Appel ends 17-year reign as Farm Bureau president

For the first time in 37 years, the only title in front of Steve Appel’s name will be farmer.

Appel, 59, retired last week as President of the Washington State Farm Bureau, capping a 17-year stint in the organization’s top seat and 37 years of holding an office in the organization.

“When I first started this ride, I never could have imagined it would have lasted this long,” said Appel.

Appel, who farms in the Dusty area, joined the Farm Bureau in October of 1974 and quickly took the position of chair of the young farmers and ranchers committee. Over the years, he took other posts in the Farm B...