UW employees visit Schoesler farm

RITZVILLE – University of Washington faculty visited Sen. Mark Schoesler's farm recently to learn about Eastern Washington agriculture.

"I was more than happy to meet Wednesday afternoon with a group of UW faculty members who stopped by my farm as part of their annual tour of eastern Washington, which was activated again after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic," Schoesler, R-Ritzville, said last week.

Schoesler represents the 9th Legislative District, including most of rural Franklin County.

During the stop, the instructors learned about crops grown in the Schoesler farm, as well as about the planting and harvesting season, Schoesler said. They also learned about farm equipment.

"I also answered their questions and let them hop on some of our farm equipment," he said, noting he's happy his farm was on the university employee farm tour.

"It allows them a chance to learn more about agriculture, step onto a farm and briefly experience farm life," Schoesler said. "It's a win-win experience for all involved.

Last week, Schoesler also participated in the Lind Field Day at the Washington State University Dryland Research Station.

Schoesler presented information on the legislative session and presented a plaque to the retiring research center director, Bill Schillinger.

The event highlights best practices for crops on dryland farms, he said. It also included field tours and presentations on spraying technology, winter and spring wheat breeding, wheat diseases and the university Plant Diagnostic Clinic.

"As a wheat farmer myself, I always appreciate the information shared by experts at this annual gathering," he said.

Washington Grain Commission Chairman Mike Carstensen