Creek County Facebook Group Connects Farmers, Ranchers to Consumers

With concerns about the food supply chain and shortages at some grocery stores, more Oklahomans are turning directly to the source for their produce and meat.

One Creek County man wants to make it easier for farmers and ranchers to connect to people who want to buy those products.

Cody Jester made the rounds Tuesday, delivering his locally grown microgreens to some Broken Arrow restaurants.

"As soon as we cut and wash, we bring it to our clients," Jester said.

He started County Line Organics earlier this year, hoping to bring nutrient-rich vegetable sprouts to local chefs, but he said why stop there. Now he's giving the entire community a chance to buy directly from him.

"We want individuals to have those same benefits the chefs have," said Jester. 

That's when Cody got an invite to a Facebook group that helps connect people like him to people who want his product.

Brian Johnson is the creator of Creek County Farm to Family, a Facebook group where farmers and ranchers can connect with customers who want to buy directly from them. Johnson started the page earlier this month after seeing news about supply chain issues with grocery stores.

"There is no reason whatsoever for us to have to throw away, for our farmers and ranchers to have to throw away their goods," said Johnson.

His page now has more than 2,000 members, people who have farms and ranches of all sizes, selling everything under the sun.

"Jams, jellies, rhubarb plant, you know whatever you want really," Johnson said.

He wants people to get back in touch with farming, or at least back in touch with their neighbors.

"We've only got about a dozen neighbors on the road, and we all rely on one another," he said.