Start with local relevance
The site is focused on Adams County and the Columbia Basin, with resources that matter to producers working in Eastern Washington conditions.
Adams County and the Columbia Basin
Soil-health guidance and conservation program pathways for local farmers.
Gillis Grains connects farmers with real-world soil health practices, research-backed resources, and funding opportunities that support long-term productivity and sustainability across Adams County and the Columbia Basin.
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Understand program pathways
Use the site to make sense of funding opportunities, agency roles, and the first steps needed to move from curiosity to a workable plan.
Keep it practical
The goal is not theory for its own sake. It is better decisions, stronger soil, and a clearer path toward long-term farm resilience.
New to Soil Health Programs? Start Here
- Contact your local NRCS office to discuss goals, fields, and eligibility.
- Ask which opportunities fit your operation, including EQIP and CSP.
- Work with your local Conservation District to build a plan you can actually use.
Purpose
Gillis Grains is meant to reduce confusion at the front end, so local producers have a clearer first step instead of a pile of disconnected links.
Need help deciding where to start?
Talk with a local conservation partner to align your farm goals with soil health practices and available funding programs.
Contact Adams Conservation DistrictLocal Resources and Program Links
These links remain a core part of the site, but they work best as support for a clearer local message: helping producers find trustworthy information and take the next practical step.
Resources
- USDA NRCS Soil Health
National soil health principles, planning tools, and practice guidance from USDA experts.
For: Farmers evaluating soil health practices and NRCS-backed recommendations.
- Washington State University Extension Agriculture Programs
Region-specific research, field support, and extension education for Washington producers.
For: Eastern Washington growers wanting local technical support.
- SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education)
Practical, research-backed materials on profitable and resilient farming systems.
For: Producers testing new conservation practices and seeking proven case studies.
- Pacific Northwest Direct Seed Association
Direct-seed focused resources, events, and technical updates relevant to local conditions.
For: No-till and direct-seed operators in the Pacific Northwest.
Funding Opportunities
- NRCS EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program)
Cost-share funding to implement conservation practices that improve soil and water outcomes.
For: Producers ready to adopt specific conservation improvements.
- NRCS CSP (Conservation Stewardship Program)
Financial and technical support for enhancing existing conservation systems over time.
For: Farms already using conservation practices and aiming to expand them.
- USDA Farm Service Agency Loan Programs
Loan options that can support equipment, operating costs, and farm transitions.
For: Farmers needing financing alongside conservation planning.
- Adams Conservation District
Local district support, conservation planning help, and direct assistance with applications.
For: Farmers seeking local guidance on program fit and next steps.
About Gillis Grains
Gillis Grains exists to help local farmers improve soil health, strengthen long-term productivity, and navigate conservation programs with confidence. Our goal is to simplify access to trusted information and practical opportunities that support working farms in Eastern Washington.
The next phase for the site is simple: make the local mission more visible, build stronger trust, and create a direct path for farmers who want help getting started.