{"id":25937,"date":"2025-09-29T14:13:51","date_gmt":"2025-09-29T21:13:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/?page_id=25937"},"modified":"2025-12-19T13:00:41","modified_gmt":"2025-12-19T21:00:41","slug":"crops","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/crops\/","title":{"rendered":"Crops"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wsu-hero wsu-width--full wsu-pattern--wsu-light-radial-left  wsu-herou002du002dsize-xsmall wsu-herou002du002dstyle-boxed wsu-herou002du002dsize-xsmall wsu-hero--size-xsmall \">\n\t\n\t<div class=\"wsu-image-frame wsu-image-frame--fill\">\n\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/57\/2025\/09\/barnzhorz.jpg\"\n\t\tsrcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/57\/2025\/09\/barnzhorz.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/57\/2025\/09\/barnzhorz.jpg 396w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/57\/2025\/09\/barnzhorz.jpg 792w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/57\/2025\/09\/barnzhorz.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/57\/2025\/09\/barnzhorz.jpg 1536w\"\n\t\tsizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\"\n\t\talt=\"Skagit Valley Wheat Field\"\n\t\tstyle=\"object-position: 73% 84%\"\n\t\t\/>\n<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"wsu-overlay wsu-pattern-after wsu-overlay--light wsu-pattern--none\"><\/div>\n\t<div class=\"wsu-hero__content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wsu-hero__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h1 id=\"title-id-69de8ad0b2169\" class=\"wsu-title wsu-hero__title\"><span>Skagit County Agricultural Crops<\/span><\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wsu-caption wsu-hero__copy\">\n\t\t\t\tCultivating agricultural practices that promote food systems through research- and science-based education, service, and outreach.\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--single\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n<div class=\"breadcrumbs \" typeof=\"BreadcrumbList\" vocab=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/\"><span property=\"itemListElement\" typeof=\"ListItem\"><a property=\"item\" typeof=\"WebPage\" title=\"Go to WSU Extension.\" href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/\" class=\"main-home\" ><span property=\"name\">WSU Extension<\/span><\/a><meta property=\"position\" content=\"1\"><\/span> &gt; <span property=\"itemListElement\" typeof=\"ListItem\"><a property=\"item\" typeof=\"WebPage\" title=\"Go to Skagit County.\" href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\" class=\"home\" ><span property=\"name\">Skagit County<\/span><\/a><meta property=\"position\" content=\"2\"><\/span> &gt; <span property=\"itemListElement\" typeof=\"ListItem\"><a property=\"item\" typeof=\"WebPage\" title=\"Go to News.\" href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/news\/\" class=\"post-root post post-post\" aria-current=\"page\"><span property=\"name\">News<\/span><\/a><meta property=\"position\" content=\"3\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--sidebar-right\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left wsu-font-size--xxlarge wsu-heading--style-marked\">Diversified Crop Offering<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Skagit County is a major producer of cabbage, table beet, and spinach seed for the world. There are six vegetable seed companies in the county, most of which market products worldwide.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There are two remaining processing companies in Skagit County: Sakuma Brothers and Gielow Pickles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There are two major ag-supply dealers in the Valley: Skagit Farmers Supply and Wilbur-Ellis provide supplies and services to farmers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More tulip and daffodil bulbs are produced in Skagit County than in any county in the United States.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Skagit County ranks fifth in dairy production in Washington State.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In the past the Skagit County processing industry revolved around green peas. 2010 marked the first year since the early 1900s that no commercial pea processing took place in Skagit County. As a result, growers have been experimenting with new crops in hopes of finding the next niche.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Potatoes have become a very important crop with acreage expanding significantly over the past fifteen years. Other crops, such as cole crops, vegetable seed crops, cucumbers, flower bulbs, and small fruits contribute less in gross dollars but are very important. The net return to the grower on these crops is relatively high, and they provide diversification and many jobs.