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About Capital press. (Salem, OR) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (March 13, 2015)
March 13, 2015 CapitalPress.com 15 Tieton farmers learn by doing By ERICK PETERSON For the Capital Press Scott and Esther McIl- rath’s farming career began a bit like the 1960s sitcom “Green Acres,” but the out- come has been much differ- ent. Unlike the farming nov- ices played by Eddie Albert and Eva Gabor, the McIl- raths have learned their les- sons and have built a suc- cessful operation. While growing up, Scott admired his grandfather, who was a farmer. As he got older, he wanted to be a farmer, too. “It was something that I always wanted, but I didn’t think that I could afford it,” he said. Instead of pursuing agri- culture, he sold insurance, but his dream of farming did not die. His passion for it only grew. Selling insurance required travel, which took him past farmland and caused him to think more about becoming a farmer. After accumulating mon- ey through his insurance ca- reer, he started asking about farms and their cost and dis- covered that farming was not as expensive as he had thought. There were several 40-acre farms and vineyards that seemed within his bud- get. He was excited about this information, and he discussed farming with his wife, Esther. It would be quite a risk, she realized, but it would be an excellent way for them to raise their children. OK, she said, they would give it a try, even though they knew nothing about farming. They jumped in with both feet, buying a 30-acre farm in the Yakima, Wash., area. Sagebrush flourished and the sunflowers were tall, but the plot was all that they could afford. Scott said the land was filled with opportunity. “I liked the idea that I could learn how to farm,” he said. The location, which was ditch-irrigated, gave him a chance to learn. They bought a tractor, and then picked up equip- ment, piece by piece. They built their home the same McIlrath Farms Owners: Scott, Esther and Brian McIlrath Location: Tieton, Wash. Acres: 200 Crops: Apples, cherries, pears, tomatoes, squash, green beans, sweet corn, blueberries Year started: 1976 way, adding on as they could afford it. They ex- panded their farm, picking up local farms as they be- came available. Meanwhile, they gained experience, learning ways to make the farm more efficient. One of their most import- ant lessons, they said, in- volved labor. Intelligent and able employees are a trea- sure, as they help a farm run smoothly. A trustworthy, seasoned workforce more or less takes over the most important du- ties, he said. To retain these employees, he keeps some on the payroll throughout the year. And he has increased the number and types of crops that he grows, just to keep them active. Erik Peterson/For the Capital Press Scott and Esther McIlrath have learned farming by experience on their 200-acre operation in Tieton, Wash. 100% Natural Organic Fertilizer 4-3-2 Environmentally Friendly High Performance - Low Impact Gradual & Steady Release of Micronutrients Convenient pellet or granule form for even broadcasting Perfect for turf, vegetable or flower gardens, shrubs & trees 50# pellets or 40# granules - $10.00 CALL FOR PALLET OR BULK PRICING DISCOUNTS D. Stutzman Farms Organic Materials Review Institute™ P.O. Box 307 • Canby, OR 97013 888-877-7665 S15-2/#7 S15-2/#5
