100 Years In Oregon: Montecucco Farms’ Top Notch Rhubarb and Root Veg
The Pacific Northwest is among the best rhubarb-producing regions in the U.S., and one of OGC’s partners for this quintessential northwest crop is Montecucco Farms, located in Canby, Oregon.
Shortly after arriving from Italy in the early 1920s, Giuseppe and Paul Montecucco began farming on 20 acres in the Parkrose neighborhood of Portland. Now located further south in the Willamette Valley, Jason Montecucco and his two brothers are the 4th generation to run this legacy farm.
Despite the farm’s historical roots, Jason and his brothers work diligently to evolve with the industry.
“They’re progressive farmers, and Jason is so knowledgeable about the business – from market analysis to soil science – he’s a great educator,” said OGC National Sales Representative Bryant Grace. “And, their quality is so good. We have buyers outside of our region who wait for their crops.”
Recently, in order to mitigate water waste and improve efficiency, Montecucco replaced their aluminum irrigation pipes with modern, fully automated plastic irrigation pipes. This new system ensures equal distribution of water across acres of fields producing more consistent yields and saves time and labor.
Spring means rhubarb and Montecucco’s annual harvest is one that OGC eagerly anticipates!
Once spring temperatures hit above 40°F, this perennial crop breaks dormancy and begins to grow, producing long, ruby-hued stalks. Acres of this hardy, dinosaur-like plant thrive in the farm’s sandy loam. In addition to Montecucco’s rich soil, the region’s “maritime climate” provides just the right balance of rain, sun and mild weather. Northwest-grown rhubarb is known for being the best, and for being first to market.
OGC has partnered with the Montecucco family for decades as not only a source for delicious rhubarb but for organic rutabaga, turnips and red, gold and Chioggia beets. Their parsnips are also not to be missed!
Be sure to include fantastic fresh rhubarb from Montecucco Farms on your next order!
