PUYALLUP, Wash. — Visitors to McMillin Farm in Puyallup might not be surprised to find a produce stand on the property. But what about a brewhouse? And a wedding venue?
Entrepreneur Matt Avila says the days when a 40-acre farm could support a family are gone.
"Just planting the crops and harvesting crops wouldn't pay for your labor, the seed, the gas all the implements that go along with that, " Avila said. "So we're incorporating more of agri-tourism with our events and we're having a great time."
The secret, Avila says, is diversification. And we don't mean rotating crops.
That's why Avila already has a brewhouse on the farm where his McMillin Pineapple Express is already a hit with visitors.
The produce stand sells his Avila Gorilla Hot Sauce which has inspired an annual hot sauce festival at the end of July.
Avila also has plans for a distillery, food truck and weekend events like an upcoming night market on Friday, July 14. There are goats on the property and plans for a small amphitheater way in the back.
"We're all first-generation farmers here so every day is a learning experience," Avila said.
The farm's primary purpose is to raise crops.
"We grow our pumpkins, rhubarb, corn and green beans," Avila said. " We have 30 different types of peppers from mild to super hots, kale, and tomatoes. Everything that we could possibly grow in the Northwest we'll grow here at the farm."
McMillin Farm is located just outside Orting on WA Hwy 162. The farm is open every day of the week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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