Producer & Executive PNWCA Board of Directors
One of the first major tasks after the PNWCA received a Certificate of Incorporation was finding an executive director and up to 10 producers from ID, MT, OR, and WA who are passionate about this industry and committed to seeing the organization succeed. It didn't take long to fill the slate! We are thankful for those on the inaugural board who wanted to be part of the vision and mission of the PNWCA, and all who have served as directors and officers.
Read about our current PNWCA Board of Directors and you'll see that it's quite evident they are all a perfect fit for the task at hand.
Karen Sowers, Executive Director
Tucson, AZ
I grew up near Manhattan, Kansas, graduating from Kansas State University with a degree in Agronomy, followed by a M.S. in Soil Science from Washington State University. My husband, Brett, and I have two wonderful children (Megan and Colton) and two grandchildren. I was an Extension and Outreach Specialist with the WSU Oilseed Cropping Systems Project until 2019, when we moved to Tucson, AZ. The idea of getting a canola association reestablished in the PNW gained traction in 2016, and that became reality when the PNWCA was incorporated in July 2017. I initially served as interim executive director, becoming executive director in 2019. After 17+ years of working alongside farmers, ag industry, government agencies, and university colleagues throughout the PNW who are involved with canola production, it is clear to me that the canola industry is here to stay in the PNW. I am grateful for our amazing board of directors, and for the opportunity to lead the PNWCA and continue to grow the industry in the 4-state region.
IDAHO
Chris Riggers
Nezperce
I grew up on the Camas Prairie in North Central Idaho where I recently joined our family farming operation as a partner with my father. Our farm has a history of raising a diverse rotation of crops, of which Canola has been a staple for many years. We are excited to see and participate in the growth of canola production in the Pacific Northwest in recent years and look forward to exchanging knowledge and expertise with many other excellent canola producers in the region!
Joel Wasem, 2nd Vice-President
Cottonwood
I'm a 5th generation farmer in Cottonwood. My wife, Jordan, and I are raising our three children on the original homestead from 1890 and hope one day that one of them will farm as well. Previously I worked for CHS Primeland for 11 years in various roles, last of which was Group Location Manager. In this role I gained a great deal of insight and knowledge about canola production in the PNW and formed a passion for learning everything about canola, advancing the farming practices around it, and being able to educate other growers. Currently, my dad and I farm together growing winter canola, winter wheat, and a varying spring crop. Dad started no-till farming over 20 years ago and I hope to expand on those practices utilizing new precision technology, tillage, and seeding techniques. I look forward to sharing my experiences and learning from the other members of the PNWCA. Together, we can grow the organization and expand its impact on the canola industry.
MONTANA
Casey Nickol
Shelby
I grew up on the family farm near Ledger, MT. I am currently the fourth generation to farm our original homestead alongside my Dad. We grow winter wheat, spring wheat, barley, lentils, and canola. Canola has been a mainstay in our rotation for 7 year to improve weed control, improve soil quality, and to diversify our marketing. I went to Montana State University in Bozeman and returned full time to the farm in 2015. I also work in the agronomy division at Ben Taylor Inc in Shelby where I work with local farmers to help them bring more profitability to their operations within their chemical and seed decisions. Being on the PNWCA board is a great opportunity to grow the production and marketability of canola.
Position available
Position available
OREGON
David Brewer
The Dalles
With my wife Margaret, we are the fifth generation to operate the family farm in the rolling hills of north central Oregon. We have diversified our no-till cropping system with the addition of winter canola, sunflowers, spring cereals and grass finished beef in a traditional winter wheat/fallow area. Winter canola, while a challenge some years to establish in an 11-12” rainfall zone, has been a great addition to the rotation for what it brings in the way of weed control options, market diversity, wildlife habitat, and especially disease suppression and soil health benefits. The best wheat we grow every year is that following a canola crop. I am happy to represent Oregon and support the Association in helping growers realize the potential of this crop in the PNW.
Jason Scharf
Amity
My brother and I are the 4th generation to operate our farm in the Willamette Valley. We grow a diverse variety of field crops in addition to running a custom seed cleaning facility, vineyard and hazelnut orchards. We are primarily a grass seed operation and use many other crops as rotations including canola, which we have grown since 2014. Our family has been active in promoting and advocating for canola at the local, regional and national level for most of that time.
WASHINGTON
Braidy Haden, President
Almira
Mark Greene
Cloverland
Brendan Sherry, Vice-President
Walla Walla
I raise canola on our family farm along side my wife, parents, and sister in Walla Walla, Washington. After graduating from Boise State University in 2010, I returned to the farm where we have increased our focus on crop rotation. Canola has been a great tool for dealing with the problems that arise from farming in an area where a wheat-fallow rotation is standard practice. My hope is that the association will continue to provide valuable resources for canola growers while attracting new growers to this under utilized crop.