February 2017
Cider & Perry Orcharding
Woodinville, WA Back by popular demand, NABC offers a workshop tailor made for the Orchardist wanting to grow cider & Perry fruit in marine climates. Gary Moulton, Local Pomologist & Orchardist, will take you through everything you need to know at this oneday workshop, addressing the critical issues for marine climate orcharding of these specialty fruits. Topics include: Cider & Perry Varietals (discussion, sampling) Soil Fertility and Amendments Planning, Planting & Orchard Layout Rootstock, Irrigation, Harvest Methods Pest Control Grafting…
Find out more »Pasture Management: How to Grow Great Grass
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm for dairy farmers, Brimm Tractor 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm for non-dairy farmers, Haynie Grange Guest speakers and a panel of your farming peers will discuss forage quality & weed management, pasture rotation, and fencing options. Share your tips about how to grow better grass. Co-hosted by the Drayton Watershed Improvement District.
Find out more »NW Washington Farm-to-Table Trade Meeting
Bellingham, WA The Farm-to-Trade Meeting connects 180+ farmers, fishers, chefs, grocery buyers, food artisans, processors, and distributors for a day of networking and education. Connect with wholesale buyers, and make new sales, gain important business resources and enjoy an amazing local lunch from the NW WA Chefs Collective and BTC Culinary Arts Students.
Find out more »March 2017
Employment Practices Seminar
Free to all members of the Washington Growers League, this four-hour seminar covers a breadth of management and labor issues. Compliance aids and handouts will be provided, plus plenty of time for Q&A. Please note: These classes are offered in English. Topics include: MSPA Worker Information Notices and contracts Employee handbooks and policy statements Personnel files Hiring Terminations and layoffs Discipline and coaching Warnings and suspensions Documentation Dealing with problem employees Rest breaks, meal breaks and timekeeping USDOL enforcement of Wage…
Find out more »Western Washington Berry Workshop
Multiple Locations*: American Legion Hall Vancouver,WA Lewis County Extension Chehalis, WA WSU Mount Vernon Northwestern Research and Extension Center Mount Vernon, WA WA Red Raspberry Commission Office Lynden, WA 8:30 am - 5:00 pm This day-long workshop will focus on many aspects of berry farming including: above and below ground disease management, nutrient management and food safety. *NOTE: There will be multiple locations with Mount Vernon as the main site and Clark, Lewis, and Whatcom Counties as simulcast sites. An…
Find out more »April 2017
High-Quality Transplant Production
Nick Guilford has been producing organic transplants for home gardens and his own farm for twenty years. Located in the South Fork Valley, Sunseed Farms is the home of “The Art of the Start”. Cloud Mountain’s Production Manager, Matthew McDermott, has produced organic transplants in such diverse places as the California coast, Northwestern Michigan, and more recently for Seattle Tilth Farm Works before joining us last year. Both will be present to share their experiences and lessons. The workshop will…
Find out more »Small Fruit Food Safety Workshop: Managing from Field to Market
This workshop is offered at four locations through web simulcast. Prosser, WA - Walter Clore Center, 2140 Wine Country Rd Lynden, WA - Rotary Building, NW Washington Fairgrounds 1775 Front St, Lynden, WA 98264' Mount Vernon, WA - WSU Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center at 16650 WA-536, Mt. Vernon, WA 98273 Topics include: Microbial Hygiene Considerations with Mechanical Harvesting of Blueberries How to Test Irrigation Water Implementing FSMA in the Field – What we Do and Don’t Know about What FDA…
Find out more »May 2017
Hands-On Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Field Day
Participate in machine laying of biodegradable plastic mulch Interact with biodegradable plastic, polyethylene, and paper mulches in the field Learn the latest about biodegradable mulch films Free Event Refreshments Provided Everyone Welcome Funding provided by USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) Grant #2014-51181-22382 (“Performance and Adoptability of Biodegradable Plastic Mulch for Sustainable Specialty Crop Production”). BDM Field Day Flyer 5-25-17
Find out more »June 2017
Plant Pathogen Types and Identification
Cloud Mountain Farm Center, a local non-profit agricultural education center, will host local farmers interested in learning how to identify bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens, and pathogenic nematode damage in crops. This session on Wednesday, June 7th, from 8:30 am to 10:30 am is part of the Center’s 2017 Farmer Roundtable Series, and is intended to spark conversation between researchers and local farmers.
