The Farm

Orange Star Farm, established in 2016, is located just outside of the city of Monroe on acreage that runs along Woods Creek. We've got rich, well draining soil and good pastures that allows us to grow all shapes, sizes and species of flora and fauna.  We source seeds from all over to find just the right variety that takes into consideration not only taste, texture and beauty but also hardiness. This means heirloom varieties and others that were bred for flavor and presentation and not just production, we do not grow GMO seed. We also grow edible flowers and perennial herbs.  We are always working to better connect the wild, natural systems on our farm with the cultivated ones, integrating perennials, trees, and shrubs to prevent erosion, water loss and better balance all the systems on our farm.

Soil is truly what we grow. Rich, dark soil holds moisture and that is what we support and maintain. We are dedicated to building soil biology and structure to better weather coming climate changes and other crises. The farm has developed A LOT from the bare pasture that was there in 2016. It is an ecosystem where things grow, die, decompose and grow again. This farm is a thriving, animated ecosystem that harnesses the power of the sun and soil into the food you eat.

Growing practices

What we grow is important but even more important than that is how we grow it.  Orange Star Farm is committed to ecologically sound growing and follows a system that relies on the natural systems of the soil and nature. We don't use any synthetic herbicides/pesticides or fertilizers and strive to make our growing systems as closed and as regenerative as possible. We do not use GMO seeds and 99% of the varieties we grow are open pollinated. We grow beautiful, flavorful and fresh produce while supporting soil and other living natural systems. The plants thrive and are resilient enough to ward off pest infestations and diseases. We are not certified organic by the USDA but hold ourselves to a high standard and are always learning from our own experiences as well as those of our farming friends. Farming is change and we always strive to improve the way we grow.  We hope that all of our products, whether produce, eggs or meat speak for themselves, regardless of our certifications.  We are deeply committed to principles of organic practices, land stewardship and animal welfare so feel free to contact us or ask us questions if you have them.

The Land

Place matters. We farm along Woods Creek not far from where it meets the Skykomish River. The Snohomish River begins a short distance from there at the confluence of the Snoqualmie River and the Skykomish. These waterways and the land surrounding them are the ancestral lands of the Tulalip Tribes - the direct descendants of and the successors in interest to the Snohomish, Snoqualmie, Skykomish and other allied bands signatory to the 1855 Treaty of Point Elliott. The preservation and ecological resilience of this land so that future generations can live resiliently here is the most important part of my work.

Settler colonialism, white supremacist policies, and land grabs are responsible for the trauma, exclusions and racism subjected upon Indigenous People, Black and other people of color from colonization until today. Land ownership is a direct result of those racist policies. I work to honor this land everyday with the understanding that, while a piece of paper says that we own this land, it belongs to all of us.

The Farmer

Farmer Libby runs the day to day operations on the farm and Phil is the Managing Librarian at the Monroe Public Library by day and by night the best Farm Assistant (and husband) any gal could ask for.  Our farm dogs, Jodo and Sofie, round out the rest of our family and are (mostly) as sweet as they come, hearty eaters of farm veggies and always ready to work!

This is a farm where the everyday details of farming and life are just as important as the overarching plan.  We want to bring food to families and restaurants in Snohomish and King Counties and give rare and heirloom varieties and uncommon produce a place in today's food culture. We want to give back to our community by growing fairly priced fresh, healthy food for all.  Nutrition, abundance, beauty, care, creativity, giving - just a few words that describe Libby's day to day approach at Orange Star Farm.