Mustard Seed Farms to Close as Owners Announce Retirement
NEWBERG, Ore. — Mustard Seed Farms will close this spring as longtime owners David and Nancy Brown retire after years of serving the Newberg community.
The Browns announced their retirement in a recent Facebook post, saying they are stepping away after “many faithful years of farming and serving the Newberg and surrounding community.”
The farm’s final crop is expected to wrap up in April, after which operations will cease.
“After many faithful years of farming and serving the Newberg and surrounding community, David and Nancy Brown are excited to announce that they are officially retiring,” the post states.
The post encouraged community members who have visited the farm, purchased produce or created memories there to share stories and words of appreciation.
“Let’s fill this post with encouragement and gratitude so David and Nancy can read through them and see just how much they mean to all of us,” the announcement reads.
While the closure marks the end of the farm’s operations, the Browns described the retirement as the beginning of a “well-earned new chapter.”
Learn more at the Mustard Seed Farm Facebook page.
George Fox University Earns 2026 Best Christian Workplace Certification
NEWBERG, Ore. — George Fox University has been certified as a 2026 “Best Christian Workplace,” a designation awarded to a select group of higher education institutions nationwide.
The recognition comes from Best Christian Workplaces, a nonprofit that evaluates Christian-led organizations on employee engagement and workplace culture. George Fox is one of 10 higher education institutions in the past two years to receive the certification. In 2025, nine institutions earned the distinction.
According to the organization, 62 higher education institutions have participated in the review process over the past five years, with 34% receiving certification.
“We are humbled and energized to be certified as a Best Christian Workplace,” said Nichole Drew, vice president of people and culture. “This milestone represents our commitment to prioritizing and pursuing a flourishing employee culture. Our greatest asset has always been our people, and this achievement reflects the intentional care we invest in our employees so they are equipped and inspired to impact our Christ-centered culture and the students we serve.”
The certification is based in part on feedback from an anonymous employee engagement survey consisting of more than 50 questions. The survey evaluates eight areas: Fantastic Teams, Life-Giving Work, Outstanding Talent, Uplifting Growth, Rewarding Compensation, Inspirational Leadership, Sustainable Strategy, and Healthy Communication.
Best Christian Workplaces conducts research-based health assessments and coaching for churches, schools, businesses, and nonprofits. The organization’s first survey was published as a cover story in Christianity Today in April 2003. Since then, it has surveyed more than 1,000 churches, nonprofits, businesses, and educational institutions worldwide.
George Fox is Oregon’s largest private university, serving more than 4,000 students at its Newberg campus and teaching centers in Portland and Redmond. The university offers more than 60 undergraduate programs, accelerated online degrees for working adults, and 21 master’s and doctoral degrees.
Disclosure: Newsberg Founding Editor Branden Andersen serves on the Newberg Downtown Coalition board with Nichole Drew.
