Class 41 Agriculture Seminar

Class 41 spent three days in the Yakima Valley gaining a first-hand perspective on the amazing and vast agriculture in Washington State. Class members were treated to a whirlwind tour that included milk, hops, wine, onions and everything in between.  Jackie Cross, wife of Seattle celebrity chef Tom Douglas, took the class on a scenic tour of their beautiful small organic farm in Prosser (pictured above). The diversity of agriculture in the state extends beyond commodities grown, members explored small organic operations to large conglomerate farms. Class members also learned about the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan, the current state of agricultural economy and the outlook for labor and trade.

General Manager, Brenden Kent, answers questions at Sunset Produce onion packing facility.

Class 41 sampling craft beers made with Newhouse Hops while touring Devon and Halley Newhouse’s hop operation.

Here’s what class members said: " I learned about how vitally important innovation and adaptation are for the agricultural industry. I was in awe of how efficient, scientific, and well-marketed all of these industries were, and it is clear that all of the leaders we met on our tours excelled at adapting their businesses to the present and the future." "It was very inspiring to see so many "homegrown" leaders in these organizations, people who had started on the first rung of the ladder and risen to the top. The importance of that work and the perspective it gives me as my own organization grows is very helpful." "It's remarkably evident how complex and unique Washington agriculture is compared to the rest of the country and the diversity of agricultural issues that we were able to experience during this session was unforgettable. There is so much to learn about each industry, and pathways to leadership manifest themselves for individuals all across the hierarchical spectrum from CEOs to farm workers." "This seminar highlighted to me how important it is to be adaptable as a leader in agriculture. Every place we toured faced changing business pressures - tariffs, labor issues, customer demands, etc. and it was fascinating to hear how they've adapted and found opportunities for success."

Reid Klei, Class 38, guided the class through a tour of Columbia Crest Winery. 

AgForestry has moved! Please update your records. Our new address is 2702 W Sunset Blvd, Suite B, Spokane, WA 99224.

Do you know someone who would be a good fit for AgForestry Leadership Class 43? Click here to nominate a future leader today.

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