North Idaho's farm corridor blossoms with agritourism
Joe Culbreth shows his bronze beauty pears at the Berry and Nut Farm. His favorite part of operating a small farm is teaching children a little about farming and watching them experience the joy of berry-picking for themselves.
CAROLYN BOSTICK/Press
Joe Culbreth holds up a hazelnut from one of his trees at the Berry and Nut Farm in Rathdrum. The farm has been in operation since 2008.
About 4,500 berry bushes line the main growing block at Red Canoe Farms.
Apples still on the tree are ripe for picking at the Berry and Nut Farm in Rathdrum.
Just before the pandemic broke in 2020, Lisa Pointer of Red Canoe Farms was asked to add her efforts to create an annual farm stand guide for North Idaho. Now, the Panhandle Farm Corridor guide is available as both an app and a physical brochure.
A young berry bush at Red Canoe Farms will grow to maturity for about two years before being brought into the produce operations of the farm.
A sign for the Panhandle Farm Corridor on Red Canoe Farm. Mapping of the North Idaho farm stand began in 2020 to better connect residents to local agritourism.
Hazelnuts on the Berry and Nut Farm are separated from their husks and then placed on drying racks for 10 days.
As autumn approaches, the berry bushes at Red Canoe Farms are turning a vibrant red, signaling the changing seasons. Though the farm stand closed in early September, work continues beyond the agritourism season for its blueberries and raspberries.
Lisa Pointer, co-founder of the Panhandle Farm Corridor, announced plans for next year: "We will have autumnal offerings so visitors can pick their own pumpkin."
Formed in 2020 by Pointer, Betty Mobbs and Emily Black, the Panhandle Farm Corridor was inspired by Spokane's successful agritourism industry. Their goal is to map out North Idaho's agricultural assets and connect people with fresh, locally grown food.
What began with nine small farms has expanded to 26, thanks to grants and sponsors like the USDA and Idaho Farm Bureau. The initiative now offers a mobile app and print pamphlets to guide visitors.
"It's a great way to get what you're wanting to eat and you can see how the growers grow their food," Pointer explained. "When it's super fresh, it lasts longer, and you get to know your farmer."
Joe Culbreth, owner of the Berry and Nut Farm in Rathdrum, starts his days at 4:30 a.m. His 15-acre farm showcases a variety of fruits and nuts, including blueberries, hazelnuts, pears, peaches, cherries and apples.
Retiring from a tech job in 2007, Culbreth found his calling in farming. "It's a lot of work to make it look like this," he said. "It costs me out of pocket, but that's okay because I like the look. Seeing the orchard out of my office window or out of the front door, it's pretty."
For Culbreth, the joy comes from sharing farming secrets with children. "I see a lot of little happy faces, and that does the old heart good," he shared. "It's a real treat to see them sat next to a blueberry bush and fill their face, too."
Visit small farms in North Idaho by using the 2024 Panhandle Farm Corridor farm stand guide.
Joe Culbreth holds up a hazelnut from one of his trees at the Berry and Nut Farm in Rathdrum. The farm has been in operation since 2008.
About 4,500 berry bushes line the main growing block at Red Canoe Farms.
Apples still on the tree are ripe for picking at the Berry and Nut Farm in Rathdrum.
Just before the pandemic broke in 2020, Lisa Pointer of Red Canoe Farms was asked to add her efforts to create an annual farm stand guide for North Idaho. Now, the Panhandle Farm Corridor guide is available as both an app and a physical brochure.
A young berry bush at Red Canoe Farms will grow to maturity for about two years before being brought into the produce operations of the farm.
A sign for the Panhandle Farm Corridor on Red Canoe Farm. Mapping of the North Idaho farm stand began in 2020 to better connect residents to local agritourism.
Hazelnuts on the Berry and Nut Farm are separated from their husks and then placed on drying racks for 10 days.