Cover Crop Field Day: Soil Health Assessment and Seed Distribution

Join Dharma Ridge Farm, Jefferson Conservation District, WSU Extension, and soil health specialists from the Washington Soil Health Initiative for a hands-on workshop exploring practical approaches to soil health and cover crop management. Farmer, Zach Wailand, will lead a tour of Dharma Ridge Farm, sharing how cover crop practices are incorporated into the farm’s production system. WSU Extension Soil Scientist, Doug Collins, will discuss cover crop management, with a focus on timing termination for successful crop rotations. WSDA Senior Soil Scientist and Climate Coordinator, Dani Gelardi, will lead an in-field soil health assessment, helping participants move beyond lab tests to learn practical ways to observe and evaluate their soil. Using NRCS soil health principles, participants will explore indicators such as soil color, biological activity, and water infiltration and practice simple assessment techniques they can use on their own farms.

Date: Thursday, September 3rd

Time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm

Location: Chimacum, WA. Farm address will be provided upon registration.

Speaker:With Zach Wailand of Dharma Ridge Farm; WSDA Senior Soil Scientist and Climate Coordinator, Dani Gilardi; and WSU Extension Professor and Soil Scientist, Doug Collins.

Audience: Beginning farmers, diversified vegetable producers, orchard and perennial crop growers, livestock producers, small acreage landowners, anyone interested in improving soil health.

Please only register for the farm walk if you plan to attend as there is limited space for this event. If you register and are unable to come, we kindly ask that you inform us at least 48 hours before the event so that we may open registration to other interested farmers. 

If you go to register and there are no spaces available, please email Kellie Henwood, kellie.henwood@wsu.edu, to be put on our cancellation list. 

This educational program is supported by the Washington State Conservation Commission’s Sustainable Farms and Fields Program, in partnership with Clallam Conservation District, Jefferson County Conservation District, and Washington State University Extension. Funding helps expand farmer education on soil health practices and supports implementation of cover crops through the Clallam and Jefferson County Cover Crop Seed Programs.

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 at 121 Oak Bay Rd, Port Hadlock, WA / 360-316-1656, at least two weeks prior to the event.