Washington Farmland Trust

10/09/2026

In the latest edition of Farmer Voices, third-generation hop farmer Erik Sauve of Sauve & Son reflects on growing up on the farm, stepping into a leadership role, and helping carry his family’s operation forward. 🚜

Based in the Yakima Valley, Erik is Vice President of Sauve & Son and part owner of Yakima Chief Hops, a longtime supporter of Washington Farmland Trust. His family has been growing hops for generations, including the coveted Cascade variety for more than 25 years.

In our conversation, Erik shares the hurdles farmers are navigating today and the regenerative practices he’s using to build resilience into the farm, from cover cropping and beneficial flowers to beneficial insects dropped by drone.

He also reflects on what it means to keep learning, adapting, and preparing the farm for the next generation.

Listen to Erik’s full story on the latest Farmer Voices at the link below:
https://wafarmlandtrust.org/blog/yakima-chief-hops-grower-erik-sauve-on-farmer-voices/

10/06/2026

Join us at Restaurant Homer in Seattle on November 2 for a Nordic feast in support of Washington Farmland Trust. 🍽️

Homer is bringing its community together for a family-style dinner centered on local, seasonal ingredients. The menu will feature seafood, pickles, smørrebrød, meatballs, and more, with Nordic-inspired drinks available à la carte.

There are a number of seatings throughout the evening and they're going fast! Dinner is $85 per person, and a generous portion of sales will support our work to protect Washington farmland.

Find event details and reserve your seats while you still can: https://wafarmlandtrust.org/event/restaurant-homer-presents-a-nordic-feast-benefitting-wa-farmland-trust/

Restaurant Homer

10/02/2026

We're so excited to host our community for Love the Land this weekend! The weather is looking gorgeous, and it is sure to be a fun filled afternoon where we can be in community and show our collective support for the future of farming. Each ticket includes:

🍚 Delicious bites by De La Soil
🧀 Grazing boards by Carnation Farms
🍦 Tasty treats by Mallard Ice Cream & Met Market
🍻 Beverages from Aslan Brewing, Finnriver Farm & Cidery, Winebow, and Tony's Coffee
🎨 Lawn games and an art activity station for kids
🎤 An engaging program featuring a panel discussion with farmers
🏆 An opportunity to win some incredible raffle prizes
🎁 Special take-home gifts for every guest
🫶 ...and so much more!

Get your tickets at the link in our bio before they sell out!

09/28/2026

Thanks Pierce County Executive Ryan N Mello for sharing this news!

The project helps secure the future of Haugen Dairy, a third-generation organic dairy PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — (September 2, 2026) Washington Farmland Trust has permanently protected 47 acres of land…

09/24/2026

Here's a preview of who you’ll hear from at this year’s Love the Land. 🎤

We’re excited to have WFT’s Sr. Community Investment Officer Petrina Fisher lead our farmer panel again this year.

Returning emcee Eva Walker of KEXP and The Black Tones will guide us through an afternoon featuring reflections from Washington Farmland Trust leadership, recognition of a special community member, and firsthand perspectives from two Washington farmers.

Among this year’s featured farmer voices are:

🐄 Eric Fritch of Chinook Farms, who raises grass-fed and finished beef and pastured hogs in Snohomish. The farm is also home to several agricultural businesses, including Food Bank Farm, which grows vegetables for local food banks on a large scale.

🍐 Maria Foster, the fifth generation farmer of Getchell Ranch. Maria raises sheep, goats, beef cattle, and poultry, and produces eggs and fruit from the farm's heritage orchard. Washington Farmland Trust permanently protected the 102-acre Getchell Ranch in 2021.

Join us Sunday, October 4, at Carnation Farms to hear their stories and come together in support of the future of farming in Washington.

🎟️ Tickets are limited. Secure your spot! https://wafarmlandtrust.org/event/love-the-land/

09/22/2026

The countdown to Love the Land is on! 🚜⏳

We're looking forward to welcoming you to Carnation Farms for our 7th annual Love the Land, an afternoon celebrating Washington farmers, farmland, and the community that makes this work possible.

Spend the afternoon enjoying delicious local fare and drinks from De La Soil, Carnation Farms, Mallard Ice Cream, Aslan Brewing Company, Finnriver, Winebow, Tony's Coffee, and more, along with live jazz, raffle prizes, and good company. You’ll also hear directly from farmers, celebrate members of our community, and learn more about the work ahead to protect the future of farming in Washington.

Tickets are limited, so grab yours while you can at the link below, and join us for Love the Land. 🌾

https://wafarmlandtrust.org/event/love-the-land/

09/21/2026

Resilience on a farm isn’t always about returning to what was. Sometimes, it means creating the conditions for the land to adapt to what comes next.

In this Farmer Voices clip, Beth Robinette of Lazy R Ranch reflects on resilience after her family experienced the 2023 Gray Fire, which burned roughly two-thirds of their ranch. With so much beyond her control, Beth focuses on the tangible work in front of her: helping each raindrop soak into the soil and building greater resilience for the conditions the land faces now.

Hear Beth’s full story and explore more Farmer Voices: https://wafarmlandtrust.org/blog/beth-robinette-on-farmer-voices/

09/18/2026

Haugen Dairy is a third-generation organic dairy and the last remaining commercial dairy farm in Pierce County. 47 acres of this family farm are now protected forever. 🐄💗

The Haugen family farms approximately 600 acres in Pierce County, much of it leased. Permanently protecting this land gives the family greater stability and ensures these acres will remain available for agricultural production for generations to come.

Located on the Buckley Plateau, where development continues to put pressure on working farmland, this project protects more than pasture. It supports local food production, healthy watersheds, wildlife habitat, and the future viability of a multi-generational farm.

This project was made possible with funding from the Washington State Department of Ecology and Pierce County through the Floodplains by Design and Floodplains for the Future programs.

Read the full story: https://wafarmlandtrust.org/blog/washington-farmland-trust-permanently-protects-47-acres-of-last-remaining-commercial-dairy-farm-in-pierce-county/

09/16/2026

A taste of what’s waiting for you at Love the Land. 🍪

Enjoy delicious bites featuring locally grown and wild-foraged foods from De La Soil, farm-fresh grazing boards from the Carnation Farms kitchen, a Tony’s Coffee-inspired scoop from Mallard Ice Cream, and the infamous Met Market cookie.

Aslan Brewing, Finnriver Farm & Cidery, Winebow, and Tony’s Coffee will also be donating a selection of organic b**r, farmcrafted c***r, regional wines, and ethically sourced coffee to sip throughout the afternoon.

Join us for delicious local food and beverages, live music, farmer stories, and an opportunity to support for the future of farming in Washington.

🌱 Sunday, October 4, from 1–4 p.m.
📍Carnation Farms

Grab your ticket: https://wafarmlandtrust.org/event/love-the-land/