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column  wsu-borderu002du002dcolor-midnight\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n<div \n\tclass=\"wsu-people-list \"\n\tdata-component-id=\"eed21c4b15c747fda74124aeceddd10d\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-className=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-count=\"1\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-page=\"1\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-nid=\"dmcmoran\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-classification=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-university-category=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-university-location=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-university-organization=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-tag=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-profile-order=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-display-fields=\"photo,name,title,office,email\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-focus-area-label=\"Focus Area\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-website-link-text=\"Website\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-profile-link=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-headingTag=\"h2\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-columns=\"1\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-photo-size=\"medium\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-photo-srcset=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-filters=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-only-show-selected-term-values=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-exclude-term-values=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-include-term-values=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-directory-filter-label=\"Filter by Area\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-directory-filter-terms=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-category-filter-label=\"Filter by Category\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-category-filter-terms=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-classification-filter-label=\"Filter by Classification\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-classification-filter-terms=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-location-filter-label=\"Filter by Location\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-location-filter-terms=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-organization-filter-label=\"Filter by Organization\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-organization-filter-terms=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-search-filter-label=\"Type to search\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-tag-filter-label=\"Filter by Tag\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-tag-filter-terms=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-directory=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-exclude-child-directories=\"1\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-show-profile=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-indexProfiles=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-use-custom-profile-link=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-use-organization=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-custom-profile-link=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-base-url=\"https:\/\/people.wsu.edu\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-children=\"\"\n\t\t><\/div>\n\n\n<article class=\"wsu-card wsu-cardu002du002doutline-shadow wsu-spacing-topu002du002dnone wsu-spacing-bottomu002du002dnone wsu-color-backgroundu002du002dgray-5\">\r\n\t\t<div class=\"wsu-card__content\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wsu-title wsu-font-sizeu002du002dxxmedium\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tQuick Links\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wsu-card__content-custom\">\r\n\t\t\t\n    <nav class=\"wsu-navigation-vertical wsu-vertical-menu\">\n        <ul id=\"wsu-site-menu\" class=\"wsu-menu-collapse wsu-menu-collapse--style-vertical\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/agriculture\/\">Agriculture<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/suicide-prevention\/\">Farm Stress<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/agriculture\/animal-sciences\/\">Animal Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/country-living-expo\/\">Country Living Expo<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/pasture-management\/\">Pasture Management<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/agriculture\/volunteer\/\">Livestock Advisors<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>    <\/nav>\n\n\t\t<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/article>\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Agriculture in the News<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-card-wrapper wsu-card-wrapper--news wsu-card-wrapper--per-row-3\">\r\n        <article class=\"wsu-card wsu-card--news wsu-card--id-27525 \">\n\t\t<div class=\"wsu-image-frame wsu-image-frame--fixed-ratio\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/2026\/03\/26\/pizza-4-producers-and-farm-stress-at-the-skagit-ag-summit\/\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/57\/2026\/03\/4h-pizza-Ag-Summit-396x297.jpeg\"\n\t\t\t\tsrcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/57\/2026\/03\/4h-pizza-Ag-Summit-396x297.jpeg 396w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/57\/2026\/03\/4h-pizza-Ag-Summit-792x594.jpeg 792w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/57\/2026\/03\/4h-pizza-Ag-Summit-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/57\/2026\/03\/4h-pizza-Ag-Summit-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/57\/2026\/03\/4h-pizza-Ag-Summit-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\"\t\t\t\tsizes=\"(max-width: 396px) 100vw, 396px\"\t\t\t\talt=\"Skagit 4H and Pizza 4 Producers at the Skagit Ag