Open Field Farming in the Yakima Valley, Washington

Abstract

was not among the first hundred. Sheep and turkey production has increased as well. Several factors combined to account for these increases: (1) During the past decade the Roza Project has been completed adding 72,000 acres to the irrigated land of the valley. Much of this new land is not suitable for fruit growing. (2) Removal of many of the high cost apple orchards in the Lower Valley during the 1930's made available land for open field crops. (3) Decreases in acreage planted to several low income crops, such as alfalfa and grains, and a shift to higher income crops also have been important. For example, Yakima County declined from fifth place in alfalfa production in 1940 to tenth in 1945.