Meet 5 new Mid-Columbia Ag Hall of Fame honorees. They keep WA’s $14B industry humming
Some of the leading lights of Tri-Cities agriculture will be honored in January when they’re inducted into the 2025 Mid-Columbia Agriculture Hall of Fame.
The Pasco Chamber of Commerce and the Port of Pasco will honor local farmers, families and leaders whose work supports an industry worth $14 billion to Washington state at its 24th annual gala.
Meet the honorees.
Fred Olberding, Pioneer Award winner
Olberding’s career began in childhood, when he “farmed” dirt with his mother’s spoons. His goal: Raise his own cattle to pay his way through Washington State University.
He worked for Wilbur-Ellis, and later formed a farm business with his brother, Allen.
“Fred never balked at a challenge. He would weld pig panels for the fair while welding at the farm. He is an analytical and motivated businessman figuring out how to solve whatever problem comes his way,” the chamber said.
Denise Senor, Agriculture Advisor Award winner
Senior began teaching in 1994 and taught agriculture at Kamiakin and River View high schools before retiring in 2022. She works as a substitute.
“Denise is a tireless advocate for agriculture education. Her dedication to agriculture as a science convinced the administration at Kamiakin that agriculture courses are indeed lab science, and that students learn best through the application of science principals to hands-on activities found in the agriculture program,” the chamber said.
James Alford, Rising Star Award winner
Alford has built a successful business since he established JCAg in 2007.
He has expanded into an additional seven companies representing a diverse collection of crops, and serves as president of the Franklin County Farm Bureau.
He was lauded for dedicate time to his family, church and the Franklin County Volunteer Stewardship Committee and Farm Fair, which is an annual event that introduces school children to agriculture.
Bill Middleton, Stewardship Award winner
The eldest of the six Middleton siblings, Bill Middleton established his farm off Pasco-Kahlotus highway in 1974.
He served on the Franklin County Weed Board for more than 20 years and has held roles on the Franklin County Farm Bureau Board and the Washington Asparagus Commission Board.
Middleton and his sons established Middleton’s Fall Festival, a popular family event that was later followed by Tulip Fest, Asparagus Festival Festival, Strawberry Festival and Sunflower Festival.
Alan Schreiber, Visionary Award winner
Schreiber is a fifth-generation farmer who runs three state agriculture commissions representing more than 300 crops grown in Washington.
He is best known locally as the voice of the Washington asparagus industry. In the Tri-Cities, he drove efforts to create the Tri-Cities Food Co-op, which opened in Richland this fall. The co-op offers growers an opportunity to sell local produce locally.
“Alan is a dynamic person and is passionate about Washington agriculture. From asparagus in the Columbia Basin to oysters in Willapa Bay, Alan always has his fingers in the soil of Washington’s agriculture,” the chamber said.
The Ag Hall of Fame Gala starts at 5 pm., Jan. 16 and includes a full-course dinner featuring local produce and wines. Contact the chamber, 509-547-9755, or go to pascochamber.org for reservations and information.