A Glorious View Atop Eaton Ranch by Destin Joy

August 12, 2007

We had a fabulous evening on Eaton Natural Beef Ranch in Colton, WA, where we enjoyed a BBQ and sampled the pie contest entries…..wow. The view on top of the canyon was absolutely breathtaking and a highlight of the tour. See for yourself on our flickr photos.

Participating host organizations included North-Central Idaho Food Sustainability Collaborative, Rural Roots, Eaton Natural Beef, Moscow Food Co-op, University of Idaho Extension and the Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute.

The Eaton family has been ranching in Wawawai for over sixty years. Our host Jerry and his wife, and Nikki & Joe Eaton live on the ranch with their children and extended family, who all help maintain the land and their pastured animals. According to Nikki, “it takes an entire family to make the ranch work!“ Joe’s dad Jerry continues to help manage the ranch and offers tips on farming the “old fashioned way”, on the natural ways of ranching.

The sold out event was a huge success with over 100 in attendance. It brought the community together to learn more about local food, sustainability, and to share in a feast! We had several guests that were new to the term food sustainability, and it was an educational experience for all.

The evening started off with a tour of the ranch, which sits between Snake River and the surrounding canyons. We had the chance to learn about the history of the region, the canyon, and how the ranch has been shaped by these events. We also toured a new plot of land where the Eatons are building a few small cabins and will offer rustic sustainable lodging right on their property, including a fridge full of local goodies and meat to bbq. We look forward to adding them to the new green lodging category in the Eat Well Guide when they are complete!

After the tour, the highlight of the night was an exquisite dinner on top the canyon. Sitting on hay bales, eating pastured beef, donated local produce and bread, left us chatting for hours. With the sun setting in the horizon, a bluegrass band in the background, and a pie contest fit for a king, the evening was complete.

We graciously thank everyone for welcoming us into their community and for all of those that donated their time, energy, and food to create a truly beautiful evening.

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