The USDA Farm Service Agency has mailed ballots to local farmers to select their next Lewis County Committee member. Ballots must be returned by Feb. 2.
This role is more important than ever before in helping our local farming community stay informed about agricultural policies. I own a small farm and grow Earth-friendly seasonal produce. The sun has been warm, and my fruit trees have almost overnight become active, even as our region is still likely to get more freezing temperatures at night and winter-like weather, possibly damaging blossoms due to low temperatures or too cold for pollinators to be active.
U.S. farmers are facing a tough year in 2026. Larger farm operations that grow staple commodities like corn and soybeans, for example, were hit hard by Trump’s tariffs, causing offshore markets to largely slam shut. This meant more corn and wheat than the current domestic market could handle and lower prices for growers, not lower retail prices that you and I pay at the store. Banks have cut off lending to agricultural operations because of these hurdles.
Thousands of jobs have been lost at meatpacking plants, and farm equipment manufacturers are scaling back, with machines waiting for purchasers who have that added liquid capital, which is rarer these days.
Farmer bankruptcies in 2025 increased by 36%. It is safe to say that farm bankruptcies in 2026 will exceed the previous highs set in 2024 and 2025, possibly combined. Washington farmers will face significant challenges in planting and harvesting in 2026. Prior data from last year suggest our Washington farmers will face greater difficulty due to the tight labor market, Trump’s tariff policies, and evident climate volatility, including summer drought when water demand is high, and winter flooding or the ground will be too wet for timely spring planting.
During Gov. Inslee’s tenure, when funding was available, this state wisely invested in bringing attention and supporting Washington’s local farms, possibly near you, and building resiliency in our state’s agricultural sector. After years of research and active learning in agricultural law, I know that farmers who sell raw products directly to consumers or value-added products make the most money.
Our county could use more affordable commercial-grade kitchens that can be rented. Neighbors who grow backyard gardens can bring their extra produce to a centralized farm with an established farm-to-public site to sell or donate to the local food banks. It is more important than ever to support local farmers and food production by buying local food and honey when available.
Washington Food & Farm Finder is just a click away, along with other resources to locate a farm, because your farmer is a friend. It is time to rebuild local co-operation.
Helen Nowlin
Glenoma
