The FarmThe original farm was homesteaded in 1912 by Charles Farnsworth and Edith (McKinney) Farnsworth. Charles and his brother ran a Grain and Feed operation. Farnsworth established his presence in the Palouse in 1875, when he and his partner Worley established a sawmill on the Palouse River. He also built the livery stables on the corner of Beach and Main Streets in Palouse Washington.
Later, Roy McKinney lived on the homestead. Ownership changed over the years. At some point, the original property was divided into smaller plots. In the late 1970's, a barn on one of the plots was converted into a house. The current 10-acre farm received an official Farm ID from Whitman County in the summer of 2015, and Pioneer Produce was established. 
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The Farmer
The primary owner and operator, Peggy (Hard) Welsh, was born and raised in Pullman on Pioneer Hill and graduated from Pullman High School. Peggy’s Mom was a pioneer in Foods and Nutrition at WSU, and lead up the team responsible for the Washington State public school’s breakfast program! During high school, Peggy was a guest at local family farms or on combines during harvest. Peggy’s personal heritage amidst the rich Whitman County farmland and Washington State University has greatly influenced who she is today. After many years away, Peggy returned to the Palouse Country. Her passion is to grow health-full food and share it with her community. She believes by using organic, natural methods, she is providing a superior product that heals the soul, while nourishing the body. Peggy strives for all people to have access to high quality, fresh and local food. She participates in the WIC and Senior Washington State Nutrition Program. And through Backyard Harvest, Pioneer Produce is also able to accept EBT/SNAP coins and vouchers. Pioneer Produce also supplies local food banks with produce, both through funded programs and by donation. |
In addition to fresh produce, we are licensed through WSDA to make and sell jams, jellies and dehydrated products. These shelf life products are made with fruits, vegetables and herbs grown on the farm or from other local sustainable growers. We process our preserves and dehydrated products at the Palouse Community Center kitchen, a Washington State Certified kitchen.
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