How did the Columbia Basin desert become a breadbasket to the world?

1950—Much of the Columbia Basin grew sagebrush, sandburs, horned toads, scorpions, and rattlesnakes. In 1952, the first irrigation water arrived from Grand Coulee Dam. Grateful for irrigation, new pioneers broke sod. At first, many lived in shacks or tents while they looked forward to bountiful harvests to supply money for food and for building adequate housing. These farmers arrived with varying assets, varying motivations, and varying knowledge of farming.

Some farming methods that worked well in other areas proved disastrous in the desert. Sandstorms slashed young crops and buried many farmers’ dreams. Some settlers stayed ‘till they used up their assets, then moved back to previous endeavors or moved on to new enterprises. Some planted their family roots deep in their dreams… and in their sand.

The families who stayed understood well that none of the roads were named Easy Street. They worked hard. They struggled… experimented… innovated. Finally, they won—now the desert holds miles and miles of productive croplands.

What were the early farming days like? Come explore them with award-winning author Helen Heavirland—one of the farm kids who lived the trials and the triumphs.