Grower joins WAWG board as Grant County representative

The Washington Association of Wheat Growers (WAWG) recently welcomed Chuck Erickson as the new board member from Grant County.

Erickson was born and raised on his family’s Hartline, Wash., dryland farm, which was established in 1889. He is the fifth generation and, alongside his father, raises wheat, a bit of barley and canola. Erickson is married to Timi, who also helps out on the farm when needed, and they have two children, Grace and Noah.

Although Erickson and his family have been WAWG members for a long time, he said he wasn’t aware just how involved the association is in advocating for wheat growers, both legislatively and at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). One of the goals he has is making sure that producers are aware of the programs offered by USDA agencies.

“Sometimes producers may not know about these programs. I can tell you from experience that being one of the last people to hear about a program and then missing the deadline because I didn’t know about it is really frustrating,” he said. “Now that I know how involved WAWG is and how hard we fight to do what’s right for producers, it’s really incredible.”

Erickson feels it’s important to be involved in organizations like WAWG because they give producers a voice when it comes to regulations and setting policy. He farms because it’s an honor to carry on his family’s legacy and to provide food for people. He also just loves to grow things.

“I’m kind of a nerd when comes to the science. I love to monitor the soil and see what can be grown where and how we can succeed, not only as producers but keepers of the soil,” he explained. “I just want to do what’s right to make sure we can produce crops in the healthiest soil possible.”

Besides his day job growing an outstanding crop, Erickson is also a fire commissioner for the local fire district and is studying to be an EMT. Most of his free time is taken up by his children’s sporting activities, which he says keeps him very busy.

“It’s all stuff I love to do. It’s busy, but it’s a great busy,” he said.