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Farmer Round Table
April 18, 2018 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
This workshop series offers an opportunity for farmers to share their experiences related to a given subject. In these workshops, we learn hands-on from Whatcom County farmers, land managers and other agricultural professionals in a field-based setting. Workshops will take place throughout the summer from April through October.
The 2018 Farmer Round Table series is brought to you in collaboration between Cloud Mountain Farm Center and the Whatcom Conservation District as an extension of their popular Whatcom Farmer Speaker Series.
The first workshop is Wednesday April 18th from 5pm – 7pm. We will discuss Bees and Pollination: How to enhance bee habitat on your farm! Register here for location address and more information.
CHECK OUT WHAT ELSE IS COMING UP THIS SEASON:
Title: Bees and Pollination: How to enhance bee habitat on your farm
Content Detail: Come check out a great example of farmer created pollinator habitat and learn more about bees from local expert, Timothy Lawrence.
Date: Wednesday, April 18th 5-7pm
Location: Squalicum Lake (address given upon registration)
Speakers: Timothy Lawrence (WSU) and Emily Hirsch (WCD)
Title: Cover Crops: managing nitrogen contribution and choosing varieties
Content Detail: The endless world of cover crops! Use this opportunity to share and learn with other local farmers about their cover crop successes and challenges. Conversation will be guided by WSU researcher, who will share about a current cover crop study happening.
Date: Late May, TBD
Location: TBD
Speakers: Chris Benedict (WSU)
Title: Plant Pathogens: Identification and Diagnosis
Content Detail: Wondering what is going on with your crops? Demystify the world of plant pathogens with local expert, Jeff Dodson. Participants are encouraged to bring in a sample of an unidentified potential pathogen in their plants. Bring all samples in a zip lock bag so as not to spread diseases!
Date: Wednesday, June 27th 5-7pm
Location: Spring Time Farm, Everson
Speakers: Jeff Dodson
Title: Growing Organic Leafy Greens for Market
Content Detail: We will look at the mechanized high density production program we have developed over the last 5 years. Using smallish scale equipment we will walk through all the steps of production.
Date: Monday, July 9th 5-7pm
Location: Cloud Mountain Farm Center
Speakers: Matthew McDermott (CMFC)
Title: Growing Organic Peaches for Market Farmers
Content Detail: This workshop is designed for farmers interested in adding peach trees into their production plans. Program will take place in the orchard where we will walk through our variety and production trials.
Date: Monday, July 16th 5-7pm
Location: Cloud Mountain Farm Center
Speakers: Tom Thornton (CMFC)
Title: Growing Organic High Tunnel Crops for Market
Content Detail: We will look at the strategies and practices used in production of tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers, and eggplant. Topics will include temporary tunnels, trellis construction, fertigation practices, disease management and harvest management. We will give information about how to apply for an NRCS grant for your own high tunnel.
Date: Monday, August 13th 5-7pm
Location: Cloud Mountain Farm Center
Speakers: Matthew McDermott (CMFC) NRCS Staff
Title: Great Grazers: Holistic Pasture Management at Edelweiss Dairy
Content Detail: Join us for a pasture walk on an Organic dairy farm in Everson. Hear from the farmer about pasture management strategies. Learn about how Organic Valley Cooperative and the Whatcom Conservation District work with farmers to promote ecological grazing practices that affect the quality of your dairy products.
Date: Thursday, August 23rd 4-7pm
Location: Edelweiss Dairy Farm
Speakers: Hans Wolfisburg (Edelweiss Dairy), Kristin Haider (Whatcom Conservation District) and Jake Schmitz (Organic Valley Cooperative)
Title: Growing Organic Seedless grapes for Market Farmers
Content Detail: With new varieties on the market and a proper trellis table grapes can be a very strong addition to the Market Farmer’s product offerings. We grow grapes in and outside of tunnels to help spread the season. Trellis systems, vine management and cultural practices are among the topics discussed.
Date: Monday September 17th 4:30 – 6:30pm
Location: Cloud Mountain Farm Center
Speakers: Tom Thornton (CMFC)
Title: Farm Grant Opportunities and Proposal Writing
Content Detail: As the season comes to a close, you may find yourself with more time to focus on financial opportunities to grow your farm. Come learn about the many resources out there for support and how to write an engaging proposal to persuade potential funders.
Date: October, TBD
Location: TBD
Speakers: Aneka Sweeney (WCD), NRCS and more