Cosmic Carrot Farm, nestled in the scenic outskirts of Yelm, is embarking on its first market season filled with ambitious plans and a commitment to sustainable farming practices.
Co-owner Warren Neth, who hails from a small farm in Ridgefield, has brought his passion for agriculture back to the land, nurturing his dream of owning a farm while advocating for the regional food system.
“In my 30s, I worked in the nonprofit community sector helping with local food system development,” Neth said. “We worked on getting local food to food pantries and increase sales for small farms in Clark Country. Through my 20s, I worked in restaurants and small farms.”
That experience has proved to be invaluable.
The farm, which is situated on seven acres just southeast of Four Corners at Bald Hill Road and 109th, down Blueberry Hill Lane, has become a haven for diverse plant life. With long-term plans to introduce more perennials, Cosmic Carrot Farm follows an alley-cropping approach, intermixing perennials and annuals in the same area. The ecosystem-oriented farming style promotes biodiversity and sustainability.
In the coming years, Cosmic Carrot Farm aims to offer various products, like sauces made from their vegetables, saffron, frozen aronia and elderberry, grits, pastured poultry, tea blends, and staple crops like corn meal and dried beans. Warren’s wife, and co-owner, Amanda Bohannon, led the first farm crop investment of saffron. The first 1,000 corms will grow into a core, farm-direct offering.
While exploring his path back to farming, Neth admits he was initially hesitant.
“I had a slow trajectory to get back to farming,” he said. “I was always a little hesitant starting my own farm, getting money together while searching for farmland, while also working with lots of small farmers and hearing all the stories of hardship. It has been super fulfilling so far with this small venture. I’m currently working on the farm part-time and run a consulting business where I do marketing and advocacy for regional food systems.”
With belief in the family farm dream, they took a leap.
Cosmic Carrot Farm currently offers plant starts and flower bouquets. Neth dedicates himself to the farm for approximately 30 hours a week, while striving to strike a balance to manage the workload. The farm collaborates with the Thurston Conservation District and is working to secure a grant to develop their farm. They plan to specialize in elderberry, aronia and green tea.
To engage directly with the community, Cosmic Carrot Farm will participate in the Yelm Farmers Market on occasional Saturdays as they gradually transition their focus to their farm stand.
On June 24, they will host their inaugural farm stand. It will coincide with the summer solstice. Veggie starts, flowers, perennials, pollinators, medicinal herbs, berries, native plants and tobacco will be available, along with flower bouquets homeware and potpourri. The farm stand will be open throughout the summer from 3 to 7 p.m. every Tuesday starting in July.
Neth said he draws support from his family with his operation. His three children lend a hand in the greenhouse by helping to pull weeds and plants. His father and mother-in-law have also contributed to the farm’s operations, which has fostered a strong sense of familial unity and shared passion.
Cosmic Carrot Farm envisions itself as a four-season establishment. They plan to offer crops during the fall and winter months. In July, they will take advantage of the favorable conditions the month provides to introduce plant starts tailored for gardeners who want to establish their winter gardens.
The origin of the farm’s name, Cosmic Carrot, stemmed from a group text discussion among friends, who own an herbalism school, and its whimsy and spiritual orientation resonated deeply with both.
“Our neighbors have also been super excited and supportive,” Neth said. “We’ve connected with a number of people through Yelm Facebook groups and have been able to trade plants with neighbors. The Yelm community has been pretty supportive of the farm.”
Those interested in learning more about Cosmic Carrot Farm can visit their website at cosmiccarrotfarm.com.
