Living on the Land Workshops are for people living on small acreage, backyard growers, and anyone interested in connecting with their local food systems. Classes take place online, where people can access them from the comfort of their home, and in-person at local farms for hands-on, interactive learning.
Living on the Land classes 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.
Upcoming Classes
New Zealand-Style, High Tensile Fencing
Join WSU Jefferson County Extension 4H, WSU Regional Small Farms, and Kiwi Fencing for this interactive fencing class. The class will take place at Twin Vista Ranch, a WSU-owned farm on Marrowstone Island, where farm manager Dean Hyden raises his flock of sheep. Dean, along with Kiwi Fencing, will provide in depth instruction on New Zealand-style high tensile fencing, a type of low-maintenance, permanent fencing. The workshop will begin with classroom instruction. There be an overview of the NZ style fencing, including:
- Cost benefit analysis of high tensile fencing
- Required materials
- Necessary tools for construction or maintenance
- Safety when constructing a fence
- Energizing a high tensile fence
- Understanding braces
- How to troubleshoot issues and do simple repairs
- Using temporary fencing for grazing in a NZ style fencing setup
Participants will then get the opportunity to help construct a straight span of fencing on the farm, putting classroom knowledge immediately to practical use. Participants must bring their own gloves and safety goggles if they’d like to participate in fence construction. Additionally, they are encouraged to come dressed for all weather conditions, given the time of year. The classroom portion of the class will take place in a heated room and the rest will take place outdoors.
Registration coming soon. To stay informed of all upcoming classes, including Living on the Land classes, sign up for the WSU Regional Small Farms newsletter.
Past Classes, 2026
Dairy Cow Health 101
September 15th, 6:30-7:30pm
Dr. Craig McConnel will introduce participants to keeping your dairy cows safe and healthy. Topics will include the dairy lifecycle, nutrition considerations, common health issues, and preventative practices. This beginner class is appropriate for farmers, 4Hers, and anyone who has (or dreams of having) a small dairy herd of their own.
Watch a recording of Dairy Cow Health 101.
Chicken Care for Beginners
Come learn the basics of keeping your flock happy, healthy, and safe. This class is for those that are new to caring for poultry and for those who’d like a refresher. The focus will be on how to raise a flock from hatched chicks to adults, how to respond to common health issues, mistakes and misconceptions when caring for chickens, and connecting folks with resources to further build their knowledge.
Watch a recording of Chicken Care for Beginners.
Cattle Webinars
A two part webinar series with Dr. Don Llewellyn. Learn all about feeding your cattle: how their digestion works, nutritional requirements, supplementing feed economically, and finishing with grain vs. with grass.
These classes are for small scale farmers, 4H and FFA students, and anyone interested in someday raising cattle.
Forage & Grazing Nutrition
Watch a recording of Forage and Grazing Nutrition.
Finishing: Grass or Grain
Watch a recording of Finishing: Grass or Grain.
Past Classes, 2025
Chicken Care for Beginners
May 28th, 2025 Port Townsend (Jefferson County)
Read about Chicken Care for Beginners class, Jefferson County.
Small Ruminant Care for Beginners
Watch a recording of Small Ruminant Care for Beginners.
Small Ruminant Care on the Farm
June 8th, 2025 Poulsbo (Kitsap County)
Read about Small Ruminant Care on the Farm class.
From Egg to Hen: Raising Chickens for Beginners
July 15th, 2025 Poulsbo (Kitsap County)
Read about From Egg to Hen: Raising Chickens for Beginners class.
Shearing and Fleece Prep
July 23rd, 2025 (Kitsap County)
Read about Shearing and Fleece Prep class.
Composting on a Small Scale
July 23rd, 2025 (Kitsap County)
Read about Composting on a Small Scale class.
Preserve the Harvest: Intro to Canning
Seed Saving on a Small Scale
September 9th and September 11th, 2025 (Clallam County)
Read about the Seed Saving on a Small Scale classes here.
Accessibility
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.
WSU Extension Regional Small Farms Program has acquired portable language interpretation equipment to increase more meaningful access to educational opportunities. We currently offer live Spanish interpretation when available. Persons who need Spanish translation services at our events, please contact your local Extension office at least two weeks in advance of the event. Contact Kellie Henwood, kellie.henwood@wsu.edu or call (360) 379-5610 ext. 201.
El Programa Regional de Pequeñas Granjas de Extensión de WSU tiene equipos portátiles de interpretación para facilitar el acceso a oportunidades educativas. Ofrecemos interpretación al español en vivo cuando esta disponible. Si necesita servicios de interpretación al español durante nuestros eventos, comuníquese con su oficina local de Extensión con al menos dos semanas de anticipación. Contacte a Kellie Henwood, escriba a kellie.henwood@wsu.edu o llame al (360) 379-5610, ext. 201.