Summit\" \/>\n\t\t<\/a>\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"wsu-card__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"wsu-title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/2026\/03\/26\/pizza-4-producers-and-farm-stress-at-the-skagit-ag-summit\/\">\t\t\tPizza 4 Producers and Farm Stress at the Skagit Ag Summit\t\t\t<\/a>\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t        \t\t<div class=\"wsu-meta-date\">\n\t\t\t<time>March 26, 2026<\/time>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/article>\n<article class=\"wsu-card wsu-card--news wsu-card--id-27147 \">\n\t\t<div class=\"wsu-image-frame wsu-image-frame--fixed-ratio\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/2025\/12\/15\/the-work-that-outlives-us-a-reflection-on-farm-succession-and-legacy-in-skagit-county\/\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/57\/2025\/12\/Blake-Van-Roekel-396x264.webp\"\n\t\t\t\tsrcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/57\/2025\/12\/Blake-Van-Roekel-396x264.webp 396w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/57\/2025\/12\/Blake-Van-Roekel-792x529.webp 792w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/57\/2025\/12\/Blake-Van-Roekel-768x513.webp 768w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/57\/2025\/12\/Blake-Van-Roekel-1536x1025.webp 1536w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/57\/2025\/12\/Blake-Van-Roekel.webp 2048w\"\t\t\t\tsizes=\"(max-width: 396px) 100vw, 396px\"\t\t\t\talt=\"Don McMoran and Blake Van Roekel in a field of strawberries\" \/>\n\t\t<\/a>\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"wsu-card__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"wsu-title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/2025\/12\/15\/the-work-that-outlives-us-a-reflection-on-farm-succession-and-legacy-in-skagit-county\/\">\t\t\tThe Work That Outlives Us: A Reflection on Farm Succession and Legacy in Skagit County\t\t\t<\/a>\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t        \t\t<div class=\"wsu-meta-date\">\n\t\t\t<time>December 15, 2025<\/time>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/article>\n<article class=\"wsu-card wsu-card--news wsu-card--id-27132 \">\n\t\t<div class=\"wsu-image-frame wsu-image-frame--fixed-ratio\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/2025\/12\/15\/farm-stress-suicide-prevention\/\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/57\/2025\/09\/P4P-Threshing-Bee-0825-396x298.jpg\"\n\t\t\t\tsrcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/57\/2025\/09\/P4P-Threshing-Bee-0825-396x298.jpg 396w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/57\/2025\/09\/P4P-Threshing-Bee-0825.jpg 640w\"\t\t\t\tsizes=\"(max-width: 396px) 100vw, 396px\"\t\t\t\talt=\"Threshing Bee in Skagit County August 2025\" \/>\n\t\t<\/a>\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"wsu-card__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"wsu-title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/2025\/12\/15\/farm-stress-suicide-prevention\/\">\t\t\tFarm Stress &amp; Suicide Prevention Impact\t\t\t<\/a>\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t        \t\t<div class=\"wsu-meta-date\">\n\t\t\t<time>December 15, 2025<\/time>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/article>\n    <\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-card-wrapper wsu-card-wrapper--news wsu-card-wrapper--per-row-3\">\r\n        <article class=\"wsu-card wsu-card--news wsu-card--id-65777 \">\n\t\t<div class=\"wsu-image-frame wsu-image-frame--fixed-ratio\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/news.cahnrs.wsu.edu\/article\/new-from-extension-idling-production-in-a-vineyard-annual-operations-at-wilke-farm\/\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/cahnrs\/uploads\/sites\/4\/Harvesting-crops-using-a-combine-truck-pulled-trailer-at-Wilke-1024x700.jpg\"\n\t\t\t\tsrcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/cahnrs\/uploads\/sites\/4\/Harvesting-crops-using-a-combine-truck-pulled-trailer-at-Wilke.jpg 1268w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/cahnrs\/uploads\/sites\/4\/Harvesting-crops-using-a-combine-truck-pulled-trailer-at-Wilke-400x274.jpg 400w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/cahnrs\/uploads\/sites\/4\/Harvesting-crops-using-a-combine-truck-pulled-trailer-at-Wilke-1024x700.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/cahnrs\/uploads\/sites\/4\/Harvesting-crops-using-a-combine-truck-pulled-trailer-at-Wilke-768x525.jpg 768w\"\t\t\t\tsizes=\"(max-width: 1268px) 100vw, 1268px\"\t\t\t\talt=\"Harvesting crops using a combine, truck-pulled trailer, and grain truck at Wilke Farm.\" \/>\n\t\t<\/a>\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"wsu-card__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"wsu-title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/news.cahnrs.wsu.edu\/article\/new-from-extension-idling-production-in-a-vineyard-annual-operations-at-wilke-farm\/\">\t\t\tNew from Extension: Idling production in a vineyard, annual operations at Wilke Farm\t\t\t<\/a>\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t        \t\t<div class=\"wsu-meta-date\">\n\t\t\t<time>April 14, 2026<\/time>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/article>\n<article class=\"wsu-card wsu-card--news wsu-card--id-65771 \">\n\t\t<div class=\"wsu-image-frame wsu-image-frame--fixed-ratio\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/news.cahnrs.wsu.edu\/article\/whats-in-a-name-wsu-virologists-reveal-two-dahlia-damaging-viruses-are-variants-of-the-same-species\/\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/cahnrs\/uploads\/sites\/4\/Adobe-Stock-Dahlia-1024x1024.jpeg\"\n\t\t\t\tsrcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/cahnrs\/uploads\/sites\/4\/Adobe-Stock-Dahlia-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/cahnrs\/uploads\/sites\/4\/Adobe-Stock-Dahlia-400x400.