BMLT helps two unique community farms

COLLEGE PLACE - The Blue Mountain Land Trust has helped secure the future of two local, community-focused farms in the Walla Walla Valley.

Hayshaker Farm offers a wide selection of organic produce, including vegetables, fruit, and herbs. As part of its commitment to values-based farming, Hayshaker utilizes draft horses for its fieldwork, including plowing, discing, harrowing, cultivating, and harvesting.

The farm has rented 11.53 acres of prime farmland at the edge of College Place. The property was at risk of being lost to residential development since Hayshaker Farm was not able to purchase the land.

To ensure the land would stay in agriculture, BMLT secured a low-interest loan to purchase the land. They will now partner with Hayshaker Farm to protect the community's food access to local, regional, and organic produce.

"Though Hayshaker Farm is just over 11 acres, its impact on our local food system is immense," said Amanda Martino, BMLT Executive Director. "Protecting this land proves what's possible when a community comes together to support the next generation of farmers."

Over 70% of the produce grown at the farm is sold locally. In 2024, Hayshaker distributed its produce to 380 families, 50 restaurants, schools, grocery stores, and food banks. Hayshaker also offers regional food and farm goods through its Walla Walla Food Hub Online Market at wallawallafoodhub.com.

In April, BMLT protected Welcome Table Farm, a 24.62-acre farm on the south side of Walla Walla, through a conservation easement.

The land has acquired over 20 conservation easements since its founding in 1999. Conservation easements are agreements between property owners and a land trust that permanently limit the uses of the land. It's a way for landowners to protect their property's natural, agricultural, or historical features while still retaining ownership.

Owned and operated by Emily and Andy Asmus, Welcome Table Farm is committed to regenerative agricultural practices. Their farm products, including vegetables, flowers, and pastured pork, are available through a subscription service, at an on-site farmstand, and at the Walla Walla Farmers Market.

Welcome Table Farm offers educational opportunities on the farm. School field trips can be arranged for groups of students ages five and up by contacting the farm directly.

During June, Welcome Table offers KinderSprouts, four-day summer camps for kids ages 4 and 5. Older kids aged 6 to 9 and 10 to 12 can sign up for five-day sessions of FarmKids summer day camps in July and August.

The Blue Mountain Land Trust is a nonprofit that protects the lands and waters of the Blue Mountain region. The trust strategically works to conserve the region's natural resources and working lands. They restore and provide stewardship to protected lands in perpetuity. The BMLT Blues Crew improves public access to outdoor recreation in the Blue Mountains through trail maintenance. The crew welcomes volunteers and works with regional agencies and the Umatilla Nation Forest Service.

For more information, please visit bmlt.org.