Washivore

Most Washington cattle ranches are found east of the Cascade Mountains and in the highlands of the Snake, Yakima and Columbia River valleys where the steep and rugged land is not practical for farming.

In the wind-blown, hilly Palouse country of southeast Washington, Whitman County has consistently been the No. 1 wheat-producing county in the United States every year since 1978!  Washington wheat farmers grow five classes of wheat: soft white, hard red winter, hard red spring, hard white and durum. Every class of wheat has different purposes. The protein content, bran coat color, milling and baking qualities all determine the most suitable end uses for each type of wheat. The Northwest is the largest producer of white wheat in the United States, and a major supplier for both national and international markets.

Vegetable farms near urban areas in King, Pierce, Snohomish and Spokane counties supply local markets with fresh vegetables. In addition, fresh vegetables are grown in areas with long growing seasons like Walla Walla, Pasco, Kennewick and Yakima.

Canola, which provides oil for cooking and condiments, grows in central and eastern Washington.  Local processors provide growers with excellent access to process  their crop.

Large scale dairies are found in Whatcom, Yakima and Lewis counties making fresh milk for ice-cream available in the state only hours away from where it is produced.