These Mid-Columbia farming heroes are joining the Ag Hall of Fame

Seven longtime farmers and agribusiness leaders will be inducted this month into the Mid-Columbia Agriculture Hall of Fame.

The Port of Pasco and Pasco Chamber of Commerce event Jan. 16 is celebrating its 20th year.

The new inductees will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to agriculture and agribusiness in four categories.

Pioneer Award

Jim and Cindy Lancaster and Orvalla Hafer will be honored for their significant influence on the development of agriculture and for unselfishly serving their communities.

• Jim Lancaster’s service in the Korean War made him eligible for the veteran’s land draw in the Columbia Basin and they settled on Unit 234 Block 20 in 1961, converting dryland wheat to irrigated farmland. The early years were tough, even having to haul water for their home from neighboring wells. Cindy Lancaster was one of the few wives to work off the farm teaching in Othello until she retired. She was Washington State Teacher of the Year in 1990. Together they have been involved in the Franklin County Cattleman’s Association since its inception, and Jim was a volunteer for Franklin County Fire District 4 for over 30 years. They volunteered for many years serving the Wahluke Water Association, Basin City Park/Arena, 20-3 Grazing Association, Connell FFA Booster and 4-H leaders in the ‘70s.

• Hafer and her husband, Raymond, settled in Adams County and established multi-specialty Hafer Farms. She was a 4-H leader and member of the Adams County Fair Board, Othello Jr. Livestock Sale Association and Columbia Basin Jr. Livestock Show and Memorial Garden. She also was a Sandhill Crane Festival volunteer and Cattlewomen’s Association member.

Rising Star Award

Greg and Shae Frichette of Frichette Winery will be honored as young individuals in the agriculture industry who demonstrate a commitment to community involvement with a dedication to enhance agriculture.

They started their venture into the wine industry in 2013 on Red Mountain, converting an unfinished pole building on 5 acres into a tasting room. Since then, they have fostered learning for students from Washington State University Tri-Cities Vintners program by giving them jobs and hosting field trips and class tours. Shae served as a board member for the Red Mountain AVA, Visit Tri-Cities, Tri-Cities Chamber and is founder of Benton City Giving Garden. She has received the Port of Benton Entrepreneurial Spirit Award and the Athena Award.

Agriculture Advisor Award

Dennis Munden will be honored for his significant impact in ag-advancement and educational programs and similar organizations influencing the industry through leadership, guidance and community involvement.

He is a retired agriculture education teacher at many local schools, including Kamiakin, Columbia, Pasco, Warden and Riverview High Schools. He received the Washington Association of Agriculture Educators Teacher of the Year in 1994 and 1997, the National Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association state award for Ideas Unlimited and Outstanding Agriculture Program, Crystal Apple Award, as well as numerous other honors for his commitment and effort in agriculture education.

Stewardship Award

Denny Hayden of Pasco is being honored for his community service and leadership in agriculture over many years.

He was born and raised in Pasco, growing up on the family fruit ranch. After graduating from WSU, he entered the banking and finance industry in Portland until the allure of farming brought him back to start his own farming venture. He represented the board of the Washington Tree fruit Research Commission as an appointed member for over 20 years. He has also been a member of the Cherry Institute board of directors for nearly 30 years. He has been honored with Good Fruit Grower of the Year and as Northwest Cherry Industry’s ‘Cherry King’. He also is active in the community and serves in the Knights of Columbus for his church parish.

▪ The Agriculture Hall of Fame Gala is Jan. 16 at the Pasco Red Lion and includes a dinner featuring local produce and wines. For reservations and information, call the Pasco Chamber at 509-547-9755 or online at www.pascochamber.org.