Archer UR Ranch roots are deep in Columbia County soil
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-Chronicle photo
Harvest starts are delayed this year all across the region due to uncharacteristically rainy conditions in April, May and June, with cooler temperatures all adding up to almost all facets of small-grains harvest running behind the usual time table. Archer UR Ranch kicked off harvest earlier this week due to similar delaying factors. In this photo from the 2021 harvest, Cody Chapman, left, and Dan Chapman, paused for a minute before resuming cutting on their Crall Hollow fields. This year, combines will have Dan and Anne Chapman's sons Cody and Randy in the cb, along with third combine driver, Robert Winkler (not pictured).
DAYTON–The Archer UR Ranch is another of Columbia County's many multi-generational wheat and cattle operations that has a long history in the area, roots deep into not only the soil, but also in the interconnections of long-time families of this county.
Growing day-by-day and year-by-year is the family's sixth generation, if history proves out in the future.
Archer UR Ranch's Dan and Anne Chapman and sons Cody Chapman and Randy Chapman diligently tend to the business of growing small grains and cattle on family-owned and some leased property in the Pataha district, on the Whetstone, the Hogeye and other farm ground in the Crall Hollow and East Patit areas.
Dan and Anne are the family's fourth generation and their sons Cody and Randy count as the fifth with some grandkids coming along and, well, only the future will tell. Others in the fourth generation are Sue's kids, Andrew Wessels, who now lives in Alaska, Tyrell Wessels, and Kelly Wessels.
Dan and Anne have been running day-to-day operations since Anne's parents stepped into retirement in the mid-2000s. On the harvest crew this year is Tyrell Wessels, a cousin to Cody and Randy, whose dad, Alan Wessels, was heavily involved in the ranch's operation for several decades. His mother is Sue (Archer) McLean.
The third generation was Anne's, and her sister Sue's parents, Rosemary (Rosie) (neé McConnell) Archer and the late David R. Archer. David and Rosie started in farming with David's father and mother, Arden "Popper" Archer, Sr. and Erma (Rogg) Archer on the Pataha home place, expanding to include his sons-in-law, always with an eye of developing and expanding the family farm for the Archer family and their future generations.
The Archer family's tenure in southeastern Washington, according to genealogical records, appears to have started in the lower Whetstone district between Prescott and Waitsburg when Ontario, Canada-born James Archer (born in 1874) and his wife, Ida McPherson Archer got their toe-hold in farming there. He lived to age 72, passing away in 1947. Ida Archer was originally from California, and died at age 90 in 1967.
James and Ida Archer's two sons were Arden Sr. and Hesper "Hep" Archer. Hep's daughters and son were the late Jacqueline Archer Ely, Marilyn Archer Wilson and the late James Archer.
Arden Senior's sons were David and Arden Junior. Arden Jr. was in a swimming accident at age 21 and was paralyzed. His family rallied to his side and assisted him with obtaining the help he needed to function as a disabled person. Arden Jr. earned a law degree and was an attorney, and during his career, also worked with Gov. Dan Evans. He passed away in 1972 at age 39.
Popper actively farmed until his spouse Erma's death in 1965.
Rosie continues in retirement at the Maple Lane residence in Dayton, next door to grandson Cody and his wife Krissy and their daughters Jaelynne and Harper.
With decades of farming behind them, the decisions and the responsibilities now rest on the able shoulders of Dan and Anne, with their sons Cody and Randy also involved in day-to-day operations. Dan and Anne reside on the Pataha home place, next door to Sue and Steve McLean, and a third residence where Kelly Wessels lives.
Harvest for 2022 officially got started earlier this week, after some test cuts at the Pataha ranch were made last week, Dan says.
On combines will be Cody, Randy and Robert Winkler. Bank-out wagons are being handled by Luke Winkler and John Anderson. Piloting trucks hauling grain will be Dan, Ty Wessels, Walt Hessler, Tim Hopwood and Travis Cooper.
In addition to small grains, Archer UR Ranch is diversified into livestock with a cow-calf operation. David and Rosie continued his father Popper's passion for raising Hereford cattle.
-File photo
Dave and Rosie Archer were the 2008 Dayton Days Parade Marshals in recognition for their many years of dedicated volunteerism to the annual horse-racing event.
"It never failed," Rosie remembers, "that in the middle of harvest, the cattle would get out." Then there'd be a fur ball while Rosie and others would rally to get the cattle back inside the fences.
Eventually, they sold the herd and enjoyed smoother waters and not being tied down, but Dan and Anne have a passion for raising beef and have rebuilt the Hereford cow-calf operation. They keep busy during the winter months with calving and feeding.
Deep involvement in Dayton Days is another hallmark of the Archer clan. Popper was a Thoroughbred breeder and owner. With his son Arden Jr., they raced Pataha Prince, who won the Washington Futurity in 1967, and Theologist, who won the Longacres mile in 1977. Dave and Rosie were active behind the scenes of the horse races, and both Anne and Sue were on the Dayton Days court.
The Archer family's principle theme of being good stewards of the land for future generations of family is evident in the care they show for family, their equipment and cropland.
