WaSHI Annual Report FY25

With the many incredible farmers in Washington State, it was a tough decision for the WaSHI award committee. However, Anthony received more than 10 nominations from members of the community. His colleagues touted his knowledge and passion for soil health, as well as his infectious enthusiasm for igniting curiosity in the students that visit the farm.

One nominator noted: “Anthony is truly working in collaboration with the land and working to shift the community’s understanding of farming toward collaboration as opposed to extraction.”

Anthony’s commitments to soil health leadership are many. He has partnered with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Plant Materials Center and Washington State University (WSU) on cover crop trials. He serves as a mentor for farmers in the Transition to Organic Partnership Program and provides consultation to small farmers starting their own operations. Anthony frequently lectures in sustainable agricultural training programs, including at Organic Farm School on Whidbey Island. Anthony also published a Fertility Guide Companion to support farmers manage their crops and soils while reducing pollution.

Oxbow is committed to partnering and distributing their produce through hunger relief organizations while continuing to sustainably manage and improve their soils and resources and share learnings and (inevitable) pitfalls.

When asked what advice he would give to people interested in adopting soil health practices, Anthony says: “The advice I would give farmers and producers is to maintain curiosity and humility. The more you uncover with soil and soil health, it’s just such a beautiful and vibrant and diverse community. It’s going down a path of lifelong learning, which I find the most exhilarating and most exciting.”