In 1936, the state of Washington began a project to preserve the lore of its earliest pioneers. Elderly people receiving old age assistance through the State Department of Public Welfare were interviewed, and excerpts from those interviews were published in three volumes, the last one in 1938. “Told by the…
In a perfect prelude to the holiday season, producers, stakeholders, and industry supporters from Idaho, Oregon, and Washington gathered last month to hear industry updates, network, and do a little Christmas shopping, all in service to the Pacific Northwest small grains industry. The 2023 Tri-State Grain Growers Convention was held…
In Lincoln County, Josh and Katie Steward’s dream of establishing their first generation wheat farm has become a reality. It remains to be seen if it’s a dream shared by their children: Jack, 12; Sadie, 9; and Gracie, 4. “This was Katie and mine’s dream,” explained Josh. “If they don’t…
Mark and Brett Lambert are the fourth and fifth generations, respectively, to farm their family’s land near Dayton, Wash. They grow mostly dryland wheat, chickpeas, peas, alfalfa, and some cattle. They use direct seeding and no-till practices as much as possible. “I feel blessed with the opportunity to have such…
Speaking to Reid Phillips about his family’s farm, Windy Hill Ranch, it’s obvious how profoundly proud he is to be able to pass it to his son, Palmer. “It takes more than one generation to make a successful family farm or any farming operation,” Reid said. “You have to have…
For thousands of Washington wheat farmers, the 2023 harvest has wrapped up, and they are deep into seeding next year’s winter wheat crop. This year’s harvest came early and went fast. Most producers reported average to below-average yields with average quality. Producers north of Highway 2 battled snow mold issues,…
The road, up the hill, came to a “T”And I stopped at the red sign.After judging it was all clear for meI drove to my side of the line. Straight ahead, the focus of my stareUntil the view on the horizonCentered my thoughts on a fair pairOf plots highlighted by…
Every year, during the second full weekend in June, Bickleton, Wash., is overrun with horses, but only some of them are real. Tucked away on the west end of the Horse Heaven Hills in eastern Klickitat County, Bickleton, population 90, features an impressive list of gems: it hosts one of…
Nestled among rolling hills in Lincoln County, Harrington, Wash., is a town with a small population but surprising momentum. Turn-of-the-century buildings are in the process of being renovated, including the Electric Hotel and the former U.S. Bank building. Local businesses line the main street — you can buy a pair…
