I’ve walked past Stoffel Farm’s stand many times over the last several years at Everett Farmers Market and have even picked up some of their delicious bratwursts on a couple of occasions. A few weeks ago, as I was walking up Wetmore Avenue at the new market location, I noticed that the person staffing the table, who turned out to be Stoffel family member Isaiah Kombol, was wearing a shirt that stated “4 Generations”.
Wanting to learn more about this and their products at the market, I headed north to their farm for a visit with owner Dana Stoffel, Kombol’s mother-in-law. Their family farm is located in rural Arlington, WA a couple of miles west of Interstate 5 on a five acre plot. Once there, you immediately hear the sounds of pigs grunting along with the occasional rooster who makes himself known.
Stoffel and her husband Dan started Stoffel Family Farm in 1979. Prior to that she had horses and eventually started a dairy farm. It was a 4-H project gone crazy as she put it to me. These days the farm is purely a family operation with Stoffel’s daughter and son-in-law doing much of the work (as well as Dana’s grandson when he’s home from college). They also have full time jobs as a social worker and medical assistant.
Admittedly, their products cost a bit more than what can be found on sale at your local supermarket. This is due to their meticulous “birth to butcher” process which provides proper time, space and feed for the animals. Additionally, USDA procedures at certified facilities are strictly adhered to. The bottom line is that it results in a taste and texture experience that is a cut above (if you’ll forgive the pun) most other sources. And unlike most processes there is no water added to the products.
Stoffel has been participating at the market for five years, so I asked what her thoughts are on the move from the waterfront to downtown. Although she misses the water view, the crowds are as large as ever. The biggest selling items have changed as well. At the old location it was ground pork that was number one. Downtown, she mentioned, people seem to be going for the bratwursts.
In addition to ground pork and brats (of many varieties), one can buy ribs, pork cuts, roast and bacon. Writing this just now has sealed the decision that I’ll be buying some pepper bacon from them on Sunday. (Note: I have yet to meet anyone who does not like the smell and taste of good bacon).
In addition to ground pork and brats (of many varieties), one can buy ribs, pork cuts, roast and bacon. Writing this just now has sealed the decision that I’ll be buying some pepper bacon from them on Sunday. (Note: I have yet to meet anyone who does not like the smell and taste of good bacon).
As far as community markets are concerned, Stoffel Farms is exclusively at Everett Farmers Market. However, customers can also make special orders with the farm by contacting them directly.
For more information on Stoffel Farms, find them at the market, on Facebook or call them at 360-652-8176
Joe Clark is a retired Boeing Project Manager. He enjoys volunteering, writing, exercise, discovering new things in Snohomish County, and trying to grow the perfect jalapeno peppers at his Bayside P-Patch plot.