Many things in Sequim have changed throughout the past 161 years, but the agricultural land once belonging to Scottish immigrant and farm founder William King, now best recognized as Clark Farms, hasn’t changed much since receiving the first land patent in Washington in 1853.

Clark Farms, nestled in the Dungeness Valley, has been passed down through five generations. On Saturday, Sept. 27, Tom and Holly Clark of Clark Farms will be celebrated and recognized at the North Olympic Land Trust’s Harvest Dinner as recipients of the land trust’s 2014 Farmers of the Year award.

“I was in shock,” Holly said. “We really work hard in what we believe in and so it is a huge honor to be recognized for your hard work and we feel very fortunate. I had no idea we would even be considered.”

The farm has served many purposes from generation to generation – ranging from a dairy and tulip farm to timber and raising racehorses. Today, under the ownership of Tom and Holly, Clark Farms serves as a meat farm for cattle, poultry, pigs, rabbits and buffalo. They also grow hay and Holly makes soap from the grass-fed, grass-finished tallow and pastured lard.

“Our meat is free from added hormones, antibiotics and steroids,” Holly said. “We think of the health of the animal and soils.”

With Tom’s animal science education from Washington State University and Holly’s educational background in biology, chemistry and childhood education, running the farm since 2008 has allowed for both Holly and Tom to utilize their knowledge, build on their skills and for Tom, operating the family farms means pursuing a lifelong dream.

“I feel very fortunate to be able to farm,” Tom said. “It is my passion and something I have always wanted to do.”

Although Tom continues to do general construction to help support the farm, he said he’s not alone and that every generation had various “side careers” that supplemented the farm. In the past, Tom’s family also was involved in the timber industry.

Fortunately for the Clarks, given their environmental and health conscience approach to farming, the agricultural lands have been well managed throughout the past 100-plus years, Holly said. Also, because the farm’s fields are quite diverse from one another they provide a variety of nutrients, which is ideal for the Clarks’ field rotation approach to grazing and pasture management.

“We’re trying to preserve the family farm and do it in sustainable and humane ways,” Holly said. “We want to continue to provide healthy meat for our community.”

The Clarks also aren’t afraid to branch out and take risks. Most recently, Tom purchased eight buffalo. Although it will be awhile before any buffalo meat is on the market from Clark Farms, it is in the works.

Tom and Holly are constantly learning as they go, Holly said. Both Tom and Holly aren’t only deepening their understanding of agriculture, ecology and animal husbandry, but also learning about the retail and distribution aspects of farming.

And despite the couple’s longtime engagement with their community given Tom’s involvement in construction and Holly’s 19 years as a teacher for the Port Angeles School District, they’re learning to appreciate the community on whole new level.

“We’re not alone in anything that we do,” Holly said. “Farming is truly a community effort.”

Clark Farms products are carried at the following restaurants: Nourish, Pacific Pantry Artisan Deli, Gabby’s Java and Gourmet, Old Mill Cafe, and occasionally at Bella Italia, SoHo Asian Bistro, Kokopelli Grill and Gainsbourg Lounge. Clark Farms products also are in the following stores: Hardy’s Market, Nash’s Farm Store, The Red Rooster Grocery, Agnew Grocery, Country Aire Market, Good To Go Grocery, Joyce General Store and Sunset West Co-op.

About Clark Farms …

The Clark Farm philosophy: “Our animals are an integral part of our farming operation and livelihood so we treat them with tender loving care. They are a part of our farm’s health and they in turn help keep the soils in balance. We feel good about providing an alternative product for our community that promotes well-being on so many levels.”

Location: 863 E. Anderson Road

Phone: 681-5499

E-mail: clarkfarms@q.com

On the web: clarkfarms.weebly.com