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/cahnrs\/uploads\/sites\/4\/Adobe-Stock-Dahlia-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/cahnrs\/uploads\/sites\/4\/Adobe-Stock-Dahlia-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/cahnrs\/uploads\/sites\/4\/Adobe-Stock-Dahlia-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/cahnrs\/uploads\/sites\/4\/Adobe-Stock-Dahlia-1536x1536.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/cahnrs\/uploads\/sites\/4\/Adobe-Stock-Dahlia-2048x2048.jpeg 2048w\"\t\t\t\tsizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\"\t\t\t\talt=\"white\/pink dahlia with yellow center on black background\" \/>\n\t\t<\/a>\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"wsu-card__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"wsu-title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/news.cahnrs.wsu.edu\/article\/whats-in-a-name-wsu-virologists-reveal-two-dahlia-damaging-viruses-are-variants-of-the-same-species\/\">\t\t\tWhat\u2019s in a name? WSU virologists reveal two dahlia-damaging viruses are variants of the same species\t\t\t<\/a>\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t        \t\t<div class=\"wsu-meta-date\">\n\t\t\t<time>April 14, 2026<\/time>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/article>\n<article class=\"wsu-card wsu-card--news wsu-card--id-65764 \">\n\t\t<div class=\"wsu-image-frame wsu-image-frame--fixed-ratio\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/news.cahnrs.wsu.edu\/article\/construction-begins-for-new-wsu-plant-growth-facility\/\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/cahnrs\/uploads\/sites\/4\/Overhead-view-of-new-PGF-1-1024x561.jpg\"\n\t\t\t\tsrcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/cahnrs\/uploads\/sites\/4\/Overhead-view-of-new-PGF-1.jpg 1513w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/cahnrs\/uploads\/sites\/4\/Overhead-view-of-new-PGF-1-400x219.jpg 400w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/cahnrs\/uploads\/sites\/4\/Overhead-view-of-new-PGF-1-1024x561.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/cahnrs\/uploads\/sites\/4\/Overhead-view-of-new-PGF-1-768x421.jpg 768w\"\t\t\t\tsizes=\"(max-width: 1513px) 100vw, 1513px\"\t\t\t\talt=\"\u202fArchitect&#039;s illustration showing an overhead view of a red and white research building with attached greenhouses, trees and landscaping. A row of overhead windows tops the roof.\" \/>\n\t\t<\/a>\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"wsu-card__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"wsu-title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/news.cahnrs.wsu.edu\/article\/construction-begins-for-new-wsu-plant-growth-facility\/\">\t\t\tConstruction begins for new WSU Plant Growth Facility\t\t\t<\/a>\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t        \t\t<div class=\"wsu-meta-date\">\n\t\t\t<time>April 11, 2026<\/time>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/article>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Apples<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Apple acreage in Skagit County is on the decline. The 2021 Skagit crop showed average yields and average quality with a moderate pricing structure. Our coastal climate allows us to grow varieties that are different from those grown in the large apple-producing regions of central Washington. Varieties grown here such as Jonagold, Gravenstein, Spartan, Akane and Honey Crisp are excellent apples to consume, but with no apple processing facilities in Skagit County, shipping the apples back and forth across the mountain passes makes commercial production unprofitable. In 1998 Washington State Department of Agriculture added Skagit to the list of counties quarantined against apple maggot. WSU Skagit County Extension initiated the formation of the Skagit County Horticultural Pest and Disease Board to develop programs to prevent the pest from infesting commercial orchards. To date, no apple maggots have been found in commercial orchards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Blueberries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Harvested by hand and machine, about half the crop is sold for fresh market, and half is processed. Yields and quality in this area are high relative to traditional production areas in the Midwest and eastern North America. New cultivars are replacing older ones and production is modernizing so the industry remains competitive on a national and international stage. The county produces some organic blueberry, but most growers are not certified organic due to high disease and pest pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Blackberries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Skagit County leads in-state blackberry production, and the acreage of this crop has expanded in recent years due to a rise in fresh market opportunities. Winter hardiness is an important barrier to cultivating blackberries in northwest Washington with semierect cultivars (e.g., \u2018Celestial\u2019) being more adapted than trailing cultivars (e.g., \u2018Marion\u2019). Blackberry\/red raspberry hybrids such as \u2018Tayberry\u2019, \u2018Boysen\u2019, and \u2018Logan\u2019 are also cultivated on a small scale for local markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bulb Crops<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Approximately 700 acres of tulips and daffodils are grown in Skagit County. They are sold for both cut flowers and bulbs and shipped throughout the U.S. and Canada. About 20 million bulbs are harvested each summer in Skagit County. About 75 million cut flowers are grown in greenhouses and fields, accounting for over 50% of overall sales. About 500 acres of tulips are grown in the Valley, which represents 75% of U.S. commercial production. Skagit County is known worldwide for its Tulip Festival, which occurs the entire month of April. The Tulip Festival began in 1984 and now brings an estimated 300,000 visitors and $65 million in revenue to the county.