207-acre agritourism farm in the Snohomish Valley protected forever by Washington Farmland Trust

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Seattle, Washington – After years of collaboration, Washington Farmland Trust worked with the Ricci family to conserve their land, Bob’s Corn & Pumpkin Farm in the Snohomish Valley. These 207 acres have been in production by the Ricci family since 1888. As 4th generation owners and operators, Bob and Sarah Ricci are raising their five children on the land. 

(left) Bob Ricci with his father. (right) Bob Ricci as a boy with a calf.

“We asked ourselves: what can we do as parents to ensure that even if the going gets tough, our kids won’t feel like they have to sell the farm,” said Sarah Ricci, farmer and co-owner of Bob’s Corn and Pumpkin Farm. “Even if it’s not them tending the land, we’re so glad to know this farm will be here forever.”

Bob’s Corn & Pumpkin Farm is a staple in the Snohomish Valley with agritourism offerings for all ages. In the summer months, visitors can take a hayride wagon to the sunflower fields for u-pick, grab a few ears of sweet corn for a barbeque, or make a bonfire under the stars amidst the corn fields. In the fall, there is a corn maze and fields of delicious pumpkin and squash for picking. Plus, Bob’s Corn offers an array of farm fresh produce in their farm stand and is opening a country store later this summer. 

Corn fields on the farm.

The land borders the Snohomish River, which is priority migration and breeding habitat for endangered salmon and other fish species. Bob and Sarah are committed to maintaining and stewarding the natural landscape in the valley, not just for food production but also for wildlife habitat and open space. The conservation of this property makes that commitment a reality.

“We are honored to work with the Ricci family to conserve this beloved farm,” said Stephanie Peña, Conservation Manager at Washington Farmland Trust. “The farm’s diverse offerings to the community, productive fields, and opportunities for habitat restoration make this conservation effort a win for all of us.”

Visit bobscorn.com for more information on sunflower u-pick events this summer and other produce that’s available for purchase this season.  

A special thank you to Snohomish County and the Department of Ecology for their adaptability and support in helping to fund this project, and to Duncan Monnin for capturing the video footage featured above.

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Media contact

Molly Goren, Communications Director | mgoren@wafarmlandtrust.org | 206-777-4053

About Washington Farmland Trust

Washington Farmland Trust is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and accredited land trust that protects and stewards threatened farmland across the state. We keep land in production by making it accessible to a new generation of farmers. Since our founding more than two decades ago, we have conserved 31 farms, totaling 3,370 acres.