Meet Our Farmers: Steel Wheel Farm

Farmer Ryan shows off his produce at the University District Farmers Market.

Which came first, the farm, or the tractor? In Farmer Ryan’s case, definitely the tractor. In an interview for the series, Washington Grown, Ryan had a quick response when asked about his start in farming, ”About 10 years ago I purchased an antique tractor, and that kind of started my farming career.” Ryan and his tractor went on to work for a seasoned farmer down the road, and after a stint in the landscaping world, he went on to start Steel Wheel Farm.

Nestled on nine leased acres in Fall City, WA, Steel Wheel Farm grows mostly mixed vegetables, is home to a pig, Cinderella, and sometimes a cow or two. Ryan and his crew also harvest from a walnut tree on the property, and they are nurturing several baby apple trees. Ryan’s follow-your-joy attitude is absolutely infectious, and in an industry where hiring and retaining workers is increasingly difficult, he manages to keep employees on for years. Ryan’s fun-loving attitude doesn’t detract from his professionalism, and he has long standing relationships with restaurants and farmers markets in Seattle and the surrounding area. (Full disclosure, he is also on the board of our organization!)

When talking to Ryan about Steel Wheel Farm, he is always quick to point out that he is only half the equation. His wife, Kim, is the mastermind of the back end of the business, managing the website and “online dirty work.” Her experience in graphic design and photography come in handy, as does her profession in marketing and communications. Ryan and Kim make all major decisions about Steel Wheel Farm together, and she has been instrumental in growing the businesses. Though Kim’s role is behind the curtain, she’s no stranger to the farm! She’ll often stop by to say hi to the crew and give Ryan some guff.

Like Kim, Ryan also comes from a creative background. He received his degree in digital animation before deciding to get his hands dirty for a living. Creative thinking is what’s kept Steel Wheel Farm afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. They revived their CSA, spruced up their farm stand, and are in the second year of their Sprout program. Learn more about where you can find Steel Wheel Farm produce and how you can support them, here!