Ag Programs at WSU Skagit Extension

Skagit County maintains one of the largest and most diverse agricultural communities west of the Cascade mountain range.

Local farmers produce about $350 million worth of crops, livestock, and dairy products on approximately 90,000 acres of land. Over 90 different crops are grown in the County. Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, tulips, daffodils, pickling cucumbers, specialty potatoes, Jonagold apples, and vegetable seed are some of the more important crops in this maritime valley. More tulip, iris, and daffodil bulbs are produced here than in any other county in the U.S. Ninety-five percent of the red potatoes grown in the state of Washington are from Skagit County. In addition to food and fiber products, agriculture in this region provides habitat for thousands of swans, snow geese, and dabbling ducks.

Numerous agricultural suppliers, organizations, and agencies serve the needs of this important industry. Each October thousands of people attend farm tours during the Festival of Family Farms to learn more about the bounty, beauty, and complexity of the valley’s working landscape.

Statistics Publications:

(Ag Stats are large files, please allow time to load for slower connections.)

Seed

Economics

Northwest Agriculture Business Center

Marketing

Direct Marketing: Evaluating Your Options
Emerging Markets in Skagit (MS PowerPoint)

Organic and Small Scale Farming

WSU Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources

Research

Boom-Type Carts vs. Big Guns in Northwestern Washington
Methyl Bromide Alternatives Poster
Experimenting with Growing Ulluco as Niche Crop – Poster NACAA 2015
Hands-on Worker Protection Standard Training – Poster NACAA 2015
Teaching Diverse Audiences in the Same Classroom – Poster NACAA 2016

Tune in to 1630 AM: “InFARMation” Travelers Agricultural Radio Updates

As you drive through the Skagit Valley tune to 1630 AM on your car radio and learn why local farmers call this fertile valley the “Magic Skagit.” Hear crop reports, farm history and special stories about the dozens of crops grown in this special valley. Find out what crops are being harvested or planted right now. “InFARMation” is a collaborative project made possible by: Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland, Skagit Valley College Radio Station KVSR 91.7 FM, WDOT, Leadership Skagit, EDASC, WSU Skagit County Extension and many community volunteer announcers.

WSU Everett Organic and Sustainable Agriculture Bachelor of Science Program

Upcoming Breakfast Meetings:

Ag Leaders

First Wednesday of every month
12 PM at the Farmhouse Inn

click to see more
upcoming events

Cultivating Success

Sustainable Small Farming
and Ranching, and
Agricultural Entrepreneurship
Course Information

Click HERE to find out how
to sign up for
Ag e-mail announcements!

Weather

AgWeatherNet

WSU Extension Drought Information

Upcoming Ag Workshops

Western Washington Seed Workshop

Mid January

Skagit Ag Summit

Mid February

Western Washington Potato Workshop

End of February

Western Washington Berry Workshop

Mid March

Meet the New Ag Economist

Jon Paul Driver grew up on the family farm north of Spokane in Usk. He attended WSU and received his degree in Agribusiness, Management and Economics. After graduating, Jon Paul went to work for the Washington State University Western Center for Risk Management Education where his work focused on dairy and crop insurance policy. He worked for Northwest Farm Credit Services as an agricultural economist and industry analyst focusing on cattle, dairy, hay, potatoes, and small grains for 5 years before rejoining WSU. Jon Paul is a graduate of AgForestry Leadership class 37 and part-time hay farmer.

Jon will be teaching a series of courses across Washington focusing on:

1. Record Keeping and Budgets
2. Evaluating Financial Condition
3. Debt Management Knowledge and Options
4. Cash Flow Management
5. Reorganization Plans and Tools

This series will provide a basic core of knowledge for participants to address and improve farm and ranch financial management.

In addition, Jon will be offering one-on-one consulting services and support for farmers and ranchers wanting to develop a reorganization plan that addresses their specific needs.