Successful Legacies

Tractor driving in field.

Bohernsen Farm

Lorenz Bohrnsen donated his 1,014 acres of farmland to WSU in 1991. Located in Spokane and Whitman Counties, the farm’s revenue supports the Vogel Endowed Chair in Wheat Breeding and Genetics and the Vogel Wheat Research Fund. Kulvinder Gill, the current Vogel professor, is leading research that aims to increase heat tolerance in wheat.
Man holding WSU flag in wheat field.

Cleora Neare Farm

Cleora Neare left her 903-acre farm to the state of Washington in her will. WSU received the farm via House Bill 1016 for the support of the University’s Lind Dryland Research Station, which is dedicated to research on wheat breeding, winter wheat emergence, alternative crops, weed and disease control, soil fertility, erosion control, and residue management.
Twin Vista Ranch sign in front of field.

Twin Vista Ranch

Lisa Painter wanted to protect the land she and Jeanne Clenendon had farmed since 1972 and to ensure that it was organically and sustainably managed—so she donated the 26-acre farm to WSU and the Jefferson County Land Trust. A central resource for WSU’s Jefferson County Extension, it includes a sizable organic garden, space for 4-H programs to raise livestock, and demonstration plots for sustainable agriculture and natural resource conservation. Lisa still lives in her home on the farm.

Valeska Farm

114 acres in Latah County. Revenue supports the Hattie Davis Espy Memorial Scholarships.

Ferne Daniel Farm

640 acres in Grant County. Revenue supports the Daniel Family Endowment for Precision Wheat Farming and Wheat Breeding.

Schroeder Farm

118 acres in Douglas County. Revenue supports the Schroeder Family Scholarships in Electrical Engineering and Agriculture.

Wilke Farm

342 acres in Lincoln County. Revenue supports agricultural research at the Wilke Farm.