Community advocates seek new ways to support small farmers

Under the spotlight of North Central Washington’s world renowned orchards, small farms are growing a variety of produce for the kitchens of local families. 

However, starting and operating a small farm has its challenges. According to a 2024 report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the operating profit margin of most small family farms is less than ten percent, indicating potentially more financial vulnerability. According to another USDA report, smaller farms “typically do not earn enough from the sale of farm commodities and ancillary services to cover expenses,” and survive by undervaluing labor or relying on off-farm income.

As a result, a number of community members and local organizations are working to change this. Last winter, part-time Leavenworth resident Mary Ersek pulled together a group of community members, farmers, and organizations to create more support for small farmers in the upper valley.

“I, through some of my volunteer work with Upper Valley MEND, met some young folks who were really interested in farming in the upper valley…I just started talking with them, and I thought, ‘Wow, it seems like it's a real challenge to kind of break into the farming world,’” said Ersek.

The group of about 15 people has met once a month to explore the needs of potential and existing small farmers, connect those to currently available resources, and strategize solutions for unmet needs. The group has yet to fully define its mission and scope in its early stages, but some progress has been made. Through the meetings, Ersek became aware of a budding partnership between Cascadia Conservation District and Eastside Rebuild to offer low-cost farm tool rentals. 

Cascadia Conservation District, whose work includes helping farmers with resource conservation and management, had conducted a survey that identified the tools most needed by farmers in the region, such as a Jang seeder, BCS push tractor, and a no drill till. The agency connected with Eastside Rebuild, which has an established tool library geared towards building projects, about expanding their inventory to include farm tools.

“The whole goal is to help small, upcoming farmers get access to accessible and quality tools that they might not have access to otherwise. Starting a farm can be really expensive. There's a lot of barriers,” said Beryl Bils, Eastside Rebuild Tool Library and Marketing Manager.

The two organizations worked with Ersek to acquire a Jang seeder and are in the process of buying two BCS push tractors, said Bils.

“It seemed like an early win. As we're trying to figure out what this broader group does, the tool library was a great avenue to provide some tangible support quickly,” said Ersek.

Kristina Bowman, who farms on 3.5 acres up Chumstick Highway, was one of the first to rent the Jang seeder from Eastside Rebuild. For the last three years, Bowman and her husband have been building up their farm while both working and raising two kids with one on the way.

“It saved us. We did what we did last year in two and a half hours in like, 20 minutes. It was so easy,” said Bowman, who has named her plot Heavenworth Farms.

Holding current jobs as a flight attendant and a construction manager, the Bowmans hope to eventually turn their farm into a business. But until the farm can generate income, they have tried to minimize expenses.

“The startup cost to start a farm is insane. It's astronomical. And so we've been doing a lot of things by hand that I know there's equipment for, but every time I look at it, it's thousands, or more than that – tens of thousands of dollars for some of the equipment,” said Bowman.

According to Bowman, both Eastside Rebuild and Cascadia Conservation District have been resources for support and for networking. Early on, Bowman utilized the conservation district’s stream and soil improvement offerings, which led to signing up for the agency's irrigation efficiency program. Additionally, Cascadia Conservation District introduced her to Ersek’s group, where she has been able to troubleshoot with other farmers and connect with helpful resources.

“It's just a whole community of people who are just rallying around and rooting for small farms around here, which is so cool, because we need it all,” said Bowman.

Those looking for more information about the developing group can reach out to Ersek via email: maryersek@gmail.com. Cascadia Conservation District did not respond for comment.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media