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HomeMy WebLinkAbout031124 - WSU Agriculture Newsletter - March 11_ 2024ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. WSU Events, Farmer Resources, Job Opportunities and more View this email in your browser <https://mailchi.mp/wsu/wsu-agriculture-newsletter-16622891?e=bae7ffec58> March 11, 2024 <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b/images/58905abb-1cee-442f-ac20-2805f2f719e1.jpg> Agriculture Newsletter The latest workshops, resources, news, job and networking opportunities for farmers and the agriculture community in Clallam, Jefferson and Kitsap Counties. <https://mcusercontent.com/360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b/images/d7708057-12c2-4819-8000-0de32f8d2f4d.png> go.wsu.edu/regionalsmallfarms <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=c05e77a323&e=bae7ffec58> In This Edition: * WSU Workshops & Events * Community Events & Classes * Resources (funding, farmer support, food safety) * Land, Farm & Equipment Listings * Job & Internship Opportunities * In the News WSU WORKSHOPS & EVENTS <https://mcusercontent.com/360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b/images/98bea72c-495b-41a4-94c0-48510b7b49cf.jpg> <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=5933ac1d77&e=bae7ffec58> New! Compost Heat Recovery System at Kitsap Farms March 14th, 2-4pm Pre-register here <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=7ff16349c5&e=bae7ffec58> . Join Regional Small Farms for our next Dirt Talk Farm Walk out at Kitsap Farms in Hansville, WA. Angie Cordiano and Harold Hogan will share with local farmers their new compost heat recovery system that they built to heat their fish house, eliminating their need to continuously run heaters. They will be sharing how other farmers can build their own radiant heat systems in any greenhouse setting to extend their growing season and save on energy costs. Discussion will be focused on: * Tour of the Kitsap Farms Aquaponics system and set up * Overview of their newly built Compost Heat Recovery System and step by step walk through of how it was built and benefits to the farm * Tips & tricks – things they learned from the process * Sharing resources and funding they received * Discussion from farmers in attendance In addition, they will provide their project plans to farmers who may be interested in building their own radiant heat system for greenhouse settings. New! Red Meat Butchery Workshops for Processors and Producers The WSU and WSDA WA Meat Up <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=527d2935a6&e=bae7ffec58> Mobile Meat Classroom is coming to Sequim! Made with funding support from WSDA, the purpose of the mobile meat classroom truck is to provide training and education for small meat producers/processors to build local food system resiliency as a fully equipped meat cutting demonstration kitchen. WSU Meat Science faculty, Paul Kuber, will be leading each workshop to breakdown meat cut quality, yield & value, increasing profitability, with WSDA Infrastructure Grant Program staff. <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=40bb985d2b&e=bae7ffec58> New! Monday March 25th - Meat Processors 9:30am-4pm Workshop with WSU and WSDA Meat Science experts in the new Wa Meat Up Mobile Meat Classroom! This day is for meat processors who works with local or regional producers. See full schedule and pre-register here <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=d3d66032ca&e=bae7ffec58> ! Butchery Workshop 1 - Register for Processor <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=a46eefb28f&e=bae7ffec58> <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=ac8dc14b20&e=bae7ffec58> New! Tuesday March 26th - Livestock Producers 9:30am-4pm Butchery workshop with WSU and WSDA Meat Science experts in the new WA Meat Up Mobile Meat Classroom! This day is for red meat livestock producers who sell to local and regional customers. Butchery Workshop 2 - Register for Producer <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=f4a6fb3006&e=bae7ffec58> <https://mcusercontent.com/360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b/images/611b86d3-1cfa-90c2-532c-5c9377ebb4e8.jpeg> New! Market Channels for Farm and Food Enterprises Webinar March 27th, 6-7:30pm, free Pre-register <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=91a5866401&e=bae7ffec58> in order to receive zoom link. Part of a Winter Training Series hosted by Jefferson County Farmers Market Association, North Olympic Development Council and WSU Regional Small Farms Program. This webinar is for the diversified grower or food producer looking to expand their market channels or learn about existing channels from experienced panel of speakers. Topics Include: * Hear from a panel of experienced farmers and buyers * Identifying diverse market channels and tips for accessing new markets (this includes wholesale) * Expanding your current market channels and financial decision-making tools *Webinar will be recorded and added to our WSU Online Learning Library <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=59f4ec07cf&e=bae7ffec58> page* New! Southwest WA Grazing School April 18-21 with WSU Thurston County Extension Register here <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=cfbeceb988&e=bae7ffec58> . The Southwest Washington Grazing School was developed by faculty at Washington State University Extension and resource conservationists at the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Who Should Attend: - Beef, sheep, or goat producers, dairy operators, and horse owners - Technical service providers supporting livestock producers including NRCS, Conservation District, or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local WSU Extension office. