Welcome to our first feature of #FarmerFocusFriday !
Throughout 2018 we will be bringing you monthly features of local Northwest Ohio Growers and Producers. We hope this helps you get to know your local farmers, know how/where to take advantage of their fresh goods, and plug into supporting local efforts! Not sure what to make with some of the fresh fruits and veggies? Check out our other pages and programs for delicious recipes and more!
Meet the Riehms
Riehm Farms have been growing produce for Northwest Ohioans for five generations. Today, farmers John and Diane Riehm, as well as their son Phil Riehm, continue to provide organically raised fruits and vegetables through their roadside stand, farmer’s markets, and CSA program. The Riehm family prides themselves on their commitment to health, their philosophy is to use organic practices and to also build wonderful flavors. They seek to put extra quality care into the soil.
John Riehm brings years of experience working on the family farm, as well as knowledge of supply chain logistics for restaurants and grocery stores. Diane’s background includes working in a family restaurant and as a health coach. Phil Riehm is a graduate of The Ohio State University, having studied crop science. After working at various other farms, he returned to the family farm in 2014 to bring added value to their offerings.
A visit to the 330-acre farm in Tiffin can yield a basket full of local goodies, plus fun to boot! The roadside stand is open May through mid-December. There you will find seasonal fruits and vegetables, picked from the field only steps away. Frozen beef cuts are available, from Riehm’s own herd of cattle. In addition, the farm has partnerships with local vendors to provide other goods. This includes coffee from Bailiwicks in Tiffin, bread from Bella Cuisine in Fremont, and Amish goods from various locations in Ohio.
Last year, the farm hosted more than 600 student visitors, where they learned about where food comes from and engaged in fun agricultural experiences. Fall is a great time visit, when adults and children alike can navigate the 5-acre corn maze, go on a hayride, see pumpkins launched from a cannon or cheer on the pig races. Wintertime brings Ohio-grown Christmas trees, crafts, baked goods, and even a visit from Santa!
Local food connoisseurs will enjoy the Riehm’s Farm to Fork dinners. These multi-course meals include products fresh from the farm, prepared by local chefs. If you can’t attend a dinner, look for Riehm’s produce at local restaurants known for a “Farm to Table” approach. Approximately 20 restaurants within the Toledo area are regular purchasers of produce from Riehm Farms. Riehm also sells at the Bowling Green, Tiffin, and Fremont Farmers Markets when in season.
If you are interested in getting produce and other locally produced goods here in Lucas County, you can join Riehm Farm’s CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Program. Participants receive a bag of organically grown vegetables over a 20-week period, starting in June. This year, a new software system will allow CSA members the option of customizing their weekly deliveries to avoid those veggies they might not enjoy. There are options to add fruit, eggs, beef, coffee, or bread shares to the weekly delivery. Recipes and usage tips are included with each bag. A shorter second CSA season is offered November-January. Toledo area pickup locations include Toledo Children’s Hospital, University of Toledo, Fowl and Fodder restaurant in Sylvania, Dana Incorporated in Maumee, and Levis Commons in Perrysburg.
CSA details:
Contact: Riehm Produce Farm
7244 N. State Route 53 Tiffin, OH 44883
419.992.4392
riehmfarms@gmail.com
Signup: http://funacres.net/csa
Season: 20 weeks, Early June- Mid October
What will I get?: Weekly bags are offered in two sizes, mini and full, and will include a variety of vegetables, including lettuce, beans, asparagus, onions, corn, squashes, peppers, carrots, broccoli, potatoes, sweet potatoes, kohlrabi and more!
Add on items: Fruit, as full season and late season shares, with options for one or two fruits per delivery
Beef, as a combination package delivered four times, or hamburger delivered once per month
Eggs, as 6, 12, or 18 count shares delivered weekly
Bread, 1 loaf delivered every other week
Coffee, 1 package delivered once per month
CSA Pickup locations: Fowl & Fodder Restaurant, 7408 West Central Ave. Sylvania
Dana Incorporated World HQ, 3939 Technology Dr. Maumee
University of Toledo College of Engineering building 2600 Dorr St. Toledo
ProMedica Toledo Children's Hospital 2142 N. Cove Blvd Toledo
Beyond Lucas County:
Riehm Produce Farm 7244 N. State Route 53 Tiffin
Levis Commons at The Flying Joe parking lot 2130 Preston Pkwy. Perrysburg
Bowling Green Farmers' Market Parking lot on the corner of Clough and Main Street, Bowling Green
First Lutheran Church parking lot 109 Lincoln St. Findlay
Wagner's Floral and Greenhouse parking lot 907 Greenfield Rd., Tiffin
Amaya Fresh Mexican Grill 20 E. Front Street Monroe, Michigan