Whatcom Family Farmers

06/23/2026

Washington farmers are working to conserve water, improve irrigation efficiency, and grow food responsibly with the water resources they already have. But instead of working with farmers, the Department of Ecology is denying water-right changes that have historically been allowed and encouraged.

That is unacceptable!

State law directs Ecology to provide technical assistance and help water users achieve their goals within the framework of the law. Farmers trying to remain compliant and conserve water should not be met with bureaucratic roadblocks or enforcement threats.

We’re asking advocates to send a message directly to Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller: Follow the law. Provide technical assistance. Work with farmers, not against them.

Please take a moment to send this letter today. You can personalize the message before submitting. THE LINK IS IN THE COMMENTS👇

06/20/2026

Whatcom This Whey is TOMORROW! 🐄🥛

Make sure to stop by and see us at Steensma Creamery between 10am and 4pm, we cannot wait to see all of you!

So you don't get lost on your way to find us, check out the map in the comments!📍

06/18/2026

"Over the last few decades, these various groups have not collaborated to address water issues in part because such conversations can be tough, Likkel explained.

“Sometimes you need to reach a crisis point,” Likkel said. “It feels like we’re getting to that point.”

That crisis point threatens salmon, farming and the ability of developers to expand to meet the needs of the county’s growing population. "

Check out the comments to read more about Water for Whatcom 📖👇

06/18/2026

We want to give a big thanks to the Tractor Trot team for a successful and safe event last Saturday! 🎉

If you were unable to participate this year keep an eye out for next year's date by following our friends at Lynden Tractor Trot! 🚜

06/17/2026

Charlie Rankin, an independent journalist based in North Carolina, has taken notice of the problem, and joins Dillon to talk about what he sees from his vantage point, particularly in the Washington State Department of Ecology’s heavy-handed and potentially illegal actions against farming.

06/16/2026

"With a deadline for Nooksack adjudication claims of June 1, 2027, there is urgency to create a parallel process that encourages settlement rather than deepening conflict. Without such a framework, adjudication alone risks hardening positions and prolonging uncertainty. With an Office of the Nooksack, we would turn a legal process into a catalyst for collaboration and long-term solutions."

Similar efforts in place for Columbia, Chehalis river basins to bring together interests

06/12/2026

Come see us TOMORROW, June 13, at the 2026 Lynden Tractor Trot ! 🚜 🏃

Have you registered? IT'S NOT TOO LATE! Details in the comments.



Fairhaven Runners & Walkers
Lynden Tractor Trot
Lynden Chamber of Commerce
Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce
KGMI News/Talk 790
KAFE 104.1
My Bellingham Now
Brad and John 92.9 KISM
PRAISE 106.5

06/12/2026

06/11/2026

Save Family Farming issued the following statement, “Finally, a state agency that’s routinely persecuted farmers and abused the law will have to face a reckoning at Washington’s highest court for its irresponsible and harmful actions."

Jason Vander Kooy, Skagit County Dairy Farmer and Save Family Farming Vice President, issued the following statement regarding the news that the...

06/10/2026

That's a wrap for the 2026 Whatcom Family Farmers Photo Contest! Thank you to all that participated. Now for our awards….Drumroll please 🥁

🫐 Farm Crops
1st Emily Hirsch - “Blueberries in the Hand”
2nd Emily Hirsch - “Whatcom Produces the Produce”
Storytelling Award: Abbey Snydar “Toddler Height by the 4th of July”
Looks Tasty Award: Brian Cieslar

🐄 Farm Animals
1st Beth Lenssen - “Time for Lunch”
2nd Emily Hirsch - “All the Little Piggies”
Natural Beauty Award: Mike Van Wingerden - “American Bison”

🌅 Farmland Scenes:
1st Beth Lenssen - “Lenssen Dairy”
2nd Emily Hirsch - “Fall Berries”
Comedic Award: Phillip Davidson - “Giant Marshmallows”
Storyteller Award: Fransisca Vandermeulen - “The Next Generation”
Honorable Mentions:
Tricia Jager - “Fair Memories” & Amanda Richardson - “Harvest Sunrise”

🚜 Farm Implements
1st Beth Lenssen - “Picking up the Grass”
2nd Beth Lenssen - “Rustic Wheels”

If you see your name please contact [email protected] to schedule a time to pick up your prize!