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication or program information or reasonable accommodation need to contact WSU Extension, 121 Oak Bay Rd, 360-379-5610 at least two weeks prior to the event. COMMUNITY EVENTS & CLASSES New! Chimacum Creek Management & Improvement Plan - Focus Groups Jefferson County Commissioners, Jefferson County Conservation District, and WSU Extension have teamed up to solicit input from the community about Chimacum Creek drainage issues and potential solutions. The Conservation District is leading the development of a drainage management and improvement plan for the watershed. Opportunities to attend in-person focus groups below: Tuesday March 12th: Discussion and analysis of the East Valley conditions:from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the WSU Classroom, 97 Oak Bay Rd, Port Hadlock Tuesday, March 19th: Discussion of Chimacum Creek Management Options from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the WSU Classroom, 97 Oak Bay Rd, Port Hadlock Visit the Jefferson Conservation District's website <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=ce74224a56&e=bae7ffec58> for more information about the project or email Vivian Ericson to get added to the contact list vivian@peaksustainability.com <mailto:vivian@peaksustainability.com> New! Making Soils Data Actionable Webinar Series March 13th, 12-1pm "Chemical" with Adam Peterson, Thurston Conservation District March 20th, 12-1pm "Biological" with Lindsey Du Toit, WSU March 27th, 12-1pm "Physical" with Troy Peters, WSU Register here! <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=9ac27eb6b5&e=bae7ffec58> More soil tests and data are available to farmers than ever. While this can be empowering, it can also be confusing. New information on soil chemistry, biology, and physics can sometimes be difficult to translate into action. In this webinar series, we highlight projects across Washington that are using soil data to inform real, on-farm management decisions. If you’ve been hit with soil data overload, this is the series for you. Farmers, agricultural advisors, extension staff, and decision makers are welcome. Come hear about how to take action on soil data, learn about available resources, and meet other Washington soil enthusiasts. New! Wet Feet Farming Webinar March 14th, 1-2pm Register here <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=033fe8011f&e=bae7ffec58> . Are you struggling to farm on saturated fields? Are you finding it more and more difficult to plant crops in the spring, get equipment onto fields, graze animals, or cut hay due to wet conditions? Many farms in our region are facing challenges with increasingly wet fields due to upland development, failing drainage infrastructure, and changing weather patterns. Join Snohomish Conservation District Agroforester, Carrie Brausieck, for a “Wet Feet Farming” webinar to learn more about this emerging issue and—more importantly—solutions! WHO THIS IS FOR: Farmers who struggle with wet fields New! NW Meat Processors Association Convention March 14th-16th, Albany, OR Learn more <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=91744b194b&e=bae7ffec58> . New! Port of Port Townsend's Shorts Farm Community Visioning Meeting Monday, April 17th, 5:30-7:30pm WSU Classroom, 97 Oak Bay Rd, Port Hadlock In the summer of 2023, the Port acquired the 253-acre Short’s Family Farm in Chimacum, one of the largest contiguous agricultural land holdings in the County and has directed that a “Farm Plan” be prepared to provide a clear vision and implementation actions to guide future use and development of the property in a way that supports the local ag community. All are welcome to provide input on developing a vision for future use of the site, a choice of alternatives for future use and development, and selection of a “preferred” alternative. More info here <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=263a3dc271&e=bae7ffec58> . RESOURCES Funding & Business New! New Producer Grants, AgWest APPLICATION DEADLINE: MAY 31 This grant opportunity from AgWest Farm Credit <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=0225c140c0&e=bae7ffec58> celebrates the ingenuity and passion of new producers and can help their dreams come to fruition. This program was developed for those who have a vision for their operation but lack the funds to put their plans into action. Successful applicants will receive a one-time $15,000 grant to support their operation's growth. Eligibility requirements: * Be a full or part-time agriculturalist who has two years or less of operational experience or has plans to start their operation within two years of the grant application date. * Have an operation located within AgWest Farm Credit’s territory. * Not be a current AgWest lending customer. * Must be 18 years of age. * Be a U.S. citizen or a foreign national lawfully admitted for permanent residency or pursuant to certain visas. WHO THIS IS FOR: New and beginning farmers with two years or less experience New! SARE Farmer/Rancher Grants Closes October 23, 2024 Learn more <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=b6b6fba15c&e=bae7ffec58> . The Western SARE Farmer/Rancher Research & Education Grant Program focuses on advancing on-farm sustainability solutions by funding innovative producer-driven research and outreach. This