm Bill. Two years has passed since the last Bill expired and there still is no renewal of a new Farm Bill. Reelection campaigns are apparently far too important for any issues to actually be resolved during this time. Meanwhile – daily it seems – I learn of more and more (millions) of chickens continuing to be destroyed. More recently, right here in the good ole’ Northwest. And at the same time, an even more potent version of Round-Up (Glyphosate) has hit the market. This proves that not only is animal husbandry in steady decline, but private enterprise is alive and functioning – for better or worse – throughout the election season.

In related news, there continues to be growing concern over the use of glyphosate as a desiccant. This has prompted many cereal grains and pulse buyers to restrict purchases of crops where this pattern of burn-down pre-harvest remains. Truth to tell, up in Manitoba where I just was, some pea processors no longer will take sprayed down peas, and oat and barley producers have been told not to use the glyphosate for harvest any more as well. Now this is some good news!

We have so much to thank the Earth for. I am glad to see small inroads being made as an effort to better care of it, and as people once did not all that long ago. She is our Mother, after all, and somehow continues to give us great, great bounty.

Soon, winters’ chickadees will return, the owls’ nighttime voices will deepen, and coyotes are already talking about the growing darkness during the new moon. Next up, November’s full moon known as the Beaver Moon. And after, my favorite holiday at the close of the month! Plenty to be grateful for, indeed. Please gather ‘round, hold tight, and give thanks together for another year’s food from our always giving Mother.

Cheers,

Farmer Sam

Job Title: Processing/Milling and Packaging Assistant

Location: Bluebird Grain Farms 19611 Highway 20 Winthrop, WA 98862

Contact:

Position Overview:
Bluebird Grain Farms is looking for a dedicated, full-time Processing/Milling and Packaging Assistant to join our team. This hands-on role supports the daily operations of our food-grade SQF grain processing and packaging facility, helping to ensure smooth production, order fulfillment, and inventory management. The ideal candidate seeking long term employment is reliable, detail-oriented, mechanically inclined, a good communicator and comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.

Work Schedule:

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.– 4 p.m. (40 hours per week)
Weekends and most federal holidays are off

Key Responsibilities:

Processing & Milling Operations:

Handle and hull grains, operate flour mills, and manage various grain-processing tasks
Change over and maintain equipment as needed
Oversee grain mixes, flour milling, processes

Packaging & Shipping:

Package grains and flours in branded sizes (1-5 lbs for berries, 2-4 lbs for flours)
Operate All-Fill flour scales, weigh-and-fill scales, and band sealers
Build and fill USPS and UPS shipping boxes, prepare pallets for shipment
Manage packaging inventory, create case boxes, and label and wrap pallets for delivery

Inventory & Documentation:

Track and manage raw and finished product inventories
Maintain supply inventory and complete required lot documentation
Utilize Google Docs and email for reporting and communication

Customer Interaction & Forklift Operation:

Complete forklift safety training and operate forklifts safely
Assist customers and process transactions using Square POS

Requirements:

Attention to Detail: Follow SBS protocols thoroughly and accurately, asking questions when needed
Mechanical Aptitude: Ability to troubleshoot and manage equipment changes
Computer Literacy: Comfortable with basic computer programs and Google Workspace tools. Able to type accurately.
Physical Endurance: Lift up to 25 lbs. repeatedly, perform repetitive motions, and stand or sit for long periods. Comfortable wearing mask during physical work when exposed to flour dust.
Workplace Hygiene: Maintain personal hygiene to meet food-grade facility inspection standards.

Expectations:

Complete training in all systems within six months and be capable of running operations independently
Demonstrate consistency, reliability, and a positive attitude
Maintain punctuality and adhere to company standards
Meet performance expectations for a potential pay increase

What We Offer:
At Bluebird Grain Farms, we value honesty, consistency, and employee well-being. We are committed to creating a positive and supportive and long term work environment for all team members.

Wage: Wage will be paid on an hourly basis, employees are paid every two weeks on Friday. Wage will range from $20.00-$24.00 per hour and be evaluated on past experience and qualifications.

Benefits: Accumulated week of paid vacation time, annually. Accumulated paid sick and family leave. Retirement plan options after 6 months of successful employment. UP to 15 lbs. of Bluebird Food Products per month for home use.

How to Apply:
If you’re excited about sustainable food production and eager to join a small but mighty team that values quality and integrity, we’d love to hear from you!

Please send a resume and two references from your most recent work environment with a cover letter stating your interest to or mail to Bluebird Grain Farms ATTN: Sam Lucy 19611 Highway 20 Winthrop WA 98862

Resume should include the following:

Cover Letter: One page Cover letter stating your interest in the position, tell us a little bit about yourself.

Education:

List all relevant degrees, certifications, or academic achievements.
Include the name of the institution and the dates attended.

Work Experience:

List positions chronologically, starting with the most recent.
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In step, October arrived with the first autumn frosts after a final week of September that hosted several 80 degree days. We are far enough north here in the Methow where seasons can be prolonged, as well as shift overnight. A couple frosty mornings and that fast, one is grateful for the woodpile, breads, soups, hot cereals and whatever other foods or drinks that might keep you cozy. Oh, do I love it. Love September – love October all the more. Those of you long-time readers of my notes know too well, perhaps, my affinity for fall and the colder months in general. Bring it on!

