QUINCY - Although the area's agricultural products were on display during Quincy's Farmer Consumer Awareness Day, it was really the hard work put in by local farmers that was celebrated during the weekend.

Many local residents spent Saturday learning about local agricultural goods and touring the farms and production plants where they are made. Families also enjoyed music and food vendors at Quincy High School throughout the day.

But it was the efforts of one local farming family that was the focus of weekend's festivities.

FCAD organizers recognized the Knieps family's commitment to farming in the area by naming them this year's Farm Family of the Year.

"We're really honored and humbled to join this group of selected farmers," said Mike Kniep. Kniep's father, Elmer, brought his family to the area in 1958 to begin farming.

Kniep said his father previously farmed in Idaho, but had heard about the Columbia Basin Irrigation Project and decided he wanted to try his hand at farming in Washington. Elmer rented land until he could purchase acreage on his own, and eventually grew his first crop of beans on land just west of George.

Kniep and his brother Ryan inherited their father's love for farming. Both brothers had farms of their own, and the pair sometimes ventured out on crops together. He said they grew sweet peas, corn, wheat, sugar beets and beans over the years. They also grew peppermint for nearly 13 years, and their last crop was in 2007.

After 35 years of farming, Kniep and his wife Kathy decided to retire. But Kniep said he is still supportive of the farming industry in the area.

"The heart and soul of Quincy and even George is truly agriculture," he said. "I don't think it'll go away."

Kniep said it's important to continue local agricultural efforts. The area's first farmers invested in the vision of the irrigation project and celebrating farming is a way to make sure that vision is protected.

"Quincy valley may be a little dot on the map, but it's up there as one of the best areas to farm," Kniep said.