Chandler Briggs and his fellow farmers operate Hayshaker Farm and the Walla Walla Food Hub year-round on an 8-acre plot of prime soil on the urban boundary of College Place and Walla Walla, using horses, tractors, and humans to power the production of vegetables, fruits, and herbs. While the farm is not certified organic, they do spread compost, use organic fertilizers and potting soils, plant cover crops, and grow flowers for beneficial insects, seeking to caretake this special plot leaving it better than they found it. In their search for more sustainable practices, the farm also is pursuing that concept in work/life balance and fair pay.

Come explore and learn about this unique and progressive approach to production as our resident farmer guides us through mixed-powered farm production, the growing and processing of chicory varieties, and a look at their other winter greens production in tunnels and outdoors. As a bonus, Lane Selman of the Culinary Breeding Network and Cassie Woolhiser of Chicory Week will provide additional expertise on the burgeoning local market for this favorite bitter vegetable, why chicories are excellent crops for Northwest growers and eaters, and why many believe that radicchio is the best topping for pizza (sorry, arugula).

This Farm Walk is part of the 2022 Tilth Conference. We’ll be visiting Hayshaker Farm (College Place, WA) and Natural Selection Farms (Sunnyside, WA). Farm Walk attendees will choose which farm they want to tour after registering. Space is limited. Farm Walks are not included in Tilth Conference registration — be sure to add your ticket(s) when signing up.

For locals looking to attend the Farm Walk at Hayshaker, check out the “Local Tour Only” option below - this will not include any transportation to/from the Tilth Conference or included meals.