Deed Fink

Rancher

Winthrop, WA

August 28, 2024

In a small circle of students overlooking the expansive golden hills and fields of the Methow Valley, Deed Fink shared his personal journey and insights into local ranching. His family first arrived in the region in 1892, eventually settling on Deed’s current property just outside the small town of Winthrop.

Growing up, Deed worked for a Forest Service road crew, put out wildfires as a smokejumper, and served as a supervisor at the Washington State Department of Transportation, eventually retiring to dedicate his focus entirely to ranching. His day starts at dawn, changing sprinklers, hauling hay, managing his fields, and moving cattle. Deed explained how the region has changed with an influx of people moving from the cities, which has driven up housing costs, and strained the local water supply.

Deed hopes people understand that ranchers aren’t trying to destroy the environment, and that they actively care for the land they steward. He stresses the importance of listening to one another and finding a common ground to develop practical solutions. Through his stories and wit, our group gained a deeper appreciation for the ranching lifestyle, and its distinct relationship with the land and agricultural practices that shape the region.

by Henry Anderson