Ferrel Family Farms

In 1864, Brewster Ferrel came to Walla Walla on a wagon train from Ohio and settled to farm on land resting on the glowing gold foothills of the Blue Mountains on what is now aptly called Scenic Loop Road, where many now go to watch gorgeous sunsets unfold over the sweeping valley. Now, six generations later, the ranch is still being farmed with an eye to the future by Greg Ferrel, and Gary Ferrel’s eldest son, Dustin. The family doesn’t know Brewster Ferrel’s motivation for settling where he did, but he chose some of the best dryland fields in the area and the United States. With deep, moisture-holding soil, cooler temperatures and high rainfall for the region — 20-24 inches — the 1,250-acre farm produces high yields and is still able to support two families.