Whatcom Family Farmers

08/27/2026

Much has changed since our last official update in January of 2026. This edition focuses on water — the adjudication, flooding, and where collaborative efforts stand. There is a lot to cover, and not all of it is easy reading. But there is genuine reason for encouragement, and we want to make sure you have the full picture.

Update has been posted in the comments.

08/25/2026

An Okanogan County PUD Commissioner, rancher and lineman for the Nespelem Valley Electric Cooperative, joins Dillon with an update on the fires and deeper insight into how a shift in land management philosophy by state and federal agencies created a recipe for disaster.

https://savefamilyfarming.org/public-official-rancher-wildfire-devastation-resulted-from-ignoring-longtime-land-stewards/

08/22/2026

“The Harvest Is Coming, and It’s Going to Be Good”

Head to the comments to read the latest message from Whatcom Family Farmers' Executive Director, Fred Likkel.

08/15/2026

Attention Dairy West producers:
"Dairy West is excited to partner with Lasso - grant writer to help farmers access funding for on-farm projects and improvements.

"Lasso helps identify grant opportunities, complete applications and manage the grant process from start to finish—saving farmers time while increasing access to available funding opportunities.

"Talking with Lasso is always free. There is no cost to have an introductory conversation, learn how grant funding works or explore which programs may fit your project. If Dairy West approves your project for a specific grant program, Dairy West will also cover Lasso's grant-writing fees."

Learn more in the comments.

08/13/2026

⭐ We’re getting ready for the 11th annual Whatcom Farm Circle, happening November 3-6, and we need your help!

🔎 Each year, we invite nearly 1,000 third graders to explore Whatcom County agriculture, meet local farmers, and discover the many pathways that make our agricultural community thrive, from berries, dairy, and potatoes to water quality, wildlife, and technology.

💚 This experience is only possible because of the incredible support of our community. Together, we are instilling a love for agriculture in the next generation.

💫 Want to be part of this year’s Whatcom Farm Circle? Sponsor the event or volunteer with us! Find details and learn more about the event posted in the comments.

08/12/2026

We are happy to share that we had another successful Farm to Forest Tour hosted by Whatcom Family Farmers and Hampton Lumber last week!

This year's tour featured an active harvest unit on industrial forestland, a visit with Alex Williams of Williams Blueberry Farm in Everson, speakers, and conversations focused on working lands in our region.

Attendees heard directly from local agriculture and forestry professionals about stewardship, resource management, current challenges, and the future of these industries in Whatcom County.

Thank you, especially, to our community leaders for coming to this event!

08/11/2026

Thank you to the Lynden Tractor Trot and all who participated in the event for your generous contribution to Whatcom Family Farmers - Education. Together, you raised over $9,000 to support our education programs! We are grateful for your support. 🌱

Courtesy photo to The Lynden Tribune
Pictured are, from left, Caitlyn Olson (from Whatcom Family Farmers), Lynden Tractor Trot committee members Julie Kroontje and Sam Barker, Fred Likkel (Whatcom Family Farmers) and Lynden Tractor Trot committee members Gayle and Blair Scott. (Courtesy photo)

08/07/2026

Wildfire is again wreaking havoc across parts of Washington state, devastating farms and ranches as well as homes and entire communities.

While many have been led to believe that climate change is to blame for this destructive new trend of massive fire storms, state mismanagement of forests and rangeland are a major part of this recipe for disaster that’s almost never talked about.

Rancher Rod Haeberle has grazed cattle in the high country near Okanogan, WA for decades, and joins Dillon to explain the harmful changes he’s seen in the state’s approach to land management that primed these critical areas for the havoc that’s unfolding now.

🎧 Head to the comments to start listening to this important conversation now.

08/04/2026

"Ecology, however, did not explain why it took 24 years to implement the rule, nor why it changed standing practice without seeking comments from the public or lawmakers."

This adds yet another complication for Whatcom farmers making changes to conserve and steward our water resources and grow food, in the midst of an ever-expanding bureaucratic nightmare surrounding water rights.

https://capitalpress.com/2026/07/29/washington-ecology-baffles-engineers-with-new-twist-on-old-rule/

New rule will increase costs for farmers drilling wells or otherwise changing water withdrawals The Washington Department of Ecology abruptly told water conservancy boards it will reject changes to water […]