Luke Fitzpatrick’s farm is unusual by U.S. agricultural standards. Much of the 80 acres that make up Santiam Valley Ranch outside of Turner in Marion County is underwater. While his mother’s adjacent land is used for livestock and terrestrial crops, Fitzpatrick’s main agricultural product is fish.
Fitzpatrick grew up on a farm but went to school to study forestry. Now he uses his knowledge of biology and conservation to farm in a way that brings his land closer to its natural state. His ponds grow several species of fish, including largemouth bass, bluegill and black crappie. The byproducts of these animals provide nutrients to grow fertile rice paddies.
A portion of Fitzpatrick’s farm is being converted back into its original state of wetland prairie through a federal conservation project. This easement, along with rice and ducks, provides several sources of income. But the fish remain the main cash crop…
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