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It’s never too early to focus on the past.

That was the credo embraced by new Skagit County Pioneer Association President Loren Dahl, who last week received confirmation that the Wesen family, which operates a centennial dairy farm in the Bow-Edison area, has accepted its nomination as 2024 Pioneer Family of the Year.

The Wesens will be formally honored during ceremonies at the annual Pioneer Picnic in La Conner next August.

“It’s great to have this early,” said Dahl, whose next mission, with the association’s board of directors, is to choose a 2024 Pioneer Spirit recipient, most likely from the Upper Skagit Valley.

Dahl said he had spoken with Ron Wesen, a Skagit County commissioner who has been fully involved in the family’s dairy operation for more than four decades, about the Pioneer Family of the Year recognition.

“I asked Ron to talk to his family and let me know what they think.” Dahl said last week, following a Pioneer Association meeting at the Skagit County Historical Museum, “and they have accepted.”

The Wesens have been engaged in dairy farming northwest of Burlington since 1908 and in recent years have transitioned to an organic operation with more than 700 cows at two separate locations.

The Wesens, strong supporters of farm co-ops, have the milk produced on their farm bottled and sold throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Each year the Pioneer Association honors a family with deep roots and a tradition of public service in Skagit County. The association also presents a Pioneer Spirit award in recognition of those who are stewards to the legacy of Skagit County.