Cliff & Michelle Curtis
For this installment, we introduce Cliff and Michelle Curtis of Elkhorn Peak Lavender Farm in Baker City, Oregon. Cliff is an active member of Lavender Northwest and currently serves on the Board of Directors as the Central Oregon/Southern Idaho regional representative.
How did you choose your farm’s name?
Elkhorn Peak is an 8931-foot cap in the Elkhorn Mountains right behind our property.
How long have you been growing lavender?
We planted our first 100 plants as a “Test Plot” in 2016 to see how they would endure our winters. Snow is welcome as it helps insulate the plants from the bitter cold. When I wrote this reply, the outside temperature was -16º F. We planted ‘Grosso’ starts that first year and had a good snow season. We did, however, encounter a surprise issue….voles! Lost 19 plants to voles. ….19%! Luckily, the voles were at the high end of a population cycle, and while we still lose some to voles, it isn’t nearly as bad.
What led you to become a lavender farmer?
I randomly chose lavender when I was ready to stop raising a small cow herd. I was looking to rid myself of the 24/7 work demands that it takes to keep livestock. Wanting to grow a specialty crop, we settled on lavender and began planting in 2016.
What did you do before you were a lavender farmer?
Prior to growing lavender, I had a career with the US Forest Service (USFS). I received my BS in Soil Science with a minor in Range Management. My wife, Michelle, also has a BS in Soil Science (she got A’s). In 1981, I started working for the USFS as a range manager working with the ranchers who had permits to graze on public lands. After 12 years, I switched career paths, remaining with the FS, and studied to become a Real Estate Appraiser. After taking the state exam and becoming an Oregon state certified appraiser, I only appraised for the USFS and covered projects in Oregon and Washington. Duties included appraising land exchanges, land purchases, fee structures, etc. During my USFS career, I also fought wildfires and served on a Type 1 overhead team that responded to fires, hurricanes, and shuttle recovery. Upon retirement, I was ready to be done with cows (they taught me to swear) and began growing lavender. I never thought I’d be growing flowers. In fact I still say, “I don’t grow flowers, I’m in the oil business.”
What lavender cultivars do you grow, and how many? Do you have a favorite cultivar?
We have approximately 2600 plants of various ages on the property — eleven cultivars, both English and French. Our favorites would depend on specific uses. ‘Phenomenal’ is our most versatile as it makes a great bouquet and is a good oil producer as well as good color for craft buds. ‘Edelweiss’ is our favorite white. While its oil production is mediocre, it makes a nice visual contrast in the rows. Its oil is very popular when blended with that of ‘Phenomenal’. We use a lot of ‘Provence’ for culinary buds, but also for oil. I had ordered 800 ‘Phenomenal’ plants, and we put them in the ground. The following year, I noticed the color wasn’t right. I sent pictures to the nursery, and they confirmed they sent the wrong plants. That’s when we started the culinary side of the business. Since then, we have planted five other culinary offerings.
What is your favorite product or use for the lavender you grow?
My favorite product is anything that brings joy to the buyer. Honey is one of our biggest sellers. Oil and hydrosol are a mainstay. We always enjoy selling our lavender liquids. We use a lot of hydrosol ourselves, so it’s easy to give testimony for its many uses.
What’s your best tip or advice regarding any aspect of growing lavender?
My tip of the day would be to take notes about every aspect of your production. You will learn from referencing them and comparing each year. Don’t be afraid to try different things. Experiment, but take notes.
What forms of marketing or community outreach have you used that may, or may not, have been successful for your business?
We originally sold exclusively through farmers markets. Four years ago, we signed up as Harvest Hosts and utilize that approach instead of farmers markets. We still do Christmas bizarres and also offer u-cut opportunities throughout the season. Two stores in town offer our products. Early on, we utilized the WOOF Program to enlist additional help. That worked for a couple years, but fell apart during Covid. At this stage, we are not planting any additional plants, but we are getting more mechanized so we don’t require so many strong backs.
As you reflect on prior farming practices, what is your biggest “regret” or “wish I’d have done differently”?
I regret not planting my first field in an east-west orientation. Purely aesthetic, but it would have created a better view. I also would have chosen fewer varieties. Focus on a few that grow well in your area, and stick with them. For our harsher climate, it’s a coin toss as to what survives. I’ve replanted the same variety too many times – guess I am a slow learner.
Do you grow anything in addition to lavender? What other products or services does your farm offer?
In addition to lavender, we have three bee hives on our property. We sell lavender honey until it runs out, then infuse local wildflower honey to continue offering a lavender/honey product. We also have two pack goats (Lewis and Clark) who are ready and able to pack our belongings on overnight hikes, and help carry out an elk or deer when needed.
Who helps you with your lavender operation? What tips do you have to have to recruit/retain help?
For the most part, it’s a two-person show. As previously mentioned, we did use the WOOF Program in our earlier years while establishing our fields. I now have a harvester and a bud cleaning machine that reduce bending over and time expenditures. I never turn down friends and family who want to help.
Contributed by
Carol Stiff
Bald Butte Lavender Farm
Edited & formatted by
Michael Lemmers
RavenCroft
