Thank you to everyone who filled out our Annual Reader's Survey! You were generous with your time, and we promise to make the most of every minute you spent. Hearing directly from our readers is invaluable — we will work with new insights and inspiration.

What did we learn? You enjoy stories that look at real people within the food system — the farmers, ranchers, cheesemakers, food processors, and community activists — rather than celebrity chefs and the trendiest restaurants. We discovered that many of you want to learn more about Oregon’s oyster harvesting and fishing communities. You appreciate the quality of our advertisements. (Hoorah!) And when we hit it right, our photos and recipes make you hungry for farm-fresh food.

Our 1st, 50th, and 500th respondents have received word that we will be treating them to dinner with a sweetie or a pal at Castagna, Nostrana, and Three Square Grill, respectively. We wish them delicious meals.

Please stay tuned for more opportunities to give us feedback. Until then, good luck to all of our little tomato plants that are dreaming of the sun — warm, sunny days are here at last!