grant program involves agricultural producers (main applicants) and technical advisor(s) implementing projects to address identified needs in sustainable agriculture. New! Farm Tax Mythbusters from Farmers.gov Read more <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=9879e957aa&e=bae7ffec58> . Marketing New! New and improved Washington Food and Farm Finder You can now explore the map <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=c801467fac&e=bae7ffec58> with quick-search icons, narrow results with multiple filters, and enjoy a better user experience on both desktop and mobile devices. New! CSA Promotion Toolkit for Farmers From Eat Local First Collaborative <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=b7052ab31a&e=bae7ffec58> : for you to download and use to help share information in your newsletters, email communications, and social media. You can find additional graphics, photos, and overlays to use in your communication Farmer Support and Information New! Cover Crop Funding Available for Clallam County Farmers Interested in adding a cover crop to improve your soil health? Clallam Conservation District has some funding remaining to assist farmers in Clallam County in purchasing cover crop seed. A minimum of 5-acres must be planted to apply for funding; however, farm cooperatives may combine their seed requests to meet the 5-acre minimum. Seed must be planted by May 15, 2024 and is available to eligible landowners on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is gone. To request an application please submit a "Request for Farm Assistance" located on the Conservation District's website at: https://clallamcd.org/conservation-on-the-farm <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=2f51816177&e=bae7ffec58> New! Organic Fertilizer and Cover Crop Calculators, Oregon State University Extension Not a new resource, but a good one to revisit every spring! This free online tool <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=d56c89c60e&e=bae7ffec58> compares the nutrient value and cost of cover crops, organic and synthetic fertilizers and compost. Use this Calculator to develop well balanced and cost effective nutrient management programs for your farm. New! Scaling Up for Wholesale Vegetable Production in N.W. Washington (Guide) Not a new guide, but a good one <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=8e4bfd7136&e=bae7ffec58> . This document is the result of a multi-year effort of working with 12 farms and having conversations with numerous other farming operations in Whatcom and Skagit counties in Washington State. The initial goal of this project was to tease out key post-harvest strategies that could help growers potentially deliver a more consistent product to the marketplace and scale up their individual farming operations. In the development of this document, we have used an asset-based approach to identify the key operational strategies farmers have developed to produce these crops in Northwest Washington successfully and profitably. As scaling-up conversations with farmers deepened, it was clear that the conversation had to include the scope of the project’s key production practices as well. Developed by Cloud Mountain Farm Center, Northwest Agriculture Business Center, and Sustainable Connections through a WSDA Specialty Crop Block Grant. New! Updated WSU Publications and Guides Find more new and revised guides from 2024 <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=fbb749c120&e=bae7ffec58> . New updates featured are Pest Management Guide for Grapes in WA, Why Do Leaves Turn Red: A Home Garden Series, Managing Mosquitos in WA Irrigated Orchards, and more. New! Getting Started with Farm to School Resources for Producers WSDA Farm to School Purchasing Grant round 2 applications open <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=62c795086e&e=bae7ffec58> WSDA Farm to School Purchasing Grants are an ongoing market opportunity for Washington farmers and producers to sell to small and large institutions. Producers can explore this fact sheet to learn about selling to schools and other institutions, visit the WSDA Farm to School Toolkit <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=5c79e13778&e=bae7ff ec58> . Food Safety New! Publication: Food Safety for Flooded Farms In the aftermath of flooding, fruit and vegetable crops may pose a food safety risk. Read more <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=807c37b7ba&e=bae7ffec58> . LAND, FARM & EQUIPMENT LISTINGS New land listings! Washington Farmland Trust Farm to Farmer Program aims to support landowners in the farm transfer process, while helping create land opportunities that allow local producers to succeed in farming. The Farm to Farmer website allows participants to post listings about their land or farm business interests in Washington State. Newest Listings as of 3/11/2024: 13 acre certified organic farm for sale West of Port Angeles - view listing <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=4d93e0ec0a&e=bae7ffec58> 22 acre land share in Chimacum - view listing <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=4f9f74981d&e=bae7ffec58> 10 acres for lease in Chimacum - view listing <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=b859e01357&e=bae7ffec58> 4 acres for lease on Bainbridge - view listing <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=4ee6d0497e&e=bae7ffec58> New! Short's Family Farm Equipment for Sale View equipment list <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=e75805edb7&e=bae7ffec58> . Contact Roger