Living in North Idaho, you might not immediately think of farm tours as the ideal day out. While our region is known for its towering trees and flowing rivers, it doesn’t necessarily scream “FARM TO TABLE.” However, this is a big misconception. Thanks to the Panhandle Farm Corridor, a strong community of local farmers is thriving and being supported locally. This vibrant network showcases an ideal economic ecosystem, and the Panhandle Farm Corridor Farm Tours offer a firsthand look at the unique crops, animals, and agricultural communities surrounding Post Falls.
Thanks to the local support from farm stands and direct-to-consumer customers, these farms can share their love of farming, increase food access, and give people a chance to see where their food and farm/ranch products are grown and raised. A small army of (mostly strong Idaho women) spearheads these farm tours, which are open to the public.
You might ask, why pay for a farm tour? Well, here’s why: First and foremost, it supports the local farms that put food on your table. Secondly, it offers a fun and interactive educational experience showcasing the amazing methods our local farmers use. Next, it gives you a real appreciation for the land we call home. And finally, you get to take home home-grown goodies and enjoy locally delectable foods along the way.
This isn’t just some sit-back lecture; it’s a full experience that can be fun for anyone, even children eager to learn. Let’s take you through a day on a farm tour.
U-Pick Blueberries at Red Canoe Farm
On this particular farm tour, we began at Red Canoe Farm in Hauser, a charming blueberry farm. Greeted by local members of the Panhandle Farm Corridor, we were provided with all the goodies needed for the day. In our area, crops like blueberries are considered “unique” because they aren’t mass-produced. However, this farm stands out for many other reasons as well.
Owners Steve and Lisa Pointer have dedicated years to cultivating their blueberry crop, despite farming not being their family trade. Their inspiration for farming sparked long ago in North Central Washington before they moved to North Idaho. Their first ten blueberry bushes, planted at their original Washington home, utterly failed. Steve, a local school principal, knew he needed to do some research. As an educator in the 2000s, he turned to Google Scholar for help. Determined to learn as much as they could about their crop, they hoped for a successful redo in their North Idaho home.
After many years and continual education, Steve and Lisa finally successfully grew many varieties of blueberries, with each bush taking ten or more years to mature. Now, their efforts have resulted in a thriving u-pick farm open six days a week seasonally. But it wasn’t just about the berries. Steve noted, “People are outside, and they like to be here. They put their phones down. Talk. Connect. It’s about the community.” This theme of community is echoed throughout the next stops on the tour.
Regenerative Ranching with Lazy JM Ranch
Once filled with knowledge and the plumpest blueberries you’ve ever seen, it was time to venture onto a chartered bus to Lazy JM Ranch in Hauser, ID. This tour took place in mid-July, so the air conditioning on the bus provided a welcome respite as we learned about the rich family history of Lazy JM Ranch. The ranch has been part of the family since 1972, and in recent years, its methods have adapted to better suit the land. Third-generation owners John and Betty Mobbs introduced regenerative agriculture practices 11 years ago. Today, four generations work together, fully committed to sustainable farming.
“We do not own the land; we are stewards of it,” said Betty Mobbs on the bus ride over. Their animals are free from antibiotics, herbicides, pesticides, and grains, but their real focus is on the soil. As we arrived at the ranch, we were greeted by John and his grandson Wilderness. We dismounted our air-conditioned steed and walked into the pasture, just steps away from the cattle. All the while, we were stepping on the biggest lesson at Lazy JM Ranch – the soil.
The family prepared an amazing presentation that put everything into perspective. Many may not realize the importance of soil, but to give you an idea, soil hosts more lifeforms than the ocean. How we treat the soil affects everything – the ground, the roots, the crops, the pollinators, and the ability to feed cattle. They walked us through their regenerative practices, leading a sustainable march toward a better farming future. This family’s dedication is something you have to experience firsthand, and luckily, you can. Lazy JM Ranch hosts private tours of their regenerative ranch.
Lunch in Flower Heaven at Sowing Joy Farm
Our next stop took us just over the I-90 freeway to Sowing Joy Farm in Post Falls, Idaho. This was a delightful change of pace. Not all agriculture is for the sake of food; there is beauty to be found as well. Sowing Joy Farm is a flower farm started just a few years ago. Ondrea, her husband, and their six kids wanted to fully utilize their land for good, and they certainly are! Ondrea grows flowers because, as she says, “The beauty and intricacy of flowers inspire me and make me happy. I love observing the miracle of their existence and, most of all, the joy they bring to others.”
This u-pick flower farm hosts picturesque events, from “sip & snip” nights to yoga and spa days in the garden. The property is a French country dream, with a wooden gazebo adorned with sparkling glass chandeliers and a sprawling family-style table decorated with beautiful flower bouquets.
Needless to say, this was the perfect stop for lunch. Farmers, even those not visited by the tour today, contributed every bit of our locally sourced meal. The beef burgers came from Lazy JM Ranch, the veggies from Lucid Roots, Mountain Cloud Creamery provided gourmet cheese, and Lone Mountain Farms made burger buns from their own milled flour. Dessert was a blueberry scone from our first stop, Red Canoe Farm, and Sowing Joy topped us off with lavender lemonade.
The flowers at Sowing Joy Farm grow strong, tall, and beautiful—some might find it hard to believe they use only organic farming practices. Ondrea believes the best way to grow a healthy plant is with healthy soil, so they amend their soil using worm castings, organic compost, and seaweed. They control pests with friendly flocks of ducks and chickens and by introducing natural predators such as ladybugs and praying mantises. Sowing Joy promotes the health of bees and other pollinators, a practice greatly appreciated by fellow farms like Lazy JM Ranch, which keeps bees and understands their importance.
Christmas in July at Cable Creek Farm
Our final stop before heading back to our home base was a truly merry place—Cable Creek Farm. Why merry, you ask? Because this is one of Post Falls’s most popular Christmas destinations—a Christmas tree farm! Unsurprisingly, it’s another family-owned and operated business. This choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm is a labor of love, open only six days a year. And just a heads-up, you’ll need to make reservations (starting November 1) to cut and collect your Christmas tree.
Like the other farms, the Tysdal family’s farm thrives on community. It’s a collective effort, especially during the holidays. Although cutting down the tree might seem like a solo mission, Cable Creek has an army of friends, family, and some high school students who come together to help with trimming, bailing, checkout, and wreath-making.
Even if you’re not lucky enough to snag a reservation and cut down your own Christmas tree, you can still enjoy another community gem—the big white barn! No reservation is needed to shop, and you can enjoy complimentary hot chocolate while browsing handmade gifts from local artisans in the barn’s gift shop.
A Trip to Remember
As we wrapped up our tour and reflected on the fun knowledge and items we collected along the way, it was clear how impactful and strong this community of farmers is. Everyone shared their favorite things about each farm and their plans to return. Nearly everyone echoed their appreciation for the sense of family and community that each farm fosters, both within their own operations and with other local farmers. Each farm left us with a memento—blueberries, lavender, honey, and a tree to plant—serving as a reminder of the fun we had and the memories we created.
This wasn’t just a day of passing time; it was a day of learning, growing friendships, and discovering the rich offerings of the Post Falls area. Each guest now thinks twice about the food they enjoy and may find themselves seeking out local support. It’s not just about clean, good food; it’s about supporting the families who are making a difference in our community. So whether you’re looking for fresh produce, beautiful flowers, or a holiday tree, remember that supporting local farms makes a meaningful impact.
Learn more about the Panhandle Farm Corridor
