Shasta View Wheatgrass: Southern Oregon’s Nutritional Powerhouse Rising from the Ashes

Founded in 1997 and certified organic from the start, Shasta View is the west coast’s premier wheatgrass supplier. 

Owned and operated by Robin Akpan and her husband, Nkeruwem (who also goes by his middle name of Tony), Shasta View provides the region with a nutrient-dense product and imparts the couple’s values of hard work and healthful living to their four young children.

When the couple began running Shasta View in 2008, they were familiar with the benefits of consuming wheatgrass. It wasn’t until Nkeruwem, experienced a bout of poor health that the two were truly evangelized to this incredible superfood. By regularly consuming wheatgrass, Nkeruwem was able to alleviate many of the symptoms and pain. As a semi-professional basketball player, finding a holistic solution to his health concerns allowed him to continue to pursue his passion for sports. The personal revelation further inspired the couple to continue expanding the Shasta View growing operation and reaching more consumers. 

Bursting with antioxidants, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and a fresh grassy flavor, this nutrient-dense product is popular with juice and smoothie enthusiasts who press or blend Wheatgrass into health-boosting libations. Purported to improve digestion, help eliminate toxins, lower cholesterol and improve metabolism, wheatgrass is also reported to improve immune system function. 

Robin shares, “Consuming one ounce of wheatgrass is equal to the nutrients found in two and a half pounds of fresh vegetables.”

While she, of course, encourages everyone to continue to consume their daily dose of fresh veg, Robin notes that amidst the pandemic, eaters looking to boost their immunity against COVID-19 have incorporated wheatgrass into their routine. 

When asked how she talks to consumers or grocery clerks about introducing wheatgrass into their wellness routines or how to incorporate it into their produce line-up, Robin chuckles that often people’s first response is, “Oh, you mean cat grass?” Robin does admit that indeed cats are known to love nibbling on wheatgrass, and that should further inspire shoppers to gravitate to this product because, as she explains, “Your pets know what’s good for you! They sense and smell the benefits of it too!”

In addition to the hard work Robin and Nkeruwem put into Shasta View while also starting and raising a family, both are active in their community. The two balance work and home life with coaching sports teams at area high schools and to youth groups. They’re well-known in their community in Southern Oregon and have been a valued partner with OGC for decades. 

When the Alameda Fire struck in September 2020, Robin and Nkeruwem’s community rallied around them. The fire left their property decimated, leveling their greenhouses, office, well, and family home. 

One of two newly rebuilt greenhouses.

Robin describes leaving everything behind when they were forced to evacuate. Still, despite the devastating blow, she is grateful that her family and all of their employees made it out safely. 

Almost immediately, financial support began to roll in from fellow farmers, members of their local community, from their friends and family, and even from folks, they have never met, both near to home and as far away as the east coast. OGC was honored to extend support via our special fire relief effort, created to help those impacted by the September wildfires.

Though Shasta View is far from rebuilt, with the help of all the support they received, they quickly rebuilt two greenhouses and cobbled together a temporary infrastructure that has allowed them to continue producing wheatgrass this year. Robin notes they have a long road ahead of them, and she looks forward to the day they can relocate their temporary office out of the current small well-house. She’s enthusiastic for Shasta View and her family’s bright future. 

Often used decoratively as part of spring holiday displays at the retail level and in homes as a seasonal centerpiece, wheatgrass also experiences a seasonal boost in interest as shoppers  look to incorporate more health-focused routines inspired by longer days and lovelier weather. It’s the ideal time to educate shoppers about the incredible health-boosting benefits of wheatgrass from our friends at Shasta View!

Contact your Account Rep now to add a case of wheatgrass or two to your next order!