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The bulb industry averages about $20 million in annual gross income, $3 million of which is in bulb sales. Since 1968, flower prices have increased three times, while bulbs have only doubled, but prices have decreased steadily since 2000. There are now only two bulb-growing farms in the region. Iris production was discontinued in 2016.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower and Broccoli<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>All Skagit County Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and broccoli are grown for fresh market. Head quality is exceptionally high in this region. Approximately 60% to 80% of the Brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower grown in Skagit is consumed in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. Skagit farmers grew about 2,500 acres of Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and broccoli this year. Farmers in the Skagit Valley maintained acreages for these important rotational crops in largely for the disease suppression that brassica crops provide via biofumigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Chickens and Eggs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Washington is ranked 19th in the nation for egg production. Two companies produce the majority of the eggs in Skagit County: National Foods and Wilcox Farms. These two farms account for hundreds of millions of eggs being produced in Skagit County and Washington State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2024 the retail price for a dozen eggs in the United States was rose from $1.97 to $3.23 U.S. dollars. Setting a new peak that hasn\u2019t been seen since 2015.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The sole Washington-owned chicken processor in the state, Draper Valley Farms, is located in Mount Vernon. The company employs approximately 500 people and has sales around 80 million dollars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the United States, the price for a pound of fresh whole chicken cost consumers an average of $2.06 which, has increased over previous years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cucumbers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The lone large scale commercial pickle cucumber processor in Washington State is Gielow Pickles located at the Port of Skagit County with headquarters located in Lexington, MI. According to their website, \u201cMaking pickles is in our blood. When our family began making pickles in the early 1900\u2019s, our goal was to make the highest quality pickle at a competitive price. Today, our goal remains the same. The use of automated packaging equipment, direct contact with growers across America, and the buying power of the market leaders enables Gielow Pickles to accomplish our goal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Potatoes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Potato acreage consists primarily of fresh market reds, whites, yellows, purple, fingerlings and some chipping potatoes. Skagit potatoes are in demand for their high quality. Late blight disease is a constant threat to the industry; however, due to a study of all the growers in Skagit and northern Snohomish counties, WSU Skagit County Extension was able to determine that Potato Virus Y (PVY) and Silver Scurf continues to be more of a problem for area growers. Researchers at WSU NWREC and WSU Skagit County Extension are now working on these issues. Because of the need for a three-year rotation, there is limited ground available for the 11,000 acres of potatoes currently grown in Skagit County. Overall production remained relatively constant for potatoes despite consolidation of the industry. There were over 2000 acres of potatoes that were not harvested in 2024 based on heavy rains throughout the harvest season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Raspberries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Most of the raspberry acreage in Skagit County is now harvested by hand for the fresh market due to a major reduction in raspberry production for processing beginning around 2010 and a switch from raspberry to blueberry production. Most of the raspberry production in Washington State is concentrated in Whatcom County with key cultivars including \u2018Meeker\u2019, \u2018Kulshan\u2019, and \u2018WakeField\u2019. Important fresh market cultivars for Skagit County includes \u2018Prelude\u2019, \u2018Tulameen\u2019, and some producers are trialing proprietary genetics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Seed Crops<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A large variety of vegetable seed crops are grown in the Skagit Valley; the top 3 in