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HomeMy WebLinkAbout040424 - WSU Agriculture Newsletter - April 4_ 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-16627003?e=bae7ffec58> April 4, 2024 <https://mcusercontent.com/360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b/images/e9dec2c6-a793-8f98-ec76-7d9e577f4300.png> 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=2c4de7c55e&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=6dc5a4845d&e=bae7ffec58> New In-person! Propagating and Planting Sweetpotatoes Sequim, in-person event April 8th, 11am-12pm Pre-register here <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=f886eef3fe&e=bae7ffec58> . Address will be given upon registering. Join WSU Regional Small Farms and nursery woman, Leilani Wood, of Sunbaked Greenhouse for an on-farm walk through of her greenhouse and sweetpotato propagation system. Farmers will learn: * Methods for propagating sweetpotato slips for planting * How to maximize slip production * Tips for planting rooted and unrooted slips * General information about managing a commercial plant production greenhouse <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=ad8499190e&e=bae7ffec58> New Online! Growing Sweetpotatoes in Western Washington Virtual event April 18th, 6-7pm Pre-register here <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=4cf5ea3b6e&e=bae7ffec58> . Join WSU Regional Small Farms for the next online Sweetpotato educational class. If you missed out last year, here’s another chance to learn the basics of growing sweetpotatoes in the maritime climate of western Washington. Although sweetpotatoes are more commonly grown in the southern United States, they can grow well here. * Learn basic requirements for growing sweetpotatoes, and techniques that will help create a better microclimate for them. * Find out what varieties of sweetpotatoes local farms have tried, and which are the best to grow if you have wireworms on your farm. * We’ll cover the basics from propagating planting slips to harvesting and curing the crop. Questions for either event? Contact Laurel Moulton, laurel.moulton@wsu.edu This material is based upon work that is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2022-38640-37490 through the Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program under project number SW23-951. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and service provider. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Register for Sweetpotato Events <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=4340851dc9&e=bae7ffec58> 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=238c989757&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! Discovering the Wholesale Market for Flowers April 8th, 9:30am-12:30pm WSU Puyallup Research and Extension Center Register here <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=54681865c4&e=bae7ffec58> . Are you a flower farmer interested in understanding what it takes to sell to local flower wholesalers? Come join us for a panel discussion with two of our region’s wholesale flower outlets, Washington Floral and Seattle Wholesale Growers Market Cooperative. Representatives will be on hand to share how their operations work, what is required to sell through their outlets, what their flower needs are and how the growing number of local flower farms could provide a larger share of the wholesale market. New! Heat and Wildfire Smoke Safety Community Training April 10th, 5:30-7pm Finnriver Cider Garden, Chimacum Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) is hosting a Heat and Wildfire Smoke Safety Community Training, co-sponsored by Jefferson County’s Department of Emergency Management. The community is invited to learn valuable information on how to stay safe during heatwaves and wildfire smoke events, particularly targeting outdoor workers, families and individuals without access to air conditioning or air filtering HVAC systems at this free event. To read the full press release, visit: https://jeffersoncountypublichealth.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1326 <https://wsu.us19.list- manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=db22575463&e=bae7ffec58> New! Spring 2024 Webinar Series "Maintaining a Healthy Forest" Series April 24th - What's bugging you? A review of native and invasive forest pests in Washington May 29th - Abiotic factors impacting forest health in Washington 6-7pm Register here <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=214f582d58&e=bae7ffec58> . New! Accessing Markets: Certifications and Value-Added Products May 2nd, 9am-3pm Gray Fox Farm, Chimacum Register here <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=eb40e47223&e=bae7ffec58> . Hosted by American Farmland Trust's Events for Veteran Women. These learning circles are open to women and non-binary attendees, with stipends available for military veterans. We will be discussing how to access markets with certifications and value-added products! 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=61aa0dcf2c&e=bae7ffec58> . RESOURCES Funding & Business New! WSDA Local Food Infrastructure Grant Program Open Until April 17th Apply here <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=7e708ac89a&e=bae7ffec58> . The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is offering $2 million in grants to support local food supply chains and market access for farms, ranches, food processors, and food distributors. The grants are designed to expand and strengthen collaboration across linkages in Washington’s regional food supply chain. 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=b4a95a00c9&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 SARE Farmer/Rancher Grants Closes October 23, 2024 Learn more <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=a7363ae0ce&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. Marketing 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=5f110afd57&e=bae7ffec58> with quick-search icons, narrow results with multiple filters, and enjoy a better user experience on both desktop and mobile devices. CSA Promotion Toolkit for Farmers From Eat Local First Collaborative <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=3d16ff7a64&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! Take the National Agritourism Survey Take the survey here <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=164e7c7078&e=bae7ffec58> . The 2024 National Agritourism Survey is now collecting responses, and you are invited to participate! All agricultural operations that welcome visitors – whether for on-farm education, direct sales, entertainment, recreation, special events, and more – are invited to complete the survey. So, if you offer education or rent event space on your farm, have a farmstand, a petting zoo, offer pick-your-own, farm stays, or other on-farm experiences, your insights are crucial. 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=b818c7341c&e=bae7ffec58> Food Safety 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=41e6acae16&e=bae7ffec58> . LAND, FARM & EQUIPMENT 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 4/3/2024: 13 acre certified organic farm for sale West of Port Angeles - view listing <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=31cfeaca4f&e=bae7ffec58> 22 acre land share in Chimacum - view listing <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=8705e1cabd&e=bae7ffec58> 10 acres for lease in Chimacum - view listing <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=74dd25ab9d&e=bae7ffec58> 4 acres for lease on Bainbridge - view listing <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=7dff9ac2af&e=bae7ffec58> Short's Family Farm Equipment for Sale View equipment list <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=f25763979e&e=bae7ffec58> . Contact Roger Short with any questions, offers and additional equipment for sale (360) 301-3521. Some equipment may have sold. 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! General Manager, Kitsap Fresh Online Food Marketplace See full job description <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=5a4b8c73a9&e=bae7ffec58> . New! SisterLand Farms Dignity Project hiring now, Port Angeles See full job description <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=9d6084679d&e=bae7ffec58> . Water Resources Program Coordinator, WSU Jefferson County Extension See full description <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=3ba4406951&e=bae7ffec58> . Farmhand, Expedition Stevens Farm, Sequim See full job opportunity <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=25434110e4&e=bae7ffec58> . (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=f85291a1fd&e=bae7ffec58> . (9 positions currently available) River Run Farm, Sequim See full job descriptions <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=826fe1d8c0&e=bae7ffec58> . 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=bc6b5f28ef&e=bae7ffec58> . School Garden Coordinator, Salish Coast Elementary, Port Townsend See full job description <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=b9067f0cee&e=bae7ffec58> . Food Bank Logistics and Volunteer Manager, Jefferson County See full job description <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=6e79af9c73&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 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=600d4584c2&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=ce3f678856&e=bae7ffec58> WA Organics and Food Waste Law Read new developments here <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=908a872b43&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=cc8d6e7ab9&e=bae7ffec58> <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=5f60742682&e=bae7ffec58> <mailto:kellie.henwood@wsu.edu> <https://wsu.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=360ae1ff3a734621548b3598b&id=19f70c2834&e=bae7ffec58> Copyright © 2024 WSU Extension Regional Small Farms Program, All rights reserved. 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