The WSU Regional Small Farms Team was proud to co-host the 2023 Tilth Conference along with Tilth Alliance and the Washington Organic Recycling Council, held in Port Townsend, October 26th to 28th. The Small Farms Team created a Science Symposium on the first day of the conference, a special two-part workshop for meat producers over the weekend, helped to select farms for the farm walks, plus offered scholarships to local farmers to attend the conference.
The theme of the science symposium was, “Integrated Pest Management in a Changing Climate,” and featured speakers included Dr. Sanford Eigenbrode from the University of Idaho and Dr. Lindsey Du Toit, from WSU. Eigenbrode is an expert in plant-insect-environment interactions, and recently authored the most comprehensive review paper to date on how climate change is impacting the management of pests and beneficial insects in farm environments. Du Toit, recently named Chair of the WSU Plant Pathology Department, talked about the influence of environmental conditions on plant disease, how farmers can work the natural aspects of the land, weather features, and crop spacing to decrease conditions that facilitate certain diseases.
A poster session was offered during the evening happy hour. WSU students and researchers contributed posters about their research that ranged from assessing wireworm resistant sweetpotatoes for their suitability to growing in western WA, the potential use of cattle grazing in native prairie restoration to promote the growth of native prairie plants, the efficacy of biochar and other soil amendments to battle a common disease in wheat, among others. Conference attendees talked with student researchers while they enjoyed hors d’oeveres that included sweetpotato gougeres made with sweetpotatoes grown at the WSU Northwest Research and Extension Center, local beer, wine and cider.
The two part intensive butchery course showcased the WA Meat Up Mobile Classroom. The classroom is a truck that contains a USDA certified butchering facility, and resources for teaching at locations around the state. Farmers learned about safety, USDA quality standards, informed product value, pricing models and more. The workshop included demonstrations of butchery across multiple species.
Farmers from Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties were supported in attending the conference through scholarships offered by the WSU Regional Small Farms Program and Tilth Alliance. We are proud to report that every farmer that applied received a scholarship. We will keep you posted regarding next years Tilth Conference details.