Mature Soft White Winter WheatOur farm operation for Eden Valley is known as Dry Gulch Farms.  We grow soft white winter wheat in north central Washington, which is planted in August of one year and harvested in August of the next year.  The wheat sprouts, grows to about 4 inches and then goes dormant for winter.  There are a number of processes to perform and problems to avoid to achieve healthy wheat.

Dry Gulch Farms Wheat Harvest near Oroville and Tonasket, Washington

Winter wheat harvest occurs on our farm in the Okanogan Highlands near Oroville and Tonasket, Washington in August.  It was planted the previous August and grew like a lawn until it went dormant for winter.  In spring is began growing again.

Our combine, (Luke Strawwalker) a John Deere 6602, cuts and threshes the grain which is transported to a big bulk tank behind the driver that when full is augured into our farm truck.  Straw is blown out the back of the combine to return to the field.  The farm truck has a hoist and dumps into an auger hopper at the grain bins.  The auger engine turns a shaft which turns a large screw and the grain is lifted and dumped in the top of the bin.  The auger is moved from bin to bin until they are full.

 

   

Summer-Fallow in Okanogan Highlands near Oroville and Tonasket, Washington

Dry Gulch Farms in the Okanogan Highlands near Oroville and Tonasket, Washington utilizes a procedure known as summer fallow.  Straw is tilled into the soil, which controls erosion, evaporation and promotes microbial activity which fixes nitrogen and helps ready other nutrients for future crops.

Read more: Summer-Fallow in Okanogan Highlands near Oroville and Tonasket, Washington

   

Farming Challenges in Okanogan Highlands near Oroville and Tonasket, Washington

Our mountain fields in the Okanogan Highlands near Oroville and Tonasket, Washington range in elevation from about 3200 feet to 3550 feet.  Elevation combined with our north central Washington winters creates a harsh environment for winter wheat.  Normal or above precipitation is critical for good yields and the drought years of 2001 - 2009 were difficult here for all farmers.

Read more: Farming Challenges in Okanogan Highlands near Oroville and Tonasket, Washington

   

Rock Piles on our Farm in Okanogan Highlands near Oroville and Tonasket, Washington

Rocks must be removed from fields as they cause costly damage to equipment.  Rock piles are also very interesting as they are a show case of the alluvial deposits left from our recent ice age. Our ranch and resort are in the Okanogan Highlands near Oroville and Tonasket, Washington and we also have large granite features in our landscape.

Read more: Rock Piles on our Farm in Okanogan Highlands near Oroville and Tonasket, Washington