Foxtail Farm
Southern transplants Stephen Williams and his wife Amy are originally from North Carolina. Stephen’s keen interest in organic farming, living simply, and working a job for the sake of passion and meaning drew him to Whidbey Island to attend the Organic Farm School back in 2011. Upon graduating, he and Amy decided to uproot themselves from their home in the South and made the move to the Pacific Northwest. Not only have they built a stunning and productive organic farm here on Whidbey, but they have made a point to give back to the community that has been so supportive of their dream.
We asked Stephen a series of questions about himself & Foxtail Farm. Read on to learn more about one of your local producers!
Why do you farm?
Stephen farms because he finds the work fulfilling, meaningful, and it allows him to give back to the community. He is exhausted at the end of each day, but goes to bed feeling good about the work he has done, knowing that it is making a positive difference.
Foxtail’s Farming Practices:
Stephen, Amy, and their crew farm in a way that carefully sustains and rejuvenates the land. In doing so, they are able to consistently harvest highly nutritious fruits and vegetables, as well as beautiful flowers, for the Whidbey Island community.
What's growing at Foxtail?
Foxtail Farm grows certified organic fruits, vegetables, and flowers. It is well known for cultivating delicious Southern crops, including okra, ginger, sweet potatoes, watermelons, collards, and tomatoes in summer.
Farm Stand - Foxtails farm stand is now open all day, everyday, 12 months a year.
Favorite crop to grow?
Stephen’s favorite vegetables to grow are okra and shishito peppers! Here’s how he likes to prepare them:
For okra: Take the pod and dice into half-inch pieces. Lightly bread with a mixture of flour and cornmeal. Then pan fry in a cast iron skillet until crispy.
For shishitos: Pan fry the peppers in a lightly oiled cast iron skillet until the skin is blistered. Transfer to a plate. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar, then top with coarse sea salt.
How has the Food Hub impacted Foxtail?
The Food Hub has enabled Stephen’s farm to reach individuals and families all over the island, not just those living on the south end.
Community involvement:
Stephen and Amy are very active and involved in the community. Stephen is Vice President of Whidbey Island Grown Cooperative, and Amy is on the board of the Organic Farm School. Foxtail Farm participates in the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Farm to Food Pantry Program with Good Cheer Food Bank. This program enables the food bank to provide more nutrient-dense, locally grown produce to its clients.
Fun Facts about Stephen:
Favorite music genre: Hip-hop
Favorite TV show: The Office
Hobbies outside of farming: Watching European football and surfing when he has free time
Favorite spot on the island: Mutiny Bay
You can buy from Foxtail Farm at their farm stand at the corner of Bush Point Road and Shore Meadow Road in Freeland. In the late spring and summer months, they will be open 7 days a week during daylight hours. You can also visit their booth at the Bayview Farmers Market on Saturdays from 10am-2pm. The market runs from the end of April to mid-October. And when available, they'll have products on the Food Hub.
Producer Feature by Rachel Joseph