S & B Farms

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Gus Burkland, of Swedish ancestry, pioneered his family in the community of Cedardale.  He had made enough money during the Alaska Gold Rush in the late 1890’s to build a new farm home.  This home stands today within a mile of Skagit Valley’s Best Produce, Inc.  His grandson, Richard Smith, began his agricultural career on a full-time basis after completion of college at Washington State University with a degree in Horticulture.  He was employed as a field man for a local frozen foods company and in 1958 began farming as his sole career.  His brother, Robert Burkland, joined in the farming in the late 1960’s, thus beginning Smith and Burkland Farms.

Richard continues the farming partnership with his son, Brad Smith, the fourth generation involved in the farm.  The Smiths now raise around 1,500 acres of crops, which include wheat and spinach seed, in rotation with the potato acreage.  In 1998 the Smiths established a partnership with Morrison Farms to construct a packing facility and sell potatoes through Skagit Valley’s Best Produce.  In 2001 they restructured and formed their new company, S & B Farms Inc. In 2025, Brad and his wife, Jennifer, became the full owners of Skagit Valley's Best Produce, marking an exciting new chapter for the company. As a family-owned and operated business, their shared commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service continues to drive the organization's success. Jennifer plays a vital role in both operations managing the farm’s office responsibilities while also serving as the Office and Sales Lead at our packing facility. Together, Brad and Jennifer are dedicated to ensuring Skagit Valley's Best Produce remains a trusted partner for customers throughout the region. The family farming legacy continues to thrive; representing the fifth generation, Brad's nephew, Carl, has chosen to make farming his career. His dedication to agriculture and passion for the industry help ensure that the values, knowledge, and stewardship that have defined the Smith family for generations will continue well into the future.

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