Wapato, Washington
Steve and Jody Bouchey’s father Paul Bouchey left his family’s farm to serve in the Air Force during the Korean War. When he returned in 1954, he began the legacy that is Bouchey Potato Farm. Jody and Steve took over the family farm from their father in 1998, the first year they became certified organic.
Situated in a rural community near Mt. Adams on the Yakima Indian Reservation, the Bouchey’s lease some of their land from the Yakima Nation. Together they work closely with the BIA Irrigation District and Soil Conservation Program to maintain the health of the land.
Most of the surrounding privately owned farms are run also by second and third generation farmers. As a community that is invested in the soil they work together to maintain the land. Crop rotation to reinvigorate the soil is a common practice by their farm and they discuss which crop would be most beneficial for the season with their community or farmers.
They now farm 120 acres of organic potatoes as well as 200 acres of organic wheat. Packing their own potatoes takes labor and time, but the Bouchey’s enjoy and appreciate their dedicated employees that return year after year to help in the harvest.
