The Mid-Columbia Ag Hall of Fame announced Butch (Class 1) & Judy Wiswall as their 2022 inductee for the Stewardship Award. The Stewardship Award is presented to someone who has served the community and displayed leadership in agriculture over a long period.

Maria Beltran joins AgForestry with a background in agriculture with Yakima Valley as home. She also has a policy background, working for the Seattle City Council and in a Congressional office. Maria is looking forward to learning more about policy in the space of ag and natural resources, and using that to find her niche. With her work in the political sphere, she has learned the value of listening to diverse perspectives, and is demonstrating that skill with her cohort members. While she has spoken on behalf of her employers, finding her own voice is different and something she intends to practice in AgForestry. Maria, we are thrilled to watch you grown into your own voice and find your place in the ag and natural resource arena!

Danika Pink is the Marketing Coordinator for Bleyhl Co-Op. She grew up in a farming family and as a part of Pink Farms, Danika comes to AgForestry with a producer’s perspective. With Bleyhl, she has an understanding of social media and the need for the ag sector to utilize the media; the topic covered in Class 43’s Public Speaking and Media Seminar in Spokane. Danika is excited for the class international trip, and recognizes that the “planner” in her is also a little nervous about travel. We’re excited to see you grow out of your comfort zone and lean into this opportunity, Danika!