Great Christmas gift ... signed copies of Harvest Heritage...

 

We are pleased to announce local appearances by Richard Scheuerman, Alex McGregor and John Clement, Dec. 6-7 as they release their new book Harvest Heritage. Friday’s book signing is scheduled from noon-2:30 in the Lacrosse Market/Library and 3-5:30 in the Colfax Library. On Saturday, the three appear from 11-noon at the Endicott Food Center and 1-3 at the St. John Museum/Library. Copies of Harvest Heritage will be on sale at the events for $32.95 plus tax.

Harvest Heritage is the story of the remarkable transformation of the rolling hills of the Inland Northwest from sheep and cattle range to become one of the most productive wheat and barley growing regions in the world.  It is a story of pioneer settlers, who brought with them seed varieties from their homes across the continent or across the ocean, who worked hard beginning with horse and mule powered equipment and who adapted and persevered.  A story of dedicated agricultural scientists—particularly wheat and barley breeders—who started with early grain varieties brought haphazardly to the land, and developed varieties that brought improved yields, disease resistance, and quality.

Local businessman and author Alex McGregor says, “Harvest Heritage is an account of what one veteran wheat grower, my cousin, Bill McGregor, recalled as the values pioneers brought west with them—dyed-in-the-wool optimism, a wry, self- deprecating sense of humor that helped them overcome adversity, and “a tenacity verging on stubbornness” — qualities that Bill noted were useful then, useful now, and will be useful in the future.  It is a story of farm families, agricultural scientists and a remarkable land, described in prose and illustrated with striking photographs of a land where so many farm families have put down deep roots.”

For more information contact Kristie Kirkpatrick at Whitman County Library, 509-397-4366 or Main Street Books at 397-3334.