JULY NIBJ: Niche farming makes sure fruits of local agriculture grow on the vine

Whether you refer to it as small-scale farming or niche farming, Panhandle Farm Corridor coordinator Emily Black said that the farming model has been a way to branch into specific agricultural brackets for farmers without outstripping their means.

New test vineyard planned in Post Falls

New test vineyard planned in Post Falls

Where once grew alfalfa on the prairie, Keelan and Cara Dickson and Jim Beck are hoping to instead cultivate rows of grape vines. Both families have deep roots in Post Falls farming history, but they’re hoping to find varietals that can grow well within the prairie soil to start a new agricultural chapter for their families.