Apples to Wheat ~ #WAFarms
Caring for America
Even though WA state is the # 1 US producer of apples and the # 3 US producer of wheat, and one of the leading exporters of agricultural products in the country, the challenges that our local farms face in a global marketplace are adding up. Many farms are struggling with increased costs, burdensome regulations and water issues.
This CFA project is an opportunity to bring awareness and advocacy of our farms to membership. We can share the joy of buying and eating local foods and promote activities and legislation that supports farming.
Be sure to visit our page every week as we update information and
highlight farms and activities!
Check out our stories below and find out what our clubs and members are doing to participate. Enjoy links to activities, recipes and other information, too.
This CFA project is an opportunity to bring awareness and advocacy of our farms to membership. We can share the joy of buying and eating local foods and promote activities and legislation that supports farming.
Be sure to visit our page every week as we update information and
highlight farms and activities!
Check out our stories below and find out what our clubs and members are doing to participate. Enjoy links to activities, recipes and other information, too.
Agriculture Security
USDA's National Farm Security Action Plan, announced under Secretary Rollins' Make Agriculture Great Again initiative, safeguards our food supply, strengthens infrastructure, & defends U.S. ag innovation from foreign adversaries.
The National Farm Security Action Plan elevates American agriculture as a key element of our nation’s security, addressing urgent threats from foreign adversaries and strengthening the resilience of our nation’s food and agricultural systems
Farm Security is National Security
USDA's National Farm Security Action Plan, announced under Secretary Rollins' Make Agriculture Great Again initiative, safeguards our food supply, strengthens infrastructure, & defends U.S. ag innovation from foreign adversaries.
The National Farm Security Action Plan elevates American agriculture as a key element of our nation’s security, addressing urgent threats from foreign adversaries and strengthening the resilience of our nation’s food and agricultural systems
Farm Security is National Security
Whatcom's Water Crisis
From Whatcom Family Farmers
Whatcom’s water crisis won’t solve itself.
Our streams are drying, salmon are suffering, and farmers are caught in the middle. Despite decades of meetings and reports, we still lack concrete, shovel-ready water solutions.
Meanwhile, the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan proves that collaboration can work. There, tribes, farmers, local governments and State agencies joined forces to fund storage, restore streams, and secure reliable water — even during drought.
Whatcom deserves the same kind of bold, coordinated action.
The time for studies is over. The time for leadership and implementation is now.
Real projects.
Real timelines.
Real leadership.
Read the guest opinion from Fred Likkel & Eric Hirst on why we can’t afford to wait.
Fred Likkel is executive director of Whatcom Family Farmers, a farming advocacy group based in Whatcom County. Eric Hirst was an engineer and energy-policy analyst, and a lifelong environmentalist working on local water issues.
From Whatcom Family Farmers
Whatcom’s water crisis won’t solve itself.
Our streams are drying, salmon are suffering, and farmers are caught in the middle. Despite decades of meetings and reports, we still lack concrete, shovel-ready water solutions.
Meanwhile, the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan proves that collaboration can work. There, tribes, farmers, local governments and State agencies joined forces to fund storage, restore streams, and secure reliable water — even during drought.
Whatcom deserves the same kind of bold, coordinated action.
The time for studies is over. The time for leadership and implementation is now.
Real projects.
Real timelines.
Real leadership.
Read the guest opinion from Fred Likkel & Eric Hirst on why we can’t afford to wait.
Fred Likkel is executive director of Whatcom Family Farmers, a farming advocacy group based in Whatcom County. Eric Hirst was an engineer and energy-policy analyst, and a lifelong environmentalist working on local water issues.
July Harvest
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July is Hot Dog Month
Several companies in Washington State produce hot dogs and sausages. Uli's Famous Sausage, a local tradition in Seattle, has been making quality sausages for over four decades. Hempler's, headquartered in Ferndale, Whatcom County, is also a prominent producer, known for its private label beef hot dogs sold at Bob's Quality Meats. Additionally, Espi's Sausage and Tocino Co. is a Washington State Minority Women Owned Business Enterprise that produces hot dogs. Doggie Style Gourmet also sources high-quality beef from Spokane for their all-beef hot dogs and German sausages. Also check out Snake River Farms' Wagyu Hot dogs and Sausages |
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Good News Alerts
>Congressman Dan Newhouse calls for investigation into EPA Seattle’s coordination with ‘extreme environmental activists’
"the EPA Region 10 office in Seattle, Washington, and extreme environmental activist groups.” Newhouse said this collaboration resulted in Yakima’s Cow Palace dairy shuttering its operations, costing more than 120 local jobs and forcing the liquidation of its 7,500-head dairy herd."
>Congressman Dan Newhouse calls for investigation into EPA Seattle’s coordination with ‘extreme environmental activists’
"the EPA Region 10 office in Seattle, Washington, and extreme environmental activist groups.” Newhouse said this collaboration resulted in Yakima’s Cow Palace dairy shuttering its operations, costing more than 120 local jobs and forcing the liquidation of its 7,500-head dairy herd."