Find out more »Worker Protection Standard Training Sessions
Requirements to Participate in a WSDA Train-the-Trainer Program We appreciate your interest in WSDA’s Train-the-Trainer program. To conduct a WPS-compliant agricultural worker or pesticide handler training, the individual must comply with at least one of the following criteria. The individual must: Be currently certified as an applicator of restricted-use pesticides, or Be currently designated as a trainer of certified applicators or pesticide handlers by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), or Have completed a pesticide safety train-the-trainer program approved…
Find out more »Small Farm Cultivation Roundtable Workshop
Cloud Mountain Farm Center, a local non-profit agricultural education center, will host local farmers at Joe’s Gardens on June 21 from 3 to 5 pm at 3100 Taylor Avenue in Bellingham to share experiences and challenges regarding weed management and cultivation featuring Jason Weston and his Planet Junior Revival. This session from 3pm to 5pm is part of the Center’s 2017 Farmer Speaker Series, and is intended to spark conversation between local farmers.
Find out more »WSU Small Grains Field Day
Attention farmers, millers, bakers, malsters, distillers, brewers, and grain enthusiasts: Join us to tour our research fields and to discuss the production of small grains such as wheat, barley, and buckwheat in western Washington for food, feed, and malt.
Find out more »July 2017
Season Extension in Specialty Crops Farm Walk
Tilth Alliance Farm Walk Series includes a visit to Growing Washington in Everson, WA and focuses on Season Extension techniques. Growing Washington is a 100 acre diversified, certified organic farm spread across ten sites in Everson. The farm grows over 100 varieties of fruits and vegetables each year that it sells through its CSA program and at fifteen farmers markets in Whatcom and King counties. The farm has six greenhouses and over 30 high tunnels to help extend the…
Find out more »FSPCA (Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance) – Preventive Controls for Animal Food Training
The Current Good Manufacturing Practice, Hazard Analysis, and Risk-based Preventive Controls for Animal Food regulation (referred to as the Preventive Controls for Animal Food regulation) is intended to ensure safe manufacturing/processing, packing and holding of food products for human consumption in the United States. The regulation requires that certain activities must be completed by a “preventive controls qualified individual” who has “successfully completed training in the development and application of risk-based preventive controls, or is otherwise qualified through job experience…
Find out more »August 2017
WHATCOM FARM SPEAKER SERIES: QUICK AND EASY FENCING SOLUTIONS
Track paddocks are great for horse health and provide versatile systems for pasture or winter sacrifice areas. Share an evening on the farm with two local horse owners. Location details provided after registration
Find out more »Hands-On Poultry Processing Class
Learn to efficiently and safely harvest your own poultry from a master butcher. This rigorous class in poultry processing has been developed in partnership with WSU Extension – San Juan County, and will be held in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. The hands-on workshop is geared towards the home flock farmer and aspiring small-scale commercial grower. The equipment used will be sourced from NABC’s poultry processing equipment program (available for rent from one of four mainland locations– see Poultry Processing…
Find out more »September 2017
Application of Biodegradable Mulches for Improved Red Raspberry Production Field Day
2:00 pm – 2:10 pm Welcome, Introductions, and Purpose of Field Day – Lisa DeVetter and Carol Miles WSU 2:10 pm – 2:20 pm Biodegradable Plastic Mulch and Suitability for Sustainable Agriculture – Shuresh Ghimire WSU 2:20 pm – 2:30 pm Application of Biodegradable Plastic Mulches on Tissue Culture Red Raspberry - Huan Zhang WSU 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm – Tour Research Plots – Huan Zang, Lisa DeVetter, Shuresh Ghimire and Carol Miles WSU 3:00 pm – 3:15 pm…
Find out more »Online Blueberry Physiology, Production Systems & Management
Learn from the world’s leading experts on plant growth and physiology, cultivars, and production systems to establish or improve your own blueberry farm. Learn the fundamentals of blueberry plant physiology and growth, species and types grown and cultivar adaptation, planting establishment, production systems, and important pests to develop successful new plantings or improve the yield and production efficiency of existing planting in this online, instructor-led certificate program offered by Professional and Continuing Education at Oregon State University. Within a collaborative, research-…
Find out more »October 2017
TRANSITION TO VALUE ADDED WORKSHOPS
NABC is offering 14 engaging and informative workshops this season to support agriculture producers, small food-related business owners, and cooperatives with their business development. We have a great line-up of presenters and panelists including farmers, food processors and manufacturers, industry buyers, lenders, and business development professionals.
