The Farmers' Forum 2026
When: Wednesday, March 4 from 8:45am-2:15pm
Where: Twisp Valley Grange (Get Directions)
Cost: FREE!
This free, one-day conference will include learning opportunities for farms both big and small as well as informal time to network with fellow farmers and agriculturalists. Lunch and snacks are included. See below for the planned schedule and planned range of topics.
If you're a local farmer, REGISTER HERE.
We have a limited number of additional spots for community members and farmers outside of the Okanogan region - if you're not a local farmer but you're interested in attending, reach out to Bridger to learn more.
2026 Farmers’ Forum Program
*Note: This program is still subject to (small) changes.
8:30 - 8:45: Coffee, arrival
8:45 - 9: Opening Remarks - Methow Conservancy
9-10: A Bridge to the Future: Farm Succession Planning Starts Today
Speaker: Elizabeth Bragg
This one-hour session offers a hands-on introduction to farm transition planning. You’ll learn how to take the first steps, navigate common challenges, and align your plans with long-term goals. The future of your farm or ranch starts with understanding what matters most to you. Participants will explore how vision and values shape their story and leave with practical tools to get started.
10-11: Getting Creative: Emerging Pathways to Farmland Affordability
Speakers: Chandler Briggs, Fraser Moore
When Chandler Briggs, owner and manager of Hayshaker Farm and the Walla Walla Food Hub, was provided with a notice to vacate his leased farmland in October 2024, he knew that his 11.53-acre diversified crop farm was at risk. Briggs turned to Blue Mountain Land Trust for support. BMLT purchased the farmland with help from a unique Washington State loan program that helps conservation organizations buy at-risk farmland. In this session, you’ll learn more about the future of Hayshaker Farm, the complexities of farmland transactions, and the collaboration between farmers and land trusts.
11-11:15: Break
11:15-12:15: The Direct Marketing Advantage: Tell Your Story to Drive Sales
Speaker: Micha Ide
In a world flooded with choices, your message needs to cut through the noise. By centering your brand on core values and prioritizing your customers’ needs, you can build the authentic relationships necessary to elevate your business. Join Micha Ide, the small farm direct marketing specialist from the WSDA Regional Markets Program, to discover practical steps for connecting with your audience and capturing more sales.
12:15-1:15: One Invoice at a Time: Building Local Wholesale Relationships
Speakers: Kelly Alumbaugh, Liz Corcoran, Casey Smith
This panel discussion is all about building strong local wholesale relationships. What are the things that make a farm account great to work with? What are local buyers looking for in terms of quantity and quality of food? What are the gaps in the local market that your farm might be able to fill? This is also a chance for the audience to ask questions of their buyers, and learn about how to get involved in wholesale markets if you aren’t already.
1:15: Lunch and Networking
Catered by Willow Brook Farm.
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Speaker Bios:
Elizabeth Bragg, American Farmland Trust
Elizabeth is an organic vegetable farmer in Rockport and serves as a Land Transfer Specialist with American Farmland Trust in the Pacific Northwest. In her role, she has supported more than 50 farmers, ranchers, landowners, and producers in achieving their farm and ranch succession goals. Elizabeth is also navigating her own farm and land transition, working alongside her farm mentor, Anne Schwartz, and landowner to create a plan that protects and carries forward the farm’s 46‑year organic legacy.
Fraser Moore, Blue Mountain Land Trust
Fraser Moore is the Conservation Manager at Blue Mountain Land Trust, where he leads all conservation acquisitions, including fee property purchases and conservation easements to protect farmland and habitat. He works closely with landowners, public agencies, and funding partners to advance innovative conservation projects. Fraser holds a degree in Biology and Environmental Studies from Whitman College.
Chandler Briggs, Hayshaker Farm
Chandler Briggs is the owner and general manager at Hayshaker Farm and the Walla Walla Food Hub. Originally from southern California, he started his farming career in 2007, Hayshaker Farm in 2014, and the Walla Walla Food Hub in 2020. With help of 10 other humans, he runs the year-round, full-diet online market and produce farm with 3 draft horses, 2 cats, 1 dog and several tractors. When off the farm, Chandler loves pizza, burritos, surfing, music, and traveling.
Micha Ide, Washington State Department of Agriculture
Micha Ide is the small farm direct marketing specialist in the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Regional Markets Program. She has over a decade of experience working as a farmer and supporting other agricultural producers across Washington. In her current role Micha assists small and midscale farmers and ranchers by connecting them to resources for business development, navigating regulations, facilitating market connections and more.