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San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild

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Agricultural Guild Board

  • Bruce Gregory, Co-chair, representing the San Juan Islands Conservation District. He and his wife, Colleen Howe-Gregory, have owned and operated Mitchell Bay Farm & Nursery for eighteen years. Bruce is a member of the San Juan County Noxious Weed Board, a member of both the Agricultural Resources Committee of San Juan County and the San Juan County Economic Development Council. In addition, he is a board member of the Island Grown Farmer’s Cooperative and of the Northwest Agricultural Business Center.
  • Lisa Lawrence, Secretary, member at large.
  • Peggy Karp Weir, Treasurer, represents the San Juan Farmers’ Market Association. She is the owner/operator of Wonders of Nature, a small producer of farm products. Prior to moving to San Juan Island 12 years ago, she was involved with the design and development of internet-based systems and products, since its inception in the early 70s. She holds a BS in mathematics from Marywood College, MS in Information Science from the University of Chicago and did advanced degree studies and research at Stanford University.
  • David Bauermeister, representing the Northwest Agriculture Business Center. David was raised on a dryland wheat farm in Eastern Washington. He attended Washington State University and graduated with a BS in Agronomy, Business Management option and has 25 years agricultural experience working in private sector. David is Executive Director of the Northwest Agriculture Business Center (NABC), which provides Northwest Washington farmers with the skills and the resources required to profitably and efficiently supply their products to consumers, retailers, wholesalers, foodservice operators and food manufacturers. Through these efforts NABC contributes to a sustainable, environmentally and economically sound agricultural industry thereby preserving our region’s farming heritage for future generations. NABC’s work is made possible by support from government, the agricultural industry, the community, and from consumers who share NABC’s values and vision.
  • Rick Hughes, representing the Orcas Farmers' Market. Rick is President of Ray’s Pharmacy in Eastsound, and was a board member of Outward Bound Wilderness and the National Outdoor Leadership School. Prior to moving to Orcas Island, Rick was the Northwest Director of Advertising Sales for ESPN.com.
  • Elaine Kendall, former Co-Chair, representing the San Juan Farmers Market Association. Elaine is a co-owner of Sweet Earth Farm with her husband Ron Zee.
  • Nancy Larsen, member at large.
  • Madden Surbaugh, representing San Juan County food service establishments. Madden grew up in Olympia, graduated from the New England Culinary Academy, and is the Chef/Owner of the Quilted Pig at Rosario Resort on Orcas Island. Madden was previously the Chef/Owner of Steps Wine Bar in Friday Harbor. He was voted one of the “Northwest’s Best Chefs” by KCTS Channel 9 Public Television in 2008, recently awarded the Wine Enthusiasts Award of Unique Distinction and was featured on the television show Rachel Rays Vacations. Chef Madden enjoys putting fun twists on classic dishes as well as creating innovative new cuisine ideas using locally grown, seasonal foods. “Working closely with local farmers is paramount to my business. It insures that we are using goods produced organically, sustainably, safely and humanly. The products raised and grown in San Juan County are world class in quality and we are lucky to have them available right next door.”
  • Joel Thorson, representing the San Juan Farmers Market Association.
  • Rob Waldron, representing the Island Grown Farmers Cooperative. Rob attended Cornel University studying agriculture, then joined the Peace Corp and served in Chile for six years. He moved to San Juan Island in 1972 and has managed various agricultural operations since. Currently Rob is managing Talking Horse Ranch which includes a sheep flock and cattle herd, a produce garden, pasture raised eggs, firewood and compost. Rob is a familiar face at the San Juan Farmers’ Market, selling locally raised, organic, grass fed lamb and beef plus garden produce. Sons Ben and Noah work as EMTs on San Juan Island and help with the 40 acre home ranch which includes sheep and cattle.
  • Susie Wampler, member at large. Susie has lived on San Juan Island since the early seventies. She has a BS degree in Organizational and Mass Communications from Eastern Washington University and holds a degree in Residential Design from the Art Institute of Seattle. Susie is very active as a wife, mother of two daughters, a private chef, event coordinator, and interior designer. For 19 growing seasons Susie has sold her gorgeous flower bouquets at the San Juan Farmers’ Market, Kings Market, and Roche Harbor Resort.