Find out more »Cider & Perry Production: A Foundation
Cider chemistry, microbiology, sensory evaluation, production practices, regulations, business, laboratory techniques, blending strategies, and more! Click here for more information: Cider & Perry Production Flyer
Find out more »Hands-On Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Till-Down Field Day
Participate in till-down of biodegradable plastic mulch into the soil Interact with biodegradable plastic, polyethylene, and paper mulches as they are tilled down or removed from the field Learn the latest about biodegradable mulch films BDM Field Day Flyer 10-13-17
Find out more »Starting Your Business Business Concepts, Strategies, and Terminology
There are many details to starting a business. This class is geared towards providing foundational information to help new farmers and food related businesses to answer key questions such as: “What is required to start a business? Where and how do I get a business license? What are my responsibilities and legal obligations as a business owner? How do I handle hiring and managing of staff, payroll, and taxes? How do I handle keeping track of and recording sales, expenses,…
Find out more »Economic Opportunities For Latino Farmers
Come listen and learn directly from two amazing Minnesota Latino cooperatives. Cooperativa Agua Gorda, a cooperative owned by five farmers, has grown its farm business from ½ acre of land (2012) to 15 acres (2017), and annual sales from $6,700 to projected $80,000. Shared Ground Co-op is a cooperative of three Latino-owned farms and two Caucasian-owned farms. By working together they achieved sales of $330,000 in 2016. The workshop will also feature local business development assistance providers including NABC, Community…
Find out more »NABC’s USDA Value Added Producer Grant Workshop
Come learn about the USDA Value Added Producer Grant program this important USDA program has benefited many producers throughout the Puget Sound region with grant amounts ranging from less than $50,000 up to $250,000. Brandon Hoffman, Business and Loan Specialist for the USDA will make an in-depth presentation of the entire program, how it works, and how to prepare an application. Jeff Voltz, Project Manager for NABC will present how to prepare a feasibility study based on USDA guidelines, and…
Find out more »November 2017
37th Annual Food Safety and Sanitation Workshop
Highlighted Topics • Preventive Controls for Human Food: What Have We Learned? • Produce Safety Rule - Irrigation Water Requirement Updates • Basics of Sanitizers • Updated cGMPs • Pest Control and Food Safety • Sanitation Preventive Controls • Supply Chain Preventive Controls • Foreign Supplier Verification Program • Guidance Document for Listeria monocytogenes FSS 2017 Flyer August
Find out more »Access to Capital for U.S. Veterans, Minorities, and New and Beginning Farmers and Food Businesses
Farm businesses need access to capital whether it’s a new business start-up, a business expansion, purchasing land or new equipment, or building inventories to support a market expansion. All Beginning Farmers and Food Businesses are invited.... with a special focus on lenders and institutions offering services to U.S. Veterans, limited-resource and minority farmers, and food business owners. Come and meet representatives of lending programs and financial institutions that provide loans from less than $5,000 to more than $300,000. Event Flyer…
Find out more »Cooperatives And How They Work: Mutual Benefits
Cooperatives have long provided a successful business model to help groups of farmers achieve services, markets, and scale that an individual farm can’t achieve. This day will provide local producers and buyers with some great examples of cooperatives providing a mutual benefit not only for farmers, but for businesses and consumers as well. Five commercial processing, marketing and distribution cooperatives are coming to Anacortes to share their stories. Come to hear and learn from: • LINC Foods, Spokane, WA • North Cascades Meat…
Find out more »WSDA Train the Trainer
