Crawford Berries 'n Cream opens for season

Russ and Jennifer Crawford are the owners of Crawford Berries 'n Cream, a crowd favorite in Columbia County. Both are Rainier natives and Jennifer grew up on a dairy farm two miles from where they currently live. The two picked berries for Russ's parents and Russ milked cows for Jennifer's parents. This history led to the naming of Berries 'n Cream, a blend of the two.

Russ's parents originally operated the berry farm as a cannery and retired in 1989 with the Crawfords taking over operations in 1991 to offer fresh market sales. The majority of the crops are Shuksan strawberries which cover eight acres. "They're the best for flavor, for fresh eating and for jams," said Jennifer. "They're shaped well for freezing and a good color; overall it's a superior berry. We started out growing different varieties but the Shuksan always won out."

The strawberry season is quick - only about four weeks - depending on the weather. They also offer a smaller selection of marionberries and six different varieties of blueberries, which will be ready after mid-July.

During the season, you can find baskets and berry flats at stands in Rainier located next to the Chevron station, in the Rainier Community Church of God parking lot seven days a week starting at 11 a.m. until sold out. Scappoose has a stand as well, located in Grumpy's Towing parking lot. They can also be found Saturdays at the Cowlitz Community Farmers Market. In-town prices are $47 for a whole flat; $24 for a half flat; and $4.50 for a pint.

"We only pick what we're selling for the day," said Jennifer. "On the side, we also sell jams and pie fillings, salsa and relish, and baked goods. During the off season, we do pop up sales with all of that but, during berry season, we just sell the jams and pie filling."

Those wanting to take a trip out to the farm can pre-order for pick-up by calling ahead and leaving a name, number of flats, day and time for order, and a phone number. The cost for a flat ordered by calling ahead is $42 a flat and $22 for a half flat. They do not fill orders on Saturdays and do not take orders at the stands or the Cowlitz market. There is also a U-Pick option that's open daily from 1-7 p.m. at a cost of $3 per pound.

For those wanting to take the drive out to the farm, it's advised to visit the website for directions, as GPS will result in an unplanned countryside tour.

To keep up with harvest season, the Crawfords regularly hire local teenagers. "Farming isn't something you can sustain your life on," said Jennifer. "Buying produce is supporting your local grower. They work hard and the reward is the sales. It's not just supporting us, it's also supporting the local youth and teaching them how to work and about work ethic. They make some cash and the majority of the time kids come back year after year and that makes us feel good."

Crawford Berries 'n Cream farm is located at 68660 Whitney Rd. The stand accepts cash, card (with a three percent processing fee), and checks (made payable to Crawford Berries 'n Cream) with a phone number. For more info, call 503-556-1247 or email crawfordberriesncream@live.com. Driving directions are available at crawfordberriesncream.com.