Harvest
Harvest 2024
By October, most of the year’s wheat crop has been harvested, and growers have swapped out combines and bank-out wagons for planters and seed drills. This year’s wheat harvest was slightly ahead of average in timing, according to National Agricultural Statistics Service numbers. Most producers reported average to slightly better…
The Heatons, Whitman County
Like many farm families in Eastern Washington, the Heaton family’s roots go back more than 100 years, when Julia and Joe Stark settled near Hay, Wash., in 1908. The Starks, with their two daughters, Marie and Alice, grew wheat and raised cattle and hogs along the Snake River above what…
The Tannebergs, Douglas County
Before Doug and Kelsey Tanneberg’s family settled near Mansfield in Douglas County, they hopscotched across the country, from Denmark to Minnesota to Davenport, Wash., beginning in the late 1800s. The desire to raise cattle prompted another move west to St. Andrews, Wash. “I said to my granddad, Jens, ‘Why did…
The Forgeys, Asotin County
Brad and Jody Forgey’s farm sits high above Asotin on Anatone Flats, where one can see for miles. The farm was started by Brad’s great-grandfather and passed through his grandfather and uncle to him. They grow wheat, barley, hay, alfalfa, and raise calves. This year, the Forgey’s harvest included the…
Caution. Crossing ahead
With harvest right around the corner, local officials are asking growers to be aware of load limits on county bridges when they are moving equipment. Bridges without a load limit sign typically have a weight limit of 80,000 pounds or 40 tons. “Just be careful what you drive your big…
Windy Hill Ranch, Adams County
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…