Harvesting at Emtman Brothers Farms.

We are pleased to announce Farming & the Environment's 2007 Vim Wright Stewardship Award Winners! These farmers are protecting the quality of our food and long-term health of Washington's ecosystems.

Winner: Emtman Brothers Farm

Jeff and Randy Emtman of Emtman Brothers Farm in Valleyford, WA are setting the bar for wheat growers in Washington State.  This fifth-generation 10,000 acre farm is a direct seed, no-till wheat farm, achieving zero soil loss, 70% fuel savings and cost-effective and ecology-minded replacement of equipment. The Emtman's  are actively working with the Department of Ecology, testing the use of up to 90% biodiesel in their new combines and are part of an Environmental Protection Agency farm vehicle emissions reduction program. This farm was nominated by the Spokane County Conservation District.

First Runner-Up: Jubilee Farm

Erick and Wendy Haakenson of Jubilee Farm in Carnation, WA are leaders in the Snoqualmie River Valley for developing a successful U-Pick community-supported agriculture program. Their U-pick model educates their 400+ customers on where their food comes from by providing them with a regular on-farm experience. They are Salmon-Safe Certified, in their 5th year of making their own bio-diesel, and are 100% petroleum-free. This farm was nominated by Stewardship Partners.

Second Runner-Up: Curt Maberry Farm

Curt Maberry of Curt Maberry Farm in Lynden, WA passed away as his nomination for this award was being submitted. His children, Matt Maberry and Angie Costanti, are now the fourth generation to accepted the challenge of providing stewardship of this 1,000 acre berry farm which hosts a stream with three endangered species of salmon. Their stewardship has included planting 27,000 trees along the creek and setting aside farmland for an aerated pond, which has become a successful fish-rearing area. This farm was nominated by the Washington Red Raspberry Commision.

Meet our prior year's winners.