Yes, I will miss the summer birds, sights and sounds. I won’t miss the heat so much, or the dryness plus, new birds have already begun to arrive. The hummingbirds held out until very late last month – in part because it stayed so warm I suspect. We still have bluebirds that fledged here in our yard. However, I noticed around 6 o’clock last evening they are now sharing the birdbath with a flush of gathering robins, as well as chipping sparrows and the last of the flycatchers. I may have heard the last of the nighttime poorwills, yet I still hear a meadowlark. As the landscape changes in hues of purple, maroon and gold, raptors soar the winds while the Sandhill cranes have already passed through. Soon there will be flocks of geese and with all this, we sure hope for fall moisture… and a lot of it.

Despite the bizarre 2 inch rain storm we received late August, we’ve scarcely had a drop of moisture since. We wish for nice, sustained fall rains before the ground freezes and/or it snows. The rewards of a good snowpack are better realized if the ground is soaked first, and softened and pliant so that spring melt can more easily go into the profile and not run off. October can be good for these rains, particularly as we get into the latter part of the month. I have faith. Then, of course, comes the mighty month of November – my most favorite of all!

Here at the beginning of October the cool nights and warm afternoons are not lost on me. Nor lost on our huge cover crop of winter peas that has thrived and grown up through all the left-behind einkorn straw. I charged up our pivot irrigation for the first time since June, and applied a dose of cold-pressed fish and beneficial microbes to kick-start the decomposition of that straw while energizing the peas. It seems as if we can see them growing by the day. And the resident Canada geese sure are enjoying them. The field gets the benefit of all this recycling and we have fun observing each day.

Fall orders are picking up and our cleaning line, milling and packing lines are seeing a jump in hours. Good stuff. This temperate weather is easier on our lean crew, and our processing equipment. Ambient atmosphere plays a big part in how grains both clean, and how grains mill into whole grain flour. Although environmental conditions can add to the challenges of custom milling, these are good challenges, and they keep us tuned into our craft. Bluebird is located in a good, low humidity climate that is ideal for custom milling. Many of you realize this in the consistency and quality of our products. These autumn days only enhance this process.

Meanwhile, as of October 1st we hit the second year mark of no renewal of the Farm Bill. This has become yet another partisan issue with so much at stake. The one side pushes the importance of the Bill on a variety of levels, not the least of which is the SNAP program. Another side wants to guarantee continued payouts to the wealthiest farms. Both sides seem to support continued “biofuel” production which largely means ethanol. There is no heavier resource dependent crop than corn, and here our government supports the use of this heavily subsidized crop as a gas additive that makes our engines less efficient?? Like with so many things, there is a lot left in the middle of the Farm Bill – a bill that is foreign to so many East of the Mississippi who pay the majority of it. Likely the bill will get another extension. Each time this happens it not only costs taxpayers more, but kicks the main issue down the road. Don’t expect anything to change until after November 5th. Who knows what will happen thereafter?

Speaking of subsidies, I get to head to the northern prairie this month! To visit our good friends the Schmaltz family on their recently certified regenerative farm where they farm in complete cycle with Nature and accept no subsidies. I so enjoy visiting their amazing 5000 acre organic farm, which is surrounded by many very large tax-supported farms. This does not keep me from loving the autumn prairie. For a few days I’m going further north into Manitoba – a place I’ve never been. I look forward to this journey through some of the major small grains production areas of North America. Every time I take a road trip across parts of our vast country, I learn so much and have more appreciation each time for how fortunate we are here in North America. We have a major luxury of so many natural resources; we just need to work harder to protect them.

With Halloween up-coming, try not to get spooked by the heavy rhetoric that comes on an election year. Try and keep things in perspective, hard as that may be at times. Most of us want peace and want everyone to get the chance to thrive in a respectful manner- no matter where they are from.

Cheers to Fall,

Farmer Sam

school kids looking at soil health, Bluebird

Sam talks with with the Chelan Middle School agricultural class about soil health during a recent fieldtrip to Bluebird Grain Farms.

Hello Bluebird Grain Farms Community!

We have some good news—Bluebird Grain Farms’ processing facility and our partner farm – The Schmalz Family Farm, have officially achieved Regenified Certification.

In a world where consumers are demanding real change, Regenified represents a powerful step forward. It’s a certification that shows our dedication to farming practices that truly improve soil health, protect the environment, and contribute to a healthier future for all. This milestone reinforces our mission to grow nutrient-dense, high-quality grains while nurturing the very foundation of our food—healthy, thriving soil. And of course, we remain 100% certified organic (and have been for over 20 years), using no chemical inputs, ever!

Regenified Certification is more than just a label; it’s our promise to regenerate ecosystems, improve our land, and strengthen our community through thoughtful farming. In a complex agricultural economy, we are dedicated to building pathways that ensure organic farmers are fairly compensated for their work, while providing consumers with access to clean, pure whole-grain foods.

With food brands, “greenwashing” and making vague claims about sustainability, Regenified Certification stands apart—assuring you that real, measurable actions are being taken in production and processing of grains. This certification is a testament to our commitment to agroecology, authenticity, and transparency.

What does this mean for our customers? You’re not just buying great-tasting grains—you’re making a real impact on our environment, our health, and our food systems. Small steps lead to big changes, and this certification is a big step in the right direction. The soil’s vitality is the root of true prosperity—and we’re committed to making it thrive.

— The Bluebird Grain Farms Team

Ancient Grain Flour Sampler - 2 lb.