Learn how one farm overcomes the challenges to raising organic grain on the ‘Wetside’

Scions of one of the early farm families to settle the Snohomish Valley, Dan Bartelheimer and son Peter of SnoValley Farms are now into their third year raising organic barley in the area. Each year they’ve expanded their plantings and are now up to 500 acres.

Initially skeptical it was possible to raise grains organically and still manage weeds effectively, the Bartelheimers are now convinced it isn’t near as difficult as they first imagined. According to Dan, “I waited 40 years before trying organic farming because I did not think it would be possible to control the weeds.” He’s thrilled to have been proven wrong in such a short amount of time.

We invite you to join us Thursday, August 17, 2017 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm to view one of SnoValley Farms’ organic barley plantings just outside Snohomish. We’ll then travel a short distance to where the equipment used in the operation is stored. You’ll also have an opportunity to see the grain drying and storage facility they are building to ensure they have a high quality product available over an extended period even when harvest time weather isn’t ideal.

In addition, we’ll have Brigid Meints from the WSU Bread Lab Plant Breeding Program with us to share the work she has been doing on breeding and trialing barley at the Mt. Vernon Research Station.

Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local extension office or to the wsu center for human rights. Persons with a disability requiring special accommodation can request accommodation 21 days before training at (425) 338-2400. If accommodation is not requested in advance, we cannot guarantee availability on-site.