Living on the Land Workshops

4 photos in background with goats, a hand holding wheat, a stack of jars of preserved food, and pecking chickens- with the words Living on the Land Workshops superimposed.

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 will 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 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.


Upcoming Classes

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.

Register for the class here.


Past Classes, 2026

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 the class here.

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 the class here.

Finishing: Grass or Grain

Watch a recording of the class here.


Past Classes, 2025

Chicken Care for Beginners

May 28th, 2025 Port Townsend (Jefferson County)

Read about the class here.

Small Ruminant Care for Beginners

Watch a recording of the class here.

Small Ruminant Care on the Farm

June 8th, 2025 Poulsbo (Kitsap County)

Read about the class here.

From Egg to Hen: Raising Chickens for Beginners

July 15th, 2025 Poulsbo (Kitsap County)

Read about the class here.

Shearing and Fleece Prep

July 23rd, 2025 (Kitsap County)

Read about the class here.

Composting on a Small Scale

July 23rd, 2025 (Kitsap County)

Read about the class here.

Preserve the Harvest: Intro to Canning

Learn more and stay up to date on future classes by visiting the San Juan County WSU Extension Food Preservation Program.

Seed Saving on a Small Scale

September 9th and September 11th, 2025 (Clallam County)

Read about the 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.