Stories about young growers
Jon Puglisi, a young grower from Horsham, Pennsylvania
Jon grew up in a suburb outside of Philadelphia and is pursuing his doctorate in plant pathology at WSU. He’s the son of Christine and Gregory Puglisi.
Luis Gaitan, a young grower from Royal City, Washington
family background/Luis is a second-generation farmer who is studying horticulture at Wenatchee Valley College while working at Washington Fruit and Produce. He is the son of Angelica Barajas Birrueta and Manuel Gaitan.
Andrew Stirling, a young grower from Centreville, Nova Scotia
Andrew is a fourth-generation farmer who manages the family farm with his brother, Timothy, and uncle, Stephen. He is married to Hope and is the son of Mark Stirling.
Noah Roth, a young grower from Lowell, Michigan
Noah is a fifth-generation farmer who graduated with a horticulture degree from Michigan State University. He’s married to Zoe Roth and is the son of Barb and Aaron Roth.
Eduardo (Lalo) Garcia, a young grower from Pasco, Washington
Eduardo is second-generation in agriculture and is working on a degree in agricultural science from Columbia Basin College. He’s the son of Alma and Jose Garcia.
Monique Ortiz, a young grower from San Antonio, Texas
family background/ Monique earned a degree in integrated plant science with a focus in viticulture and enology from Washington State University. She is the daughter of Sandra and Michael Gonzales.
Cami Brandt, a young grower from Wapato, Washington
Cami earned a bachelor’s degree in human resources from Central Washington University and is working on her master’s degree in business at Eastern Washington University. She is the daughter of Paul Brandt.
Reid Donaldson, a young grower from Yakima, Washington
Reid earned a bachelor’s degree in integrated plant sciences from Washington State University. He is the son of Renae and Darin Donaldson.
Anthony Wiley, a young grower from Prosser, Washington
Anthony is an agricultural engineer who grew up in Washington’s Horse Heaven Hills then graduated from Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural engineering, specializing in machinery systems. He is the son of Rachelle and Jason Wiley.
Ben Heusinkvelt, a young grower from Columbus, Nebraska
Ben grew up outside Lincoln, Nebraska, and is a first-generation grower with a natural resources degree from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. He is the son of Mary and Bryan Heusinkvelt.