Paso Robles: Loo Loo Farms

I recently had the chance to chat with Seth and Zina Engel about what’s been going on at Loo Loo Farms and as I suspected, a lot. It seems a farmer’s life is never lacking in chores. My hope is to bring you a Q&A with them pretty soon so you can learn more about them…but for now, let me give you the dirt (see what I did there?) on what’s happening at Loo Loo.

Zina works at Le Vigne Winery (and is the infamous local cheese lady) and Loo Loo Farms will be there for Wine Festival Weekend in May to do a ‘SLOCAVORE’ event. A quote from Zina, “We are going to have local products, cheese, honey, ice cream, produce, etc for sample and sale throughout the weekend.” So be sure to check that out.

One thing they are trying to let everyone know right now is that they are having a plant sale. There are over 50 types of organic heirloom tomato plants in all colors and sizes. Their farmstand will be open on weekends so check that out.

Here are a couple more quotes from Zina in regards to what’s happening right now:

“On the farm itself, we are busy planting like mad. Edible flowers, melons, cucumbers, eggplants, herbs, tomatoes, peppers and corn have all been planted.”

“We will be planting another round of peppers and corn soon. We are currently battling gophers. This time of year we are harvesting artichokes, edible flowers, carrots and asparagus.  Soon it will be time to start the tomato trellises.  We got some chicks a few weeks ago that we are trying to figure out integrating in to the main flock. Seth is picking up our ducklings next week. We are going to build a new, bigger duck coop.”

In the roughly short amount of time they have been in business they have really blown up locally. They provide many restaurants in SLO County with products from their farm and if I recall correctly, even some businesses outside the county. Annie and I are huge proponents of supporting local farmers. Not only are you getting healthy, local produce but you are supporting a local business. A win-win.

That’s all for now, be sure to check out their website but also find them on Facebook. Check back for a Q&A with them some time in the next 30 or so days. Cheers!