Nate Tilley, Co-Founder & Lead Brewer

Back in his early twenties, while studying mathematics and philosophy at Oregon State University, Nate developed a serious passion for homebrewing in his garage. With a fervor to understand all aspects of the world of brewing, he attended the fermentation science classes offered at OSU and joined the team at Corvallis Brewing Supply to manage the homebrew shop. Before too long, 10 taps poured "Nate Brew" out of 3 kegorators in his garage. At this point it seemed natural to transition to a more professional operation. Over the years, Nate and many others have helped shape Agrarian into what it is today. Nate built the brewing system still in use here at Agrarian, while spearheading many other creations of necessity you see around the grounds, from the hop baler to the merchandise cabinet in the brewery.  

After wearing many hats at Agrarian, from construction to experimentation to operation, Nate has transitioned from brewery development to farm and project management and back. This gives him a unique perspective from which he can view the brewing process as a complete whole from rhizome to bottle. Now firmly in place where the passion behind the inspiration all began, Nate is leading the brewhouse upward and onward. As such, he continues with intention to explore the cusp of interesting and historic brewing styles and techniques while seeking to incorporate ingredients grown on the farm and wild-harvested.

In his spare time, Nate enjoys spending time with his wife Ariana and their two children - camping, at the beach, spending time in the garden, or anywhere else in the beautiful state of Oregon. Nate also loves woodworking and renovating his family’s home. He is currently deep in the creative design and construction of a tiny home with curved edge and round windows! 

Jenna Simonson, Tasting Room Manager

Jenna Simonson, Agrarian’s Tasting Room Manager, has been instrumental in helping create the down-to-earth, friendly vibe at Agrarian. Promoting the ‘Farmily’ of employees we have here at Agrarian is a big part of why she’s such a highly-valued member of our team! Jenna grew up on a farm near Philomath with three brothers. Together, they made tree forts, rode horses, went hunting and ran around barefoot while snacking on blackberries, apples, and filberts. 

Jenna studied Ethnobotany, Mycology, Biology and Fine Arts, and worked for Wilt Farms and Shonnard’s Nursery before being hired by Agrarian in 2015. Jenna has been involved in nearly every aspect of Agrarian Ales; the farm, the Tasting Room and also as a brewery assistant.

Jenna is passionate about Homebrewing, and has been brewing at home for a little over seven years. Jenna specializes in kettle sour style brews. She is interested in living life as sustainably as possible, preserving & fermenting all types of food and beverages, gardening, farming, ethnobotany, edible mushrooms, hiking, camping, fiber arts, painting/drawing as well as family & friends. Jenna’s favorites: Color - Orange, Smell - Orange, Flavor - Orange!

Stephen Harrel, Farm Manager

Stephen started working for our Parent farm, Crossroad’s Farm, in June of 2016. He came from a picturesque Market and CSA farm in Elk Valley, Tennessee. There he was the Farm Manager, in charge of growing over 70 different varieties of organic vegetables including beets, cauliflower, leeks, butter beans, potatoes, and cow peas.

He also worked at a commercial mushroom farm, in Gallatin, Tennessee where they grew Shitakes, Lion’s Mane, several varieties of Oyster mushrooms and wild harvested many other species. He has always been very interested in learning about mycology and its integration into agricultural practices.

Some of his interests include writing, reading, traveling, enjoying great food, and agriculture. Through his agricultural experience, Stephen developed a keen interest in cooking and fermentation, specifically related to seasonably available fresh produce. In the past he developed his own line of chile sauces and powders, as well as other food products processed from his vegetables.

On Crossroad’s Farm in 2016, he started by picking and processing chile peppers, including preparing peppers and helping turn them into incredible hot sauces and chile powders. Starting in the beginning of 2017, Stephen has melded into working at both Crossroad’s Farm and has become the Farm Manager here at Agrarian. He is in charge of everything to do with the farm including cultivation, cover crops, our 15 varieties of organic hops, all the produce we use for our kitchen and brewery, the herb gardens, the landscape, and even a few maintenance projects along the way.

As the farm work starts to come to a slow point in the year, you may start seeing him blending into our tasting room staff on the weekends. As everyone is here at Agrarian, he is a multifaceted individual with an addition of motivation and organizational skills that he is happy to share with everyone here to help contribute to what makes Agrarian a great place to be.