Photo Credit: Jim Armstrong

The Award-Winning Huesby Family

Winner: The Huesby Family of Thundering Hooves Ranch

The Huesby Family has successfully metamorphosed their fourth generation family farm, located in the fertile valley of Walla Walla, from a struggling commodity wheat farm to a thriving pastured livestock operation that follows the natural laws governing the relationships between grazing animals and grassland. Today, the Huesby family raises 100% grass-fed beef, free range chickens, turkeys, lambs, pigs, and goats on 399 acres of lush, organic alfalfa and grass pastures.

The Huesby Family was rewarded with $2,500, press in the  Capital Press, and featured in our Award Video created by Spokane Conservation District.

Discover why we chose them as the 2005 winner, read Joel Huesby's inspiring acceptance speech, learn more about Thundering Hooves and where you can buy their products.

Finalist: John & Dorie Belisle of BelleWood Acres

In 1996, John and Dorie Belisle came to Whatcom County with the goal of growing the county's "best apples in the best way possible."  Today they have 24,000 of Jonagold and Honeycrisp apple trees in a vibrant orchard that is Food Alliance and Salmon Safe certified.

They are also actively committed to the health and strength of their local community, working to protect and preserve the environment in which they operate. They firmly believe that as a community we should have the resources to grow our own food. In 2001 they were selected as the Whatcom County Conservation District’s Cooperators of the Year. John serves on the Whatcom County Planning Commission, the Whatcom Agriculture Preservation Committee, and Whatcom Farm Friends. Dorie has been working with her neighbors as the Project Manager for the Ten Mile Creek Watershed Project.

Learn more about BelleWood Acres and where you can buy their products.

Finalist: Glen & Charlotte Johnson of Mother Flight Farm

Glen and Charlotte Johnson have farmed on the South Fork of the Skagit for nearly 20 years. Mother Flight Farm has expanded its operations from 12 to 20 acres, and grows over 50 varieties of fruit and vegetables. Their farm is certified organic by the Washington State Department of Agriculture and Salmon Safe by the Stewardship Partners.

Mother Flight has been active mentoring future organic farmers through apprentice programs with ATTRA, Experience International, and Tilth Placement Service. Glen is a registered speaker for the WSU County Extension Speakers Bureau, and has made presentations to local schools on the history of agriculture in the Skagit Valley.

Learn more about Mother Flight Farm and where you can buy their products.

Finalist: Nash Huber and crew of Nash's Organic Produce

Nash Huber has farmed the Dungeness Delta for over 25 years, using organic growing methods. Today, Nash and his crew farm nearly 400 acres, and provide the region with more than 100 different varieties of healthful and nutritious certified organic fruit and vegetables.

Nash’s passion goes beyond providing healthful and nutritious produce. His leadership and care have been instrumental in saving hundreds of acres of farmland from development. Since 1999, more than 200 acres of prime farmland in the Dungeness Delta have been protected.

Learn more about Nash's Organic Produce and where you can buy their products.