Yakima Farmers Answer the Call to Organize
At Mason's Opera House, A. B. Leckenby tells North Yakima growers that cooperation—not outside capital—is the valley's best hope, and a countywide farmers' club takes shape for Feb. 12.
In response to the invitation of the Yakima Commercial Club, Mr. A. B. Leckenby addressed a meeting of farmers at Mason's Opera House in North Yakima last Saturday on the question of cooperation among producers. While the meeting was not largely attended—owing to the fact that it had not been very well advertised—those present seemed to appreciate the force of Mr. Leckenby's remarks, and it was decided to call a meeting embracing the whole county for Saturday, Feb. 12, at 1 p.m., to complete an organization.
In his address Mr. Leckenby pointed out that all other classes were organizing—commerce, manufacturing, transportation, etc.—and that concert of action was as essential with the tillers of the soil. He said it was a false assumption that outside capital was necessary to develop the latent resources of a community such as the Yakima Valley. Prosperity could best be brought to the individual by concerted effort on the part of all.
There were many grave questions confronting agriculturists. He compared them to the ancient fable of the beautiful woman beneath whose draperies hideous scales were hidden; those brought before her were asked a question, and if they could not answer, great claws appeared from under the scales and the victim was torn to pieces. As with the woman in the fable, there were questions today that must be answered, or we will be torn to pieces. He showed how under a simple plan of organization much good could be accomplished. It would be easier to place farm products in the best markets and realize the biggest prices. It would not be possible for a druggist to sell adulterated drugs, spraying material, etc., to a body of farmers embraced in such an organization. It could demand rights which as individuals they cannot get. Farmers' Institutes could be held, and much information distributed. Seeds of new varieties could be distributed and tested, and the productiveness of the valley enhanced by application of the most progressive methods. Social conditions could be much improved and the surroundings of the homes made better and brighter.
Several others followed and expressed themselves as favorably impressed with the plan of organization, and when the meeting finally adjourned considerable enthusiasm was awakened. It was evident they were ready to take a lively interest in making the Farmers' Club a big success.
“It was a false assumption that it was necessary to have outside capital to develop the latent resources of such a community as the Yakima valley.”
More than a century later, Yakima Valley growers still wrestle with the same question Leckenby raised: whether local producers can control their own markets and resources or must depend on outside capital. The cooperative impulse behind this 1890s farmers' club survives in the valley's packing houses, fruit cooperatives and grower associations. It is a reminder that organizing for better prices and shared leverage is an old Yakima story, not a new one.
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