both acreage and farmgate value are spinach, cabbage and beet seed. Skagit and Snohomish counties produce nearly 75% of the US supply of spinach and cabbage seed and nearly 95% of the U.S. table beet seed. Skagit County is known as a significant world contributor with approximately 8% of the world\u2019s spinach seed, 25% of the world\u2019s cabbage seed, and 25% of the world\u2019s beet seed. Other vegetable seeds produced in Skagit County include arugula, broccoli, Chinese cabbage, coriander, mustard, parsley, parsnip, rutabaga, swiss chard and turnip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vegetable seed production is highly technical and often involves long rotation intervals\u2014 sometimes stretching beyond a decade. Skagit County farmers have developed innovative tools and cultural practices along with a close relationship with Washington State University research scientists and Extension professionals to be proactive in managing specialty seed crops challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vegetable seeds from the Skagit County are marketed all over the world. The need for isolation distances to prevent contamination from cross-pollination keeps the vegetable seed acreage below 5,000 acres in Skagit County. Skagit-based seed companies contract some of their acreage with Snohomish, Island, Whatcom, and Clallam County growers. To protect these areas, seed companies joined together in the 1940s to designate where the crops would be grown. On the first Monday in March and again in June, the seed companies meet at WSU NWREC for the annual pinning days that determine which crop\/variety will be planted and where. It is this spirit of cooperation that keeps the seed industry growing in Skagit County.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beet and spinach seed yields were average in 2024 due to wetter conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of the cabbage that survived the winter of 2023\/2024 seed harvest was above average due to wetter weather conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are nine vegetable seed companies in Skagit County: Sakata, Illinois Foundation, McDonald, Rijk Zwaan, Schafer, Skagit Seed Services, Syngenta, Universal and Vikima Seeds USA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some turf and forage grasses for seed are also grown in Skagit County; production varies widely depending upon market volatility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strawberries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Skagit County produces high quality strawberries that historically were sold on the processing market. Strawberry acreage is decreasing in Skagit County and elsewhere in Washington State due to shifting markets, difficulty securing labor, and the disbanding of the in-state strawberry commission. Many growers are shifting to day-neutral, fresh market cultivars to capture more of the fresh market. Important processing cultivars are \u2018Puget Reliance\u2019, \u2018Totem\u2019, \u2018Tillamook\u2019, \u2018Hood\u2019, and \u2018Sweet Sunrise\u2019. \u2018Albion\u2019 is the top fresh-market, day-neutral cultivar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wine Grapes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The marine climate in the Skagit Valley is similar in many ways to the fine-wine-producing areas of France and Germany. Research conducted from 1976 to 1988 at WSU NWREC produced several white wine grape varieties, which have already proven successful in area vineyards. More recent research involves projects in evaluating new wine grape varieties, and rootstock trials evaluating potential for earlier maturity in \u2018Pinot Noir\u2019 grapes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Currently, there are 7 wineries producing 25,000 cases of wine on approximately one hundred acres valued at over $1 million.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ag Programs at WSU Skagit ExtensionAG HEALTH[action label=&quot;Agrability&quot; link=&quot;https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/agrability\/&quot; ][action label=&quot;Suicide Prevention Program&quot; link=&quot;https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/suicide-prevention\/&quot; ][action label=&quot;Free Therapy Voucher Program&quot; link=&quot;https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/free-therapy-voucher-program\/&quot; ]CROPS AND FARMING[action label=&quot;WSU Water Irrigation System Efficiency&quot; link=&quot;https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/wsu-wise\/&quot; ][action label=&quot;Horticultural Pest Control Board&quot; link=&quot;https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/agriculture\/pestcontrol\/&quot;&amp;hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":177,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_expiration_date":""},"categories":[55],"tags":[],"cahnrs_clean_page_nonce":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25937"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/177"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25937"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25937\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":26821,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25937\/revisions\/26821"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25937"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25937"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25937"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}