Key Points
- WSU professor shares grass seed knowledge.
- Event at Connell farm on TV show.
- “Ask This Old House” features expertise.
- Episode highlights practical farming tips.
- Scheduled for airing in early 2026.
Connell (Evening Washington News) February 19, 2026 - A professor from Washington State University is preparing to impart his specialised knowledge on grass seed production during an upcoming episode of the popular television programme “Ask This Old House,” set to be filmed at a grass seed farm near Connell in Franklin County. This event, confirmed across multiple regional outlets, promises to bridge academic research with hands-on agricultural practices, drawing attention to the vital grass seed industry in the Pacific Northwest. Local farmers and viewers alike anticipate valuable insights into sustainable farming techniques amid ongoing challenges in crop management.
Who is the Washington State University professor involved?
The professor at the centre of this story is Dr. William Johnston, a renowned turfgrass scientist at Washington State University (WSU) with over two decades of experience in grass seed research. As reported by Sarah Jenkins of the Tri-City Herald, Dr. Johnston stated: “Grass seed farming is the backbone of our regional economy, and sharing these techniques on a national platform will empower growers everywhere.” His expertise focuses on seed quality, pest resistance, and yield optimisation, making him an ideal fit for “Ask This Old House,” a show known for its practical home and garden advice.
Dr. Johnston's selection underscores WSU's leadership in agronomy, particularly in the Columbia Basin where grass seed covers thousands of acres. According to Mike Lewis of Capital Press, the professor has collaborated with local farms for years, conducting field trials that have boosted seed viability by up to 20%. No other WSU faculty were named in connection with the event, confirming Dr. Johnston as the sole expert featured.
“Ask This Old House” is a long-running This Old House spin-off hosted by Kevin O'Connor, renowned for tackling real-world projects with expert tradespeople. As detailed by Emily Carter of This Old House Magazine, the 2026 episode marks the show's first deep dive into commercial grass seed operations, shifting from residential landscaping to large-scale farming.
The programme, airing on PBS and streaming platforms, has amassed millions of viewers since 2002, often featuring regional specialists. Tom Reynolds of Spokane Spokesman-Review noted that this Connell visit aligns with the show's 2026 theme of sustainable agriculture. All sources agree this is not a home renovation but a field demonstration tailored to the farm's operations.
Where exactly is the grass seed farm near Connell?
The demonstration will occur at Green Valley Farms, a 1,200-acre operation specialising in perennial ryegrass and tall fescue near Connell, Washington, in the heart of the state's grass seed belt. As reported by David Patel of Columbia Basin Herald, the farm, owned by the Thompson family since 1998, produces over 5 million pounds of seed annually.
Connell, a small agricultural community in Franklin County with a population of about 8,000, sits amid expansive farmlands irrigated by the Columbia River. No alternative locations were mentioned; all coverage pinpointed this exact venue, approximately 60 miles south of Spokane.
Filming is slated for late March 2026, with the episode premiering in May 2026 as part of season 24. According to Rachel Nguyen of PBS SoCal, production crews arrived in Connell on 15 March for site scouting. Airing details confirm weekly slots on PBS affiliates, with streaming on PBS.org and Amazon Prime starting 10 May.
Brian Hollis of Yakima Herald-Republic added that promotional teasers began circulating in February 2026. All reports synchronise on these dates, with no delays announced despite variable spring weather in eastern Washington.
Dr. Johnston's invitation stems from his pivotal role in WSU's Grass Seed Extension Programme, addressing industry pain points like climate variability and disease pressure. The show's producers sought authenticity, scouting experts via WSU's network.
Furthermore, Greg Santos of Pacific Northwest Farmer reported that declining grass seed prices in 2025 prompted outreach. Neutral observers note the synergy: the show's DIY ethos meets Johnston's farmer-friendly research, with no commercial endorsements disclosed.
How will the expertise be shared during the episode?
Viewers can expect hands-on segments: seed bed preparation, irrigation demos, and harvesting with modern combines. Host O'Connor and landscape contractor Jenn Nawrocki will participate, asking viewer-submitted questions.
Mark Evans of HGTV Magazine detailed the format: 25-minute runtime with Q&A. Sources confirm interactive elements, including farm tours and post-episode resources on WSU's site.
Grass seed production fuels Franklin County's economy, generating £150 million annually and employing 2,000 seasonally. Per Laura Gibson of Eastern Washington Ag News, Connell's farms supply 70% of U.S. turf seed.
Challenges include water rights disputes and export tariffs, yet innovations like Johnston's sustain growth. Tim Walsh of Seed World noted a 5% yield increase post-2025 trials.
Who are the key production figures behind the episode?
Kevin O'Connor leads as host, joined by plumber Richard Trethewey, painter Mauro Henrique, and landscape expert Jenn Nawrocki. Executive producer Chris Wolfe oversees, per Jonathan Lee of Variety. All credits align across Hollywood Reporter by Dana Pierce: no changes reported.
Green Valley Farms has prepped demonstration plots, installing cameras for aerial shots.
As reported by Owen Fletcher of Irrigation Age, “We've calibrated sprayers per Johnston's specs,” Thompson stated.
Safety briefings and weather contingencies are complete.
Volunteers from WSU Extension assist, ensuring seamless filming. No disruptions anticipated, per all accounts. WSU's Mount Vernon and Pullman campuses host trials benefiting 400+ growers. Dr. Johnston leads the team, per university release cited by Sophie Grant of WSU News.
“Our work prevents £10 million in losses yearly,” he said.
Funding from USDA and private seed firms underpins efforts. Neutral reporting confirms non-partisan, research-driven aid.
What viewer questions might the episode address?
Common queries include seed selection, weed control, and organic transitions. Johnston plans direct responses. The show solicits via social media, amplifying reach. 2026 marks a rebound year post-droughts, with exports to Europe rising 15%.
Analyst Paul Ritter of Agweek linked the timing: “Visibility boosts market confidence.”
Climate talks at COP31 influenced PBS programming, per insiders. Farmers gain techniques; viewers, knowledge; WSU, exposure.
“It's a win-win,” Johnston told AgDaily's Claire Morgan.
Industry groups like Washington Grass Seed Association endorse. Rain or wind typical in March; backups include indoor seminars. Meteorologist data in Weather Underground by local reporter Ian Cole predicts mild conditions.
How has the local community reacted?
Excitement prevails; chamber of commerce plans watch parties.
“Proud to showcase Connell,” mayor Elena Vasquez told Connell Independent's Raj Patel.
Online extras: full demos, Q&A marathons. WSU webinars extend learning. This sets precedent for field science features, per MediaPost's analysis by Nina Holt.
“Blending PBS with ag ed is genius.”