VETS on the FARM
Veterans are ready for a new mission and a way to transition back into civilian life and career.
Vets on the Farm provides a road map, tools, and contacts to help Vets transition into farming
and ranching or other conservation and agriculturally based opportunities.
Vets on the Farm is based on four core principles: Education, Internships, Employment, Information/Outreach.
Learn more about the program here
Follow them on Facebook here
WFRW Visits Leavenworth Reindeer Farm
During WFRW's Spring Board of Directors Meeting, members were treated to a visit to the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm.
After an education video about reindeer, members were able to walk around and feed the reindeer.
Several babies had been born recently too. A very fun time was had by all.
Learn more about the conservation of reindeer here: Reindeer Farm
Click the photos for a better view.
Washington Grown
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Food is what Washington Grown is all about! From the field to the plate and everything in between, Washington Grown will highlight the fantastic food scene and industry that makes Washington state a great place to enjoy hundreds of locally grown items. Washington Grown will tell the story of what Washington’s 300 crops provide to our meals, culture, economy, and world.
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Our Stories (click the photos to enlarge them and links are in blue or other color on your phone)
Ponderosa Republican Women had Vicki Carter, Spokane Conservation Director as their May speaker. Her presentation was on The Scale House Market and what it will mean to the Spokane area. The Scale House Market is an innovative community space located in the heart of Spokane County. This project transforms a landmark building into our region's first permanent, year-round farmers market and agricultural hub.
Learn more: The Scale House Market 
At Thurston County Women's Republican Club's March meeting local Pastor Doug Stolhand delivered an excellent talk about the life of bees, their characteristics and the process of producing honey. He also talked about natural beekeeping at his Woodland Creek Honey Farm in Olympia, the significance of having local bees, the apiaries he set up in the South Puget Sound region, and dealing with the problem of mites and local pesticides.
You can find a variety of his natural local honey products at Woodland Creek Honey Farm at the Olympia location. Check the website Woodland Creek Honey Farm A percentage of the money is donated to establishing clean wells and water internationally. He also donated an afternoon with a beekeeper for two to our Lincoln Day Dinner Auction that sold for over $150. In the bee photo, which one is the honey bee? Ponderosa Republican Women in Spokane County held their Whiskey, Wine and Why Not Event on Friday evening, February 7th at the Ruby River Hotel with guest speaker Bill Moos, former WSU athletic director. He and his wife Kendra own the Special K Ranch in the Palouse area of Eastern Washington. They are both members of Ponderosa RW.
Bill talked about his ranch and the importance of farmers and ranchers. It was a wonderful winter evening overlooking the Spokane River and listening to a reflection of the past, present and future of Eastern Washington. Learn more about the Special K Ranch<click here. WFRW's Fall Board of Directors Meeting/Biennial Convention - Harvest Celebration was attended by over 80 women on October 18-19th in Lynnwood, WA. Decorations and a photo booth supported our statewide Caring for America project, Apples to Wheat ~ #WAFarms. A Farm Panel Workshop took place Friday, October 18th. Pictured below is WFRW President Billie Jean Liedahl with the panel members: Senator Ron Muzzall and Shelly Muzzall who own 3 Sisters Farm; standing is Sue Lani Madsen, the panel moderator, who is a journalist and co-owner of Healing Hooves Ranch; Representative Mary Dye, 9th District, who co-owns a large wheat farm and Pam Lewison who co-owns JP Ranch and is the Washington Policy Center Agriculture Director. The farm panel was the highlight of the day. We not only learned about issues facing farmers, but how much these farmers love their land, love their way of life and how they produce food to feed others. The audience was full of questions. The interaction with the panel was educational and exciting. We all learned a lot and felt the passion these farmers have for what they do.
WFRW member, Colleen Wise is looking after 4 ladies from Vietnam studying at TCC. This is their first time in the US. Over the weekend they had an adventure at the Puyallup Farmers Market.
It was an enjoyable experience for all of them. 
Congratulations to WFRW member, Sierra Elliott, on winning a BBQ dinner from Jensen Farms at the Ellensburg rodeo. Sierra and her hubby enjoyed it!
Jensen Farms is a u-pick pumpkin patch and farm store. They hold special events through-out the year. “Women in Agriculture in Whatcom County”. The goal of the Republican Women of Whatcom County was to highlight women who play significant roles in their farms and businesses and learn what they do. On November 5th the club had a special event with women farmers as guest speakers. Each one was unique in their roles in a family business and their passion was evident. Pictured but not in order Club President Jennifer Sefzik Julie Enfield, with Enfield Farms Brianna Widen, co-founder of Windor Farms Shannon Smith of MyShan Dairy Ashton Beanblossom of Beanblossom Acres Legacy Custom Ag, Kara Teachman Bothell/North King Republican Women welcomed Chanelle Tyack from King/Pierce County Farm Bureau as their July 15th speaker in support of WFRW's Caring for America project Apples to Wheat ~ #WAFarms. They had a wonderful afternoon with the lovely Chanelle Hyack. She spoke to the challenges that our agriculture industry is up against and how that relates to the food we put on our tables every day.
