Local Hay Growers Seek Collective Bargaining Power
Producers in the White Bluffs-Hanford district aim to sign up 75 percent of commercial hay tonnage to form a cooperative association.
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H. L. Hall, chairman of the organization committee of the Northwest Hay Growers, recently completed a canvass of the White Bluffs-Hanford district and has signed up practically all of the commercial hay grown in this valley. In discussing the situation, Hall stated, 'We have been met everywhere with the most kindly and intelligent interest, and many have signed more because of a general interest in properly organized co-operative effort than because of the size of their holdings in hay.' The organization is attempting to secure 75 percent of the commercial hay crop across Benton, Yakima, Kittitas, and Walla Walla counties. If successful, they intend to incorporate the Hay Growers Association, allowing members to vote by district for their director.
“Many have signed, more because of a general interest in properly organized co-operative effort than because of the size of their holdings in hay.”
Agricultural cooperatives were the primary tool for small farmers in the early 20th century to combat market volatility. This push for collective bargaining echoes the ongoing struggles of independent growers to find a fair price in a globalized market.
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