Washington Farmers E-Newsletter - October 2026
This month’s newsletter highlights how dairy farm families across the region are connecting with their communities, sharing their stories and helping consumers better understand where their food comes from. Washington’s featured farmer, Case VanderMeulen of Coulee Flats Dairy, shares how his family welcomes more than 50 school tours each year and supports local youth through educational programs, community events and agricultural activities.
You'll also find updates on how your checkoff is creating value for dairy farmers across Washington and the region.
In this issue:
- Community engagement stories from dairy farm families across Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Washington
- CEO update on Dairy West's new "Real Good" brand, 2027 planning and national dairy checkoff leadership
- Registration details for the Washington Annual Meeting, December 1–2 in Centralia
- Washington dairy farmers giving back through Tom's Turkey Drive and Eggnog Nation holiday partnerships
- State tournament tickets available to dairy farmers through Dairy West's high school athletics partnerships
- Women's Wellness Symposium connecting health professionals with evidence-based dairy nutrition information
- Retail promotions and foodservice partnerships with Jacksons, Beans & Brews, Burgerville and Red Robin
- National chef competition encouraging more cheese on restaurant menus
- Australia trade mission building international market opportunities for regional dairy products
- New consumer stewardship campaign highlighting the care dairy farmers put into their cows, land and communities
