Skiyou Ranch: Awarded VAPG USDA Grant

I called Tarie to get a better understanding of what the VAPG USDA Grant means to Skiyou Ranch and the products we have come to love here at Sno-Isle Food Co-op. In the midst of talking about logistics, what piqued my interest was the story of the farm.

Skiyou Ranch is a family run 4th generation farm. First established in 1894 by Sam and Nettie Benson, the farm focused on raising working mules. In 1932, the farm was handed down to Irv Benson and he established a Dairy farm. Irv changed to raising beef in 1965. Lonn and Tarie Benson have been running the farm since 1995. Skiyou Ranch has every intention of remaining a family run farm for generations to come.

The sprawling 165 acre ranch along the Skagit River has been a testament to organic practices since before certifications were a thing. The farm became certified in 2004. Lonn and Tarie are compassionate caretakers of the world around them. They participate in the Washington State Backyard Sanctuary and are certified as a Wildlife Habitat through the National Wildlife Federation.

Skiyou Ranch is a labor of love. It must be for the hard work and dedication it takes to be a family run farm. The VAPG USDA Grant will allow the ranch to expand and employ someone able to help assist growth through sales and marketing. Tarie was sure to mention the support Skiyou Ranch received in the application process from the NCBA (National Cooperative Business Association).

It is an impressive accomplishment to receive a VAPG USDA Grant.  The process took about 2 years! The goal of the grant is to generate new products and expand marketing opportunities. We are excited to see what the next few years bring for this flourishing local ranch.

If you are looking for quality, humane, organic, local meats and want to support genuine hard working folks – look no further than Skiyou Ranch.