It was a crisp, sunny Southern Oregon fall afternoon. As a proud Leaf Magazines journalist, I was given the celebratory annual assignment of the Harvest Issue garden review. So I set forth in pursuit, to hunt down the WildMan growing a plant-based remedy along the riverbanks of Applegate.
Owner-operator Elijah Rinaldi manages two recreational Cannabis gardens: WildMan Genetics and Remedy River Cannabis Farm. WildMan Genetics features premium cultivars hand-selected by Elijah — a testament to his commitment to the best genetics for processor collaborations and limited-run private reserves.
One eye-catching cultivar is the deep purple, full-bodied flower speckled with wide, neon green leaf tips; this Chile Verde’s hand-tailored cola development and glistening trichome structure are true signs of craftsmanship. With musty, cheesy notes that leave a fruity, spicy freshness biting at the nose, this gorgeous cultivar is nothing short of a winner. Chile Verde was one of more than 50 cultivars gracing the fields of Remedy River, a 120-acre, sun-grown farm managed by three dedicated farmhands. Like many others, this unique strain was grown exclusively by Remedy River Cannabis Farm and hand-selected as a standout cut for the WildMan Genetics 2024 cultivar selection.
Before rounding the corner to the farmhouse and chicken coups, a feeling of nostalgia strikes: a large, classy, mustard-yellow 1973 Seagrave firetruck adorns the corridors of the farm. It was purchased for its useful industrial-quality pump and the ability to move a large amount of water quickly at any given moment — an obvious benefit for a sun-grown farm that has recently witnessed unforgiving wildfires, leaving a mark on the Applegate Valley and surrounding neighbors. This was the first indication of entering WildMan territories, where agricultural farm guardians take problem-solving and protecting nature into their own hands.
As we entered the farm, we were greeted by Zelda, the tail-wagging farm companion pit bull, a few wild fawns grazing on the skirts of the lush green and the WildMan himself.
Elijah walked us down to the garden to meet two of his cherished farm hands: his father and younger brother. Together, with four to five additional harvest season employees, this team welcomes over 4,500 new, lush green ladies into the world of recreational Cannabis each year. The authenticity of this homestead farming approach, rooted in family and nature, was a refreshing discovery. The connection between generations brought warmth to me, highlighting the historic importance of family farming as a core value for those who honor this sacred agricultural practice.
Elijah is a Virginia Tech graduate of biological systems engineering with a focus on plant genetics. Armed with an applied education in industrial tobacco plant breeding, he has implemented unique, fully regenerative polyculture farming practices, such as a self-made catchment irrigation pond that provides a living, semiannual ecosystem for a school of tilapia. These fish complete a full lifecycle that generates high-quality nitrates to nourish the plants and surrounding wildlife. This harmonious ecosystem not only enhances the robust health of the crops but also exemplifies a holistic approach to farming that benefits the intricate balance of nature.
As we strolled through the flourishing rows, the complex aroma of fresh, exotic Cannabis terpenes filled the air. Among some favorite palate notes were the funky, skunky, garlic-buttery exotic genetics; the gassy, chemy, dank, sticky kush flowers; and the fresh, crisp, tangy, zesty linalool-laced sativa-dominant strains. Each cultivar told its own story — a narrative of dedication to unique, aromatically pungent flowers, evidence of an unwavering love for plant genetic exploration.
Remedy River is a vibrant ecosystem backed by a deep mulch regenerative growing methodology, using organic and low-intervention farming practices. Operating on two unique tier-two recreational garden licenses, this farm is robust and flourishing, with developed root masses and companion plants thriving alongside the Cannabis beds. The rich biodiversity provides a living sanctuary as part of a larger ecosystem.
As Elijah and I walked over to the chicken coops to let out the two-legged, feathered farm hands for their soil and pest manicuring task for the day, it became clear that the Remedy River team is committed to the purest expression of Cannabis cultivation by introducing full-circle, remedy-based practices and ecologically conscious methods.
Remedy River and WildMan Genetics are shining examples of what can be achieved when love for the land and the plant converge. The choice to create a living, organic sanctuary produces a happy, healthy, symbiotic garden that positively contributes to the ecological diversity of agricultural wildlife. Witnessing this slice of rich life reminds us of the bright future the Cannabis industry can promise — a future where full-circle, family farming and genetic exploration create a living remedy for the people and the planet.
Farm Facts
•120 acres of sun-grown polyculture farmland.
• 3 full-time farm hands with 5 to 6 additional hands during peak harvest season.
• 4,500+ plants harvested in one season.
• 50+ unique cultivars in production this season, including 25 hand-picked selections from elite local breeders.
• 10,000 pounds of total Cannabis will be harvested; 5,000 pounds of fresh-frozen material, plus 5000 pounds of cured sun-grown flower.
• 20+ retailers statewide carry The Remedy River WildMan Genetic’s exclusive cured flower.
• 5 processors statewide collaborate with Remedy River’s bulk harvest.
+ If you’re looking for concentrate vape options of WildMan Genetics, you can find Elijah’s favorites this season under the Entourage Cannabis label.
+ If full-bodied, premium sun-grown flower is calling your name, you can find Remedy River’s private reserve at The Herbsman in Medford, Oregon.
+ Remedy River private reserve concentrates can be found under Willamette Valley Alchemy, Moonwalk and Squishy Scientific labels.
+ The WildMan’s personal favorite, Great Day Smoke, is Garlicott 13 by StaeFli Farms Genetics. Its bright, apricot-citrus and linalool floral terpenes offer fresh, fruity daytime notes.
+ Great Night Smoke is the dank Sherb Bait 25 by StaeFli Farms Genetics, with a skunky, funky aroma that gives a distinct visual of your most recent culinary delight — the perfect paring of fresh, buttery mashed potatoes.
remedyriver.com | @remedy.river | wildmangenetics.com | @wildman_genetics
