The Forgeys, Asotin County


By Trista Crossley
Editor

This harvest, Brad and Jody Forgey welcomed the newest member of the family, grandson Bryer, who is shown being held by their daughter, Shelby’s, fiancé, Scott Slaybaugh.
This harvest, Brad and Jody Forgey welcomed the newest member of the family, grandson Bryer, who is shown being held by their daughter, Shelby’s, fiancé, Scott Slaybaugh.

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 newest members of the family, their daughter, Shelby’s, fiancé, Scott Slaybaugh, and their son, Bryer.

Unlike many farmers, harvest is not Brad’s favorite part of farming. He calls himself a sower, not a reaper. 

“I really enjoy seeding more than harvest,” he said. “I never got gung-ho about harvest; I just want to get it done. I don’t like the getting ready part because I’m going to find something that is broken. If it can go wrong, it will, and a lot of the time, I’m literally a one-man-band.”

During the 2024 harvest, Brad’s brother-in-law, Bruce Petty, was lending a hand by hauling wheat to the elevator. Once Brad’s harvest was done, he planned to return the favor by hauling Petty’s wheat. While Brad and Petty may be family, Brad explained that that closeness extends through the local community.

“The whole ridge around here, the main Flats, it’s like family. We will squabble, and we will fight, but one year, I needed a pacemaker, and the neighbors pitched in and helped hay. Brit (Ausman, a neighbor) showed up and sprayed my chem fallow,” he said. “It really is nice in a farming community. When the chips are down, we tend to help each other out.” 

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