Cloud Eleven Mountain Farm

It’s All About the Soil

Edward and Julie Newcomb didn’t start with rich farmland passed down through generations. Instead, they carved their farm—quite literally—out of the forest. On their ten-acre plot in Moyie Springs, ID, perched at 2,800 feet in the Purcell Mountain Range, they cleared the land by hand and began the painstaking process of building soil where there was little to begin with.

Their mission? To grow food in a way that respects the land, nurtures the soil, and feeds their community with produce rich in both nutrients and integrity.

Farming in North Idaho is no easy feat. The growing season is short—averaging just 90 frost-free days—and the native soil is little more than glacial silt. But Edward and Julie embrace the challenge. They amend their fields with local pond peat and organic matter, using permanently raised 30-inch beds to improve drainage and preserve soil structure. Hand tools do most of the work, keeping soil disturbance to a minimum and microbial life thriving.

It’s a methodical, intentional approach, rooted in the belief that truly great food starts with healthy soil. “It’s all about the soil,” they say. And they mean it.

To make the most of their limited growing window, the Newcombs utilize season extension techniques, planting in unheated high tunnels as early as February and moving to outdoor plantings by March. Over the years, their crop selection has expanded dramatically. What started as a small collection of vegetables has grown into a staggering 400 varieties of Certified Organic, Certified Naturally Grown, and Real Organic Project Certified produce.

For Edward and Julie, growing food organically isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s the only way forward. As passionate advocates for the Real Organic Project, they believe that organic certification should be more than a label; it should represent a true commitment to soil health, biodiversity, and ecological balance.

Their vision extends beyond their own farm. “I don’t want to see 5,000 farms doing this,” Edward says. “I want to see 500,000.”

They’re not just growing food—they’re growing awareness. At the Bonners Ferry Farmers Market, Cloud Eleven Mountain Farm is known for its “Soap Box,” an open invitation for customers to ask questions, engage in conversation, and learn more about what real organic farming looks like.

Through their Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, the Newcombs have built relationships with local families who invest in a season’s worth of produce. In return, Cloud Eleven invests in them—providing fresh, nutrient-dense food while strengthening the connection between grower and consumer.