Washington, the only state named for a president, joined the Union in 1889. Its vast forests and fertile valleys attracted a steady stream of settlers during the 1800s, followed with a huge influx of eastern farmers after the Great Northern Railway was completed. Eager to abandon their overworked farms in the east, this quick growth spurt helped propel Washington toward statehood.
   As pretty as a Christmas card, this rural farm scene in Sultan captures one of Washington’s small farms wrapped in a winter blanket of white. Local farms, such as this Snohomish County Winter Beauty, have joined the WSU Small Farm Team, a program supported by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. This joint effort has unified Washington state farmers, helping develop programs for healthy food, sound farming practices and local markets.
   Found along the Skykomish River and scenic U.S. Route 2, this farm is just a small part of the overall success of Washington’s agriculture industry. Its ideal soils, extra long summer days, and hundreds of river valleys have placed the state number one in apples and number two in wine production. Farms also lead the production of peppermint, berries, peas, lentils and a wide variety of fruit. Along with this beautiful farm scene comes an untold story, a century of Washington State's delicious crops.

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