Stories about young growers
Devon Newhouse, Young Grower from Sunnyside, Washington
Devon’s family started out raising cattle in the Yakima Valley, then moved into hops, tree fruit and grapes.
James Claar Whitelatch, a young grower from Pasco, Washington
James manages the wine grape crops on the family’s estate in the White Bluffs region of central Washington. He works alongside his brother John, and parents, Bob and Crista Whitelatch.
Suzanne Niemann, a young grower from Yakima, Washington
family background / Suzanne’s love of agriculture grew out of her interest in the sciences. She is the
Neil Garrison, a young grower from Sunnyside, Washington
family background / Neil studied business and worked with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and maritime
Paul Bavaro, a young grower from Escalon, California
Paul is a fourth-generation peach grower who’s been working with his father, Frank, on mechanization trials to help reduce labor costs and improve fruit quality.
Eladio Gonzales, a young grower from Selah, Washington
Eladio, a second-generation farmer from the upper Yakima Valley, worked alongside his father, Miguel Gonzales, in orchards and now manages several test orchards in Naches, Washington.
Nick Mackay, a young grower from Pasco, Washington
After originally pursuing a degree in history and law, Nick pursued a more hands-on career through Washington State University’s viticulture program.
Mike McLaren, a young grower from Salem, Oregon
Mike is a first-generation grower who pursued a degree in winemaking before getting his start working in wine sales, distribution and learning to make wine at Corliss Estates
Joe Brandt, a young grower from Wapato, Washington
Joe returned to the 1,500-acre family farm after working in finance and manages domestic and export sales and marketing for the company.
Ryan Bond, a young grower from The Dalles, Oregon
Ryan is a second-generation grower managing about 800 acres, primarily consisting of cherry and pear trees in The Dalles and south through Dufur into the Tygh Valley.