Peas used to make millions for Skagit County farmers. What happened?

Defunct industry tells larger story about challenges facing farmers, the search for a new cash crop

By: Sophia Gates | Staff Reporter

Outlets: Cascadia Daily News

Published: September 24, 2026

Words: 1,939

Last Updated: 1 month, 2 weeks ago

Body Text Preview

Decades ago, growing green peas was so profitable in Skagit County that farmers used to say they’d send their kids to college on the income.

Farming in the area has never been a monolith, and has long included dairies, beef cattle and other crops. Still, at one time “peas were king in this county,” said Owen Peth, a fifth-generation farmer in Bow.

In 1978, peas sold for freezing or canning brought in about $7.1 …

Create a free account to access this story and more

Join Plucky Wire to access full stories, collaborate with newsrooms, and discover content from networks around the world.

Accessibility

About

FAQ

Email Us