Stories about young growers
Mark Renken, a young grower from The Dalles, Oregon
Mark is a sixth-generation farmer from The Dalles. He is married to Audrey Hinatsu and is the son of Kim and Greg Johnson.
Tristan Dorfling, a young grower from Cape Town, South Africa
Tristan earned a master’s degree in horticulture from Stellenbosch University. He is married to Georgine and is the son of Linda Dorfling and Ralf Ketzer.
Jessica Foster, a young grower from Mannington, New Jersey
Jessica graduated from Penn State University and earned her master’s degree in soil science at the University of Vermont. She has a twin brother, Josh, a sister, Lindsey, and is the daughter of Terri and Bruce Foster.
Paul van Westreenen, a young grower from Echteld, Netherlands
Paul is a fourth-generation farmer working on his 100-year-old family farm located in the Netherlands’ Gelderland province. He is the son of Margriet and Berend Jan van Westreenen and is working with his sister, Martine, on the farm.
Kayla Braich, a young grower from Kennewick, Washington
Kayla earned her psychology degree from Eastern Washington University and plans to return to university to obtain a degree in viticulture and enology. She’s married to Erin Braich and is the daughter of Cheryl Emineth and Kevin Paxton.
Isaac Balderas, a young grower from Wenatchee, Washington
family background/ Isaac is second-generation in the fruit industry. He is one of three sons of Silvia Muñiz and Carlos Balderas.
Claire Rasch, a young grower from Grand Rapids, Michigan
Claire is a fifth-generation farmer planning to attend Washington State University for an agribusiness degree. She has one sister, Eva, and is the daughter of Sarah and John Rasch.
Leo Sarmiento, a young grower from East Wenatchee, Washington
family background/ Leo graduated from Wenatchee Valley College and Washington State University with a degree in business administration. He is the son of Margarita and Francisco Sarmiento.
Joe Cushman, a young grower from Hood River, Oregon
Joe grew up on a family vineyard in Hood River and graduated with a horticulture degree specializing in viticulture from Oregon State University. He’s married to Krista and is the son of Robin and Rich Cushman.
Kristen DeMarree, a young grower from Williamson, New York
family background/ Kristen earned a doctorate in physical therapy from Nazareth University then returned to the family farm and is now transitioning to full ownership of the business. She is the daughter of Alison and Tom DeMarree and has two sisters, Nicole and Trena.