SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash., August 18, 2023—Each year at the Evergreen State Fair, Snohomish County honors a family that have remained in continuous agricultural production on the same land under the same family ownership for 100 years or more. This year the Duffner family in Snohomish is being honored at the fair’s opening ceremony on August 24 at 2 p.m.
“Agriculture has been a dominant feature of Snohomish County’s fertile landscape since the county was founded in 1861,” said Linda Neunzig, Snohomish County Agricultural Coordinator. “Congratulations to the Duffner Family on more than 100 years of farming in Snohomish County!”
Gary Duffner’s grandparents, George and Lisa Marie Wilson were the original owners, purchasing the land in 1920. The family raised cows and grew vegetables. In 1960, Gary’s parents, Marie (née Wilson) and Larry Duffner purchased the farm from her brother. Marie had been born inside the farmhouse and continued to operate the farm until her death in 2019 at the age of 95. Gary owns and operates the farm, continuing his parents’ legacy of raising cows and chickens.
The agriculture industry is a large sector of Snohomish County’s economy, representing $157 million, according to the most recent U.S. Census of Agriculture (2017).
About Snohomish County Conservation and Natural Resources
The Snohomish County Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) includes the Division of Surface Water Management; the Division of Parks and Recreation; the Office of Energy and Sustainability and the Office of Agriculture. DCNR works in support of thriving communities; a clean and healthy environment to foster environmental stewardship; ensuring food security; supporting a green economy, and strengthening communities by providing regional parks and infrastructure; protecting the region’s water, air, land and natural habitats; enhancing agriculture and recreation; and reducing flooding.