Ashley Butenschoen, member of Republican Women of Whatcom County and Young Republicans participated in the Raspberry Festival In Lynden on July 19-20. Not only was she and others promoting raspberry sundaes, but voter registration and Secure Your Vote.
A WFRW member just received a package she ordered from River's Edge Lavender Farm. She says the lavender linen spray is the best.
You can find the River's edge Lavender Farm at the Puyallup Farmers Market at booth #71 through October 12th. What a great way to support WFRW's Caring for America project and our local farm producers. WFRW Virtual Club members, Deon Payne and Carolyn Williams met Stacy Carpenter from Hop'n Ridge Ranch at a local market day event during June in Spokane. Stacy explained their new wool pellet product. They take wool that would otherwise be waste and make a soil amendment for your house plants and gardens. Wool pellets wick and maintain moisture when placed near the roots. Wool slowly releases nitrogen, helps to aerate the root zone, and breaks down to leave some beneficial nutrients in the soil. They bought several bags to use in their house plants at home. This farming family are true innovators and conservationists. If you would like to order the wool pellets, email the Carpenters: [email protected] Cascade Republican Women's Club, lead by President Jeri Taylor-Swade, embraced the project of assisting a local farmer. They organized two work parties at Flooded Riveranch in Duvall. Jeremy Turner, the farmer, is a young man with a very young family of three, including a newborn. While he and his wife manage the ranch together, she recently gave birth and is caring for their other young children at home, leaving Jeremy to handle everything himself.
Jeremy has faced numerous challenges, including stringent WA State Regulations that have hindered his efforts to convert his barn into a wedding venue for additional income. Despite these setbacks, he continues to explore various ways to sustain his family. .Club members stepped up to support him. During their first visit on May 15th, they helped with weeding, cleaning the greenhouse, and watering. On the second visit on May 23, they assisted in harvesting peonies, sorting and bucketing the flowers, and weeding another greenhouse. They thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie, the outdoor work, and the satisfaction of knowing their "Helping Hands" made a significant difference for Jeremy. |
Debbie Campbell and Sharon Trumble may be Ponderosa Republican Women's table decor duo, but they are much more than that. They are sisters raised on the Emtman family farm in Fairfield. And now they have established The Quonset at Rock Creek as a versatile space for a diverse range of special events, including weddings, birthdays, baby showers, retirement parties and more.
For more information and to see photos click The Quonset. Apples to Wheat Activities, Recipes & Resources (links in blue or other color on your phone) Please visit often as these will be updated as crops and seasons change. Vashon Strawberry Festival - July 18th The Vashon Island Strawberry Festival, a cherished tradition since the early 1900s, celebrates Vashon Island’s rich agricultural heritage and vibrant community spirit. Originally started to commemorate the once-flourishing strawberry farming on the island, the festival has evolved into a dynamic event featuring parades, live music, and an array of local vendors. Washington the best place on earth to grow Apples Washington Wheat Foundation Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland to ensure the continued economic viability of Skagit County agriculture and its required infrastructure. Save Family Farming - Advocacy, Education, Outreach Eat Local First - A WA food and farm finder to connect you with local farms and producers. Recipes from WA State Beef Commission Recipes from WA grown crops Recipes from Dairy Farmers of WA Download the Ice Age Floods Ebook from WA Wheat Foundation and learn how they affected agriculture and wheat production in WA. Learn about Senate Republican's Cultivate Washington Agenda Agriculture blogs from Washington Policy Center's Center Agriculture Director, Pam Lewison, who is also a farmer. Farming Highlight: Farmers Markets are gearing up and are ready to showcase their produce and other products. Find Farmers Markets Near You 
Legislative Highlight Washington’s agricultural industry is one of the most varied and productive in the United States. Key Takeaways
Have you heard of the Lost Apple Project?
The project seeks to identify and preserve apple varieties in Eastern Washington, Northern Idaho, and Oregon that were once thought to be extinct. David Benscoter and his volunteers have found over 29 such apple varieties since he discovered the "Nero" growing on Steptoe Butte in 2015.He estimates that over 17,000 named varieties of apples once grew in North America, of which approximately 4,500 survive today. During the past few years, they have found many apples on homesteads that are considered heritage apples that are not lost. Two of their favorite apples are Fall Pippin and Washington Royal. A Fall Pippin tree was found near Deer Park, WA, and another tree near Pullman. The Washington Royal was found on Steptoe Butte. Both apples ripen in September and are delicious! There is a book available on Amazon: Lost Apples Follow the project on Facebook 
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