What The Train the Trainer workshops assist people who conduct pesticide safety training at agricultural establishments. The workshops provide trainers with basic pesticide information, Worker Protection Standard regulations and training tools to deliver effective pesticide safety training to Pesticide Handlers and Fieldworkers as mandated by the state and federal Worker Protection Standard (WPS). Trainers will be qualified to issue WPS worker and handler training verification cards. When Tuesday November 21st and Wednesday November 22nd Where Lynden City Annex Building 205…
Find out more »December 2017
Business Enterprise Feasibility
You want to start a new farm or food related business. What do you need to know and how do you predict the potential viability of your proposed business? This work shop will take you through a step by step process to understand what you need to know and the business methodologies necessary to assess the risks and potential for success of your business venture. The workshop will feature a panel discussion with agricultural producers and value-added food production businesses…
Find out more »January 2018
Cooperatives And How They Work: Legal Structures
A smooth running cooperative requires knowledge, effective systems, and informed decision-making. This 1/2 day workshop is geared towards existing cooperatives and groups that are considering a cooperative start-up. The workshop will feature presentations by professionals (legal, accounting, and cooperative development), who will provide an overview and framework covering legal and regulatory requirements for cooperative boards and management, as well as structures for bylaw and policy development.
Find out more »2018 Lower Mainland Horticulture Growers Short Course
The 2018 Horticulture Growers Short Course brochure is posted to the Pacific Agriculture Show website. Click here to view the program and see detailed session descriptions. Printed copies will be in the mail this week. The early bird deadline for registration is January 9th, so don't delay.
Find out more »2018 Country Living Expo & Cattlemen’s Winterschool
The Country Living Expo & Cattlemen’s Winterschool on Jan. 27, 2018 offers 180 classes, including 68 new classes this year. Our keynote speaker, Trent Loos is a 6th generation farmer, beef and swine producer, and humorous radio show host who tells stories that bridge the gap between rural food producers and their urban consumers. New classes this year include: Creating a website for your business, sourcing low carb hay for horse owners, attracting barn owls, tiny house design, cast…
Find out more »February 2018
Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training
The Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) has been tasked with developing the standardized national produce safety training program to prepare fresh produce growers to meet the regulatory requirements in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule. The PSA has developed two types of training courses; Grower Training Course and Train-the-Trainer Course. The PSA Grower Training Curriculum was created through a four-year nationwide development process. In 2011, after hosting an international gathering to review…
Find out more »Better Process Control School: Two Day Course – Acidified Course
Regulations for thermally processed low acid and acidified foods packaged in hermetically sealed containers (21 CFR 108, 113, and 114) are designed to prevent public health problems from commercially canned foods. The regulations require that operators of processing and packaging systems and container closure inspectors be under the operating supervision of a person who has attended and successfully completed appropriate instruction prescribed by FDA. Regulations for thermally processed meat and poultry products (9 CFR 318.300 and 381.300) and thermally processed…
Find out more »Better Process Control School: Four-Day School – Full Course
Regulations for thermally processed low acid and acidified foods packaged in hermetically sealed containers (21 CFR 108, 113, and 114) are designed to prevent public health problems from commercially canned foods. The regulations require that operators of processing and packaging systems and container closure inspectors be under the operating supervision of a person who has attended and successfully completed appropriate instruction prescribed by FDA. Regulations for thermally processed meat and poultry products (9 CFR 318.300 and 381.300) and thermally processed…
Find out more »Farm-To-Table Trade Meeting
The Farm-to-Table Trade Meeting is NW Washington’s premier FOOD & FARM BIZ CONFERENCE. Join us