Director’s Message

This story is part of the 2024–2025 CSANR Biennial Report.

By the time you read these words, I will have concluded my service as director of CSANR. I think back to early 2008 when the CAHNRS dean asked me to serve as interim director. Who knew then what nearly two decades would bring, or where the Center would be today? I’m certainly amazed and proud of what the CSANR team, our affiliates, and our partners have accomplished together.

The list of accomplishments is long, both in terms of academic contributions and practical knowledge that has informed farm and ranch management decisions, industry strategy, and public policy across the state. That’s what we were established to do, and the CSANR team, affiliates, and partners have come together time and again to put our collective shoulders to the no-till drill.

Earlier today, I watched a CSANR team member present the Dairy Climate Roadmap to the Washington State Dairy Federation—the culmination of more than two decades of collaboration between several partners to make Washington’s dairy sector one of the most sustainable in the world. It made me think about the state’s Agricultural Climate Resilience Plan we helped WSDA develop; multiple Columbia River Supply & Demand Forecasts we partnered to produce; our substantial body of work in organics recycling research, education, and training; and the establishment of the world’s most robust soil health experimental site network. Like the Dairy Climate Roadmap, each of these accomplishments was built on a foundation of vision and partnership.

Nearly 20 years after stepping into this role, I’m proud of what we’ve built together and confident that the Center is well-positioned to continue making vital contributions toward a sustainable, resilient, and regenerative agricultural system and community in Washington. I hope you’re as eager as I am to see what the Center’s next chapter will bring.

Thanks and Go Cougs!
Chad Kruger

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