Growing Sweetpotatoes in Western Washington 2025
2025-05-15 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
The WSU Sweetpotato Team is at it again. Although sweetpotatoes are more commonly grown in the southern United States, they can grow well here. Learn from the knowledge that local farmers and researchers have gleaned from experimenting with growing sweetpotatos in the maritime climate of western Washington over the years. This online webinar will cover the basics of growing, harvesting, curing and storing sweetpotatoes with tips for getting the most out of this crop in the soils, climate and weather found in western Washington

Learn new information about best planting practices
Learn when to keep the crop weed free for best harvests
Learn how harvesting fresh greens impacts the root yield
Find out what varieties of sweetpotatoes local farms have tried, and which are the best to grow if you struggle with wireworms.
Learn the importance of curing and storage conditions on crop marketability
Learn how to propagate your own planting materials to reduce the likelihood of introducing new pests or diseases to your farm.

Registration Details
Date: May 15, 6pm – 7pm
Location: Online event!
Audience: Farmers, Homesteaders and Producers
Registration link: You must register to receive the Zoom link for the class.
https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/6642485
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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.
WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local WSU Extension office. Reasonable accommodation will be made for persons with disabilities and special needs who contact Laurel Moulton (laurel.moulton@wsu.edu / 360-565-2679) at least two weeks prior to the event.

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Processing of Acidified Foods – Jams, Jellies, Pickles, BBQ and Hot Sauces
2025-05-27 09:00 - 16:00 | Peninsula College, 1502 E Lauridsen Blvd, Port Angeles, WA, 98362, United States
For farms and food business developing value-added products – this training is a must!
Agenda:

What is an Acid/Acidified Foods?
Microbiological hazards associated with acidified canned foods
Importance of pH and water activity
pH of common fruits and vegetables
Principles of processing of acidified foods
Applicable food safety regulations
Basic aspects of labeling
How to complete FDA process filings?

Training runs from 9 am to 4 pm.
The training is subsidized through WSDA-SCBG #12 (2022-2025) titled “Educational Tools for the Small and Very Small Value-Added Specialty Crop Growers and Food Processors”.
Trainer: Dr. Girish Ganjyal, WSU Extension Food Processing Specialist
Photo credit: WSU Insider

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Living on the Land: Chicken Care for Beginners
2025-05-28 13:00 - 15:00 | Dutton Farm, Address to be provided upon registration, Port Townsend, WA
Chicken Care for Beginners will take place at Dutton Farm, where participants can see how chickens and ducks are integrated into their small farm system. We will be joined by farm owner Mickie Dutton and local heritage breed chicken breeder Lisa Van Horn, who has a vast amount of knowledge and experience when it comes to raising poultry. In this class participants will learn the basics of keeping chickens or other poultry and what they can do to keep their flock happy, healthy, and safe.
This class is a part of a new series called Living on the Land, a program by WSU Regional Small Farms for Kitsap, Jefferson, and Clallam counties. Living on the Land is for homesteaders, backyard growers, and anyone interested in connecting with their local food systems. Classes will take place online, where people can access them from the comfort of their home, and in-person, at local farms and homesteads for hands-on, interactive learning. Topics in 2025 will cover chicken and poultry care, raising and breeding small ruminants, seed-saving, food preservation, and composting.
Living on the Land classes will take place throughout the year and participants can attend one class or all. Online classes have unlimited registration. In-person class size is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Tickets are available to reserve approximately one month before the class. The classes are free and open to the public.
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 Clare Menard (345 6th St. Suite 550, Bremerton WA / clare.menard@wsu.edu / 360-228-7301) at least two weeks prior to the event.

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Harvesting Your Story: A Farm Branding Workshop
2025-05-28 17:00 - 19:00 | Finnriver Cidery, 124 Center Rd, Chimacum, 98325, United States
This class is for farmers and local food producers in Clallam and Jefferson Counties.
Join us for an inspiring in-person session on values-driven brand development, led by Crystie Kisler, co-founder of Finnriver Cidery, Chimacum Grainery, and a passionate advocate for purposeful farming. Hosted by the North Olympic Development Council and WSU Extension Regional Small Farms Program, this relaxed, community-style gathering is a chance to reflect and work on how your farm expresses your values, and how to share that story with the world.
Whether you’re just beginning to shape your farm’s brand or looking to fine tune how you show up in the market, this session is designed to spark ideas, build connections, and keep it real. No slides, no stiff lectures; just good conversation, helpful insights, and a chance to connect with fellow farmers over a shared refreshment.
Feel free to bring a picnic, a notebook, and your authentic self.
This program is funded in part by an award from USDA Rural Developments Rural Business Development Grant program. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

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 Kellie Henwood (121 Oak Bay Rd, Port Hadlock WA / kellie.henwood@wsu.edu / 360-379-5610 ext. 201) at least two weeks prior to the event.

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