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.
Celebrate National Ag Day at the State Capitol!
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Agriculture and Farming Heading into 2025
Learn more, just click the photos!
These are troubling times for WA farmers
by Ron Muzzall, owner of 3 Sisters Farm and a WA state Senator
"When farmers struggle, it’s not just their livelihoods at stake — it’s our communities, our economy and our food security....
One of the most concerning aspects of this crisis is the misinformation surrounding agriculture. To secure a future for farming, we must foster a deeper understanding of its complexities and challenges. Let us ensure that when the sun sets over Washington’s fields, it sets on thriving farms and hopeful futures. Let us work together to keep the gate open for generations to come."
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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 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. 
“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 
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. 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.
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.
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. |
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. 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. Tour a WA farm Farming Highlight: Skagit County Tulip Festival 2025 Open 9am-5pm, 7 days a week during tulip season (expected April 1-30)15245 Bradshaw Road, Mount Vernon, WA Click here for more information: Tulip Festival Learn more about the annual Tulip Festival Poster pictured below, click here: Tulip Poster 
Legislative Highlight Dent's ag exemption bill for CCA costs moving forward Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, is working to fulfill lawmakers' promise to exempt Washington farmers and ranchers from cap-and-trade fuel taxes in a newly proposed bipartisan bill. “Finding a solution is a challenge,” Dent said in a public hearing. “We know that, but a promise was made, and we need to find a way to keep that promise.” HB 1912, in its substituted form, would strengthen the tracking and registration of exempt fuel sales by requiring fuel sellers to report to their suppliers, aiming to ensure farmers do not pay the cap-and trade surcharge. The bill has been amended since its introduction with more amendments to be expected according to Dent. “We're trying to get it where it works, as close as we can for everybody,” he said. 
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