Agriculture matters east of the Cascades

When I'm not working as the 9th Legislative District's state senator, I focus my time and energy on my other job as a wheat farmer.

Many farmers in Eastern Washington are finishing their harvest for the year. In fact, my crew and I wrapped up our wheat harvest just a couple of days ago. It was a good harvest this summer. The long hours and hot days were worth it.

Wheat is just one of many crops that our state's farmers and orchardists grow each year. Other crops include apples, blueberries, cherries, grapes hops, peas and pears, just to name a few.

Agriculture is a major part of our state's ec...