WaSHI Soil Health Ambassadors

The WaSHI Soil Health Ambassador program works to highlight excellent soil stewards who have adopted soil health practices. Each ambassador has worked with WaSHI staff to create a short video and article that highlights their practices. The ambassadors also serve as mentors for producers who may have questions about practices adoption.

Innovative producers sharing their experience with peers

Soil Health Ambassador: Mallonee Family Farms – Diverse Pasture Plantings

December 6, 2024
a person kneeling in a field.

Just south of the tiny town of Curtis, WA, Maynard Mallonee and his son Jack own a 60-cow dairy. Maynard is a third-generation farmer. Jack is the fourth. Maynard’s family…

Soil Health Ambassador: Brier Patch Farm—Making Compost

September 3, 2024
a person standing over a bin of dark compost.

Tyler of Brier Patch Farm finds composting a powerful tool for building soil health and a fun adventure in making his own.

Soil Health Ambassador: Casey Vetsch—Biochar in Orchards

June 13, 2024

Quality Assurance Specialist, Casey Vetsch has been working with apples and cherries for the past four years. Casey helps manage approximately 7000 acres of orchard in the Yakima Valley.

Announcing the 2023 Producer of the Year Award Winner: Clay and Rachel Hutchens

March 13, 2024
A farmer in a cap and plaid shirt examines soil in a lush field with a black dog sitting nearby.

Clay and Rachel, winners of the 2023 WaSHI Producer of the Year Award, are very thoughtful and intentional in the way they farm. Focusing on managing residue in ways that work for the land in the years to come and prioritize using a diverse crop rotation to improve crop yields and better manage soil nutrients and organic matter.

Soil Health Ambassador: Kesler Farms — Pasture Intercropping

December 13, 2023
A tractor is mowing the grass in a field.

Intercropping is frequently done in row crops, with two or more crops planted together. The Kesler’s have adopted the practice to improve their grass hay pasture. Intercropping benefits the soil by utilizing multiple species that provide different resources and nutrient demands and input than the main crop.

Producer Spotlight: Blue Slate Ranch — Bale Grazing

September 18, 2023
cows in a field.

Bale grazing is a method of feeding livestock during the winter. Bales are placed across a pasture or paddock rather than in one location