Five people who have contributed to agriculture and agribusiness have been inducted to the Mid-Columbia Agriculture Hall of Fame this year. 

The Hall of Fame, presented by the Pasco Chamber of Commerce and the Port of Pasco, has honored Mid-Columbia farmers, families and agribusiness leaders throughout its 24 years.

This year’s inductees, set to be honored at a gala Jan. 16, range from one of the founders of the Tri-Cities Food Co-Op to a high school agriculture teacher. 

Mid-Columbia Ag Hall of Fame Pioneer Award

The Mid-Columbia Ag Hall of Fame Pioneer Award goes to Fred Olberding this year. The award honors those who have had an impact on agriculture and who have served their communities.

Olberding worked for Wilbur-Ellis before going into farming with his brother Allen. An analytical and motivated businessman, he would weld pig panels for the fair while welding at the farm, a Pasco Chamber of Commerce news release said. 

Agriculture Advisor Award

This year’s Agriculture Advisor Award goes to Denise Senor, a high school teacher. The award recognizes an individual who has had an impact in agricultural advancement and educational programs.

Senor began teaching in 1994 and taught agriculture at Kamiakin and Riverview high schools before retiring in 2022. She’s since filled in as a substitute teacher for those classes. 

“Her dedication to agriculture as a science convinced the administration at Kamiakin that agriculture courses are indeed lab sciences,” the news release said. 

Rising Star Award

The Rising Star Award honors James Alford this year. The award recognizes a young person in agriculture who is committed to community involvement and enhancing agriculture.

Alford is the owner of JCAg, established in 2007, and has since expanded his business interests in seven additional companies. He has also been the president of the Franklin County Farm Bureau for the last 10 years.

Alford also puts time into the Franklin County Volunteer Stewardship Committee and Farm Fair, an annual event introducing children to the agriculture industry.

Stewardship Award

The Stewardship Award honors someone who has served the community and displayed leadership in agriculture over a long period of time. This year’s award goes to Bill Middleton.

He established his farm in Pasco in 1974 and has since empowered his sons in launching the popular Middleton’s Fall Festival. The farm hosts other festivals as well, including the Tulip Fest, Asparagus Festival, Strawberry Festival and Sunflower Festival.

Middleton also served on the Franklin County Weed Board for over 20 years and has held roles on the Franklin County Farm Bureau Board and Washington Asparagus Commission Board, including serving as a chairman.

Visionary Award

Alan Schreiber is the winner of this year’s Visionary Award, typically presented as a special honor through the consensus of the Ag Hall of Fame Committee members.

A fifth-generation farmer, Schreiber grew up in Revere, Missouri, growing corn and soybeans. He went on to run three state agriculture commissions and grow over 300 types of crops, the news release said. 

Schreiber donates to food banks and gives food to those who can’t afford to pay at farmers markets. He also recently worked with the community to open the Tri-Cities Food Co-op in Richland, which allows growers to sell produce locally.

Get tickets

The 2025 Ag Hall of Fame reception begins at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner and program at 6:30 p.m. at the Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center in Pasco. Cost is $75 a person.

Go to: pascochamber.org.