The Rise of Okanogan Gold: Terry Taylor's Cannabis Journey in Washington State
In the fertile valley of Okanogan County, where the river meanders through one of North America's longest glacial-carved valleys, Terry Taylor discovered his paradise. The 30-acre Sunflower Farm, located on the banks of the Okanogan River just 20 miles south of the county seat in north-central Washington, represents not just a business venture but a family legacy and a way of life.
The Land of Opportunity
The Okanogan River Valley offers something precious to agricultural ventures: rich alluvial soils continuously developing since the last ice age. Terry's property benefits from these nutrient-dense soils and century-old deeded water rights—an invaluable asset in the arid West. These water rights allow him to pump directly from the Okanogan River, providing a significant advantage when negotiating with other licensed growers.
"The guaranteed irrigation water ensures government intervention isn't possible," Terry often emphasizes when discussing what makes his land special. This security, combined with the natural beauty of the property bordering large apple orchards and the unique river-bottom microclimate, creates ideal conditions for cannabis cultivation.
From Firefighter to Cannabis Pioneer
Terry Taylor's journey to becoming one of Washington's premier cannabis growers wasn't a straight path. Before establishing Okanogan Gold, Terry served as a firefighter, developing skills that would later prove invaluable when protecting his farm from wildfires. His passion for cannabis, which began when he was just 14 years old, combined with what he calls "common-sense growing" in his blood, laid the foundation for his agricultural expertise.
When Washington state legalized recreational cannabis through Initiative 502 (i502), Terry saw an opportunity. As the medical cannabis market began fading and recreational growing gained momentum, he leveraged his experience and property to establish one of the largest outdoor cannabis operations in the state.
Innovation Born from Adversity
Despite the ideal growing conditions of the Okanogan River Valley, Terry faced significant challenges. In 2012, a powerful summer storm blew over many of his eight-foot cannabis plants, causing substantial crop damage. This setback became the catalyst for innovation.
Drawing from his knowledge of trellis netting and support systems, Terry developed and refined the SCROG (screen of green) method for outdoor growing. This technique uses horizontal metal screens approximately three feet above the plants, training them to grow outward rather than upward. The method reduces wind impact, provides structural support, and exposes more of the plant to direct sunlight.
"The purpose is to get each square foot to produce as much as it can," Terry explains. His goal is to achieve one and a half ounces per square foot, eventually exceeding two ounces. By keeping plants tucked under the screens until flowering begins, Terry creates uniform "sheets" of bud that are much easier to process after harvest.
The results speak for themselves. Terry claims the SCROG method increases productivity by up to 30%, producing bigger, more uniform buds with significantly less wind damage. By 2016, nearly his entire crop utilized this method, with individual plants extending to 70 square feet of surface area each, with stems nearly as thick as a man's wrist.
Family at the Heart of Operations
Okanogan Gold is truly a family operation. Terry runs the farm with his children, including son Zachary Taylor and daughter Montanah (Taylor) Bordes, along with his son-in-law Chris Smith. His wife, Tammy Taylor, plays a crucial role in developing their vision for the future. Friend Jason Norbut has also contributed significantly to their success, along with many others whose support has been instrumental.
The Taylors acquired the property over 10-12 years, gradually building their operation into what it is today. Their tier-three operation covers approximately 30,000 square feet, though the farm itself spans 28.5 acres with plenty of room for expansion.
Genetics and Cultivation: The Art of Selection
As both a grower and breeder, Terry meticulously selects genetics suited to the local climate, particularly varieties that will complete their growth cycle before frost arrives. The farm cultivates numerous strains, including Runtz, 9 Pound Hammer, Blueberry, Mimosa, Bruce Banner, and Terry's own creations.
"One of my favorites is the Secret Recipe," Terry shares, noting that it produces exceptionally large plants with 25-30% THC content. Other popular strains grown at Okanogan Gold include Sour Diesel, Purple Elephant, and Hawaiian varieties.
The farm primarily focuses on sativa-indica crosses, with some strains developed by Terry himself. This careful genetic selection, combined with the SCROG method and the natural advantages of the Okanogan Valley's microclimate, results in premium cannabis that has built the farm's reputation throughout Washington state.
