Joshua Hall from 3DogCider
In 2018, the Lewis County Farm Bureau began organizing an annual Ag Tour to celebrate local farmers and spotlight their challenges, needs, and, most importantly, the remarkable products they cultivate. This year’s event underscored the crucial connection between farming and consumer access.
The tour kicked off at the Southwest Washington Food Hub in Chehalis, which operates a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. This model allows consumers to receive seasonal produce directly from local farms through a membership arrangement. Participants pay a monthly fee to collect their share of fresh produce at various drop sites, including Rochester, Tenino, Lacey, Olympia, and Chehalis.
The next highlight was a visit to the Port of Chehalis’s newly launched grain loading facility. This facility aims to streamline the distribution of bulk grains, enhancing the efficiency of getting agricultural products to market.
The tour then proceeded to Hop Frog Farm in Onalaska, managed by Jordan Cohen and Sarah Schubert. Formerly a Seattle bartender, Cohen now focuses on sustainable organic microgreens and herbs while preserving local wildlife habitats. The couple is also dedicated to restoring their historic barn, which is now listed on the state historic registry.
From Onalaska, the tour continued to Morton, where guests explored an edible fruit tree nursery operated by James and Rye Owens. Set against the backdrop of Mt. Rainier, the 20-acre nursery specializes in growing and selling saplings rather than the fruit itself, providing a unique agricultural product to the community. Fruits included apples, plums, pears, and exotics such as the Phoenix Tear Goji berry.
Pan American Blueberry Growers in Mossyrock showcased their expansive blueberry farm and captivated guests with a hawk demonstration. The farm employs falconry to protect its crops from birds such as robins, sparrows, and waxwings, utilizing natural predators to deter these pests.
The final stop before dinner was 3 Dog Cider and Brewstillery in Ethel, owned by Joshua Hail. Hail’s seven-acre apple orchard, which currently features 300 trees, is set to expand to 700. The apples are processed into cider and sold directly at the orchard, exemplifying a true farm-to-table product.
The day concluded with a meal at the Veteran’s Memorial Museum, featuring dishes prepared from local produce and beef, completing the farm-to-table experience.
To support the Lewis County Farm Bureau’s efforts, individuals can become a Friend of Farmers for $20 a year. For more information on their initiatives and to join, visit wsfb.com.
