WaSHI Annual Report FY25

As we reflect on Fiscal Year 2025, we are reminded of the power of collaboration and the resilience of Washington’s agricultural community. The Washington Soil Health Initiative (WaSHI) continues to thrive as a partnership among the Washington State Conservation Commission, the Washington State Department of Agriculture, and Washington State University. Together, we are building a movement that values healthy soils as the foundation of a sustainable food system. Here we will reflect on a few successes from the year.

One of the year’s highlights was honoring Anthony Reyes of Oxbow Farm as our Producer of the Year. Anthony’s commitment to regenerative practices and community engagement exemplifies what soil stewardship looks like in action. His story reminds us that innovation often begins at the farm level—with individuals willing to lead by example.

Our Soil Health Ambassador Program grew stronger, amplifying the voices of producers who share their experiences and inspire others to adopt conservation practices. Through videos, field days, and peer-to- peer learning, these ambassadors are helping to turn knowledge into action.

This year marked the second year of the Washington STAR Program, a science-based rating system that connects producers to technical and financial resources. By recognizing and rewarding conservation efforts, STAR is creating a pathway for farmers to improve soil health while enhancing productivity and resilience. Through Sustainable Farms and Fields (SFF), $1.2 million was allocated to support 36 projects across 20 conservation districts. These projects impacted over 37,000 acres and reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to removing 4,500 cars from the road. This is more than a statistic—it’s a testament to the collective impact of farmers, advisors, and conservation partners working toward climate solutions.

Our Long-Term Agroecological Research and Extension (LTARE) Network continued to generate new producer- relevant findings from six sites representing Washington’s diverse agricultural systems. These research efforts are laying the groundwork for resilient farming practices to be implemented on commercial operations across the state.

And finally, events like SoilCon, the Making Soils Data Actionable Webinar Series, and our annual Advisory Team meetings brought hundreds of participants together to share insights and tackle region-specific challenges. Our Advisory Team continues to guide our work to meet the on-the-ground needs of producer, policymakers, conservation planners, and more. These conversations are shaping the future of soil health in Washington.

We are proud of what we’ve accomplished, and in the coming year, we will continue to innovate, collaborate, and share knowledge to ensure Washington’s soils remain healthy for generations to come. Thank you for being part of our work.