Fighting Fire with Knowledge
Terry's background as a firefighter has proven invaluable in protecting his investment from the increasingly frequent wildfires in the region. In late 2020, when the Cold Springs Fire threatened Okanogan County, burning more than 290 square miles near his farm, Terry stayed behind despite evacuation warnings to defend his property.
Using a box blade on the back of a tractor, he created multiple fire lines by scraping away flammable vegetation around the property. This action, informed by his firefighting experience, helped spare his home and facilities, though the smoke damage meant his cannabis couldn't be sold as the premium flower it was intended to be.
Beyond protecting his own farm, Terry educates other cannabis growers in the community about wildfire preparedness. He advocates for preventative measures like cutting fire lines, removing flammable vegetation, training employees in fire management, directing sprinkler systems outward, maintaining water tanks, using backup generators during power outages, and providing firefighters secure access to facilities.
Building Community in Okanogan County
The Taylors' vision extends far beyond cannabis cultivation. They aim to revitalize their community through various entrepreneurial ventures. One significant project involves transforming their steakhouse property in Malott, Washington, into a hotel, restaurant, bar, and possibly an outdoor movie theater.
This ambitious development would showcase the natural beauty of their land while serving as a networking center where locals could meet to plan community improvements.
The first stage of this community-building campaign involved raising funds for a food truck to serve their customers, campers, and employees. The menu features dishes made with fresh vegetables grown on their farm and locally sourced meats, supporting other businesses in the region.
Terry's commitment to community extends to charitable causes as well. He donates to numerous organizations dedicated to saving dogs, demonstrating his compassion beyond his business interests.
Challenges and Resilience
Despite their success, the Taylors have faced numerous challenges. Regulatory constraints, including canopy limits under state regulations, have forced Okanogan Gold to reduce production by approximately half. Extreme weather conditions, particularly unusually cold temperatures, have stunted crop growth in recent seasons.
The cannabis industry's exclusion from crop insurance has added another layer of risk. When wildfires threatened their operation, the lack of insurance protection meant the Taylors risked everything to protect their investment—despite cannabis being Washington's fourth highest-earning cash crop, with a production value of $653 million in 2020.
"We're going to probably be able to hold on because I don't have any debt," Terry notes pragmatically. "But the people that owe on their property and everything—I think it's going to be a house of cards."
This resilience in the face of adversity characterizes the Taylors' approach to business and life. Whatever sacrifices need to be made to build a legacy for his family, Terry will make them for the greater good.
Looking to the Future
Terry envisions significant changes in the cannabis industry over the coming years. He predicts regulations will loosen at the state level, banking restrictions will ease, and interstate sales may become possible. Within five years, he believes cannabis will be legal in half or more of the states, with each developing specialties.
For Okanogan Gold specifically, Terry's goals include fully developing the farm, expanding into growing specialty strains and exclusive genetics designed to service the culture leaders who developed this industry before state regulated cannabis was born.
The story of Okanogan Gold is not just about cannabis cultivation—it's about family, innovation, resilience, and community building. In the fertile soil of the Okanogan River Valley, Terry Taylor has planted the seeds of a legacy that extends far beyond the plants themselves, nurturing both the land and the people who call this corner of Washington home.
From firefighter to innovative farmer, from family man to community builder, Terry Taylor embodies the pioneering spirit that has characterized the Okanogan Valley since its gold rush days. Today, his "green gold" represents a new kind of treasure—one cultivated with care, expertise, and vision for generations to come.
-
Part 2 coming soon, where you will learn more about Terry, his family and the people he is working with to take his farm and brand to the next level.
By Michael
Sources:
https://mjbizdaily.com/six-ways-marijuana-growers-can-defend-their-farms-against-wildfires/
https://www.marijuanaventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/SG-Fall2016-digital-zzxy102948.pdf
WA States Advertising Disclaimer. Just In Case.
- "This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming.";
- "cannabis can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug.";
- "There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product."; and
- "For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of the reach of children."