Short with any questions, offers and additional equipment for sale (360) 301-3521. Want to include your listing in this newsletter? Email Kellie a link to your listing or attach a pdf, to kellie.henwood@wsu.edu. JOB & INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES New! Part-time WSU Sweetpotato Variety Trial Field Technician, Olympic Peninsula-based See full job description <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=f9e908ab53&e=bae7ffec58> . New! Water Resources Program Coordinator, WSU Jefferson County Extension See full description <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=07669cd3e4&e=bae7ffec58> . New! Farmhand, Expedition Stevens Farm, Sequim See full job opportunity <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=532e605537&e=bae7ffec58> . New! (Multiple positions) Spring Nursery Production, Vegetable Production, Vegetable Harvesters, Midori Farm, Quilcene See full job description <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=31768bf806&e=bae7ffec58> . New! (Multiple positions) Field Crew, Tractor Specialist, Red Dog Farm, Chimacum See full job description <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=13b86910dd&e=bae7ffec58> . New! (9 positions currently available) River Run Farm, Sequim See full job descriptions <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=c33d63e606&e=bae7ffec58> . New! Orchard Crew and Farmers Markets, Finnriver Farm & Cidery (multiple positions and locations) See full job description <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=555c9cfab1&e=bae7ffec58> . New! School Garden Coordinator, Salish Coast Elementary, Port Townsend See full job description <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=5a5329828c&e=bae7ffec58> . New! Food Bank Logistics and Volunteer Manager, Jefferson County See full job description <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=8c66956b48&e=bae7ffec58> . Want to include your job opportunity in this newsletter? Email Kellie a link to your website or attach a pdf, kellie.henwood@wsu.edu. IN THE NEWS New! Washington State Food and Ag Labeling Program In 2023, the Washington State Legislature passed a bill (ESB 5341 <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=9fa055fc04&e=bae7ffec58> ) directing the WSDA to begin to develop a statewide promotional program for agricultural products. The goal of the program is to provide consumers with a consistent way to identify and select Washington products to support local farmers, ranchers, fishers, processors, and other food businesses. Lora Liegel, the Program Administrator at WSDA, is currently gathering input from farmers, ranchers, fishers, processors, food businesses, and other stakeholders across the state to create a report for the legislature outlining program recommendations. Feel free to contact Lora with any comments. <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=408ca61fad&e=bae7ffec58> New! WA Organics and Food Waste Law Read new developments here <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=bfd4e696ed&e=bae7ffec58> . New! Our WSU College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) recently featured the food systems work of Clallam Extension in a CAHNRS News article. The feature included a great picture of local farmer, Scott Chichester, as well as one of our farm-to-community coordinator, Sallie Constant, hard at work. You can read the article HERE <https://wsu.us19.list-m anage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=de737249ed&e=bae7ffec58> . You made it to the bottom! We strive to include as many newsletter requests to the best of our ability. Please email us <mailto:kellie.henwood@wsu.edu?subject=Newsletter%20request> with questions or inclusion requests. Happy Spring, WSU Regional Small Farms Team WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local WSU Extension office. Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and special needs who contact your local WSU Extension office at least two weeks prior to the event. <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=edcf521328&e=bae7ffec58> <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=de80140444&e=bae7ffec58> <mailto:kellie.henwood@wsu.edu> <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=ba93d11542&e=bae7ffec58> Copyright © 2024 WSU Extension Regional Small Farms Program, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: WSU Extension Regional Small Farms Program 121 Oak Bay Rd Port Hadlock, WA 98339 Add us to your address book <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/vcard?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=9e764ecf8d> This email was sent to jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us <mailto:jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us> why did I get this? <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/about?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=9e764ecf8d&e=bae7ffec58&c=f203679db9> unsubscribe from this list <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/unsub scribe?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=9e764ecf8d&t=b&e=bae7ffec58&c=f203679db9> update subscription preferences <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/profile?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=9e764ecf8d &e=bae7ffec58&c=f203679db9> WSU Extension Regional Small Farms Program · 121 Oak Bay Rd · Port Hadlock, WA 98339 · USA <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/open.php?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=f203679db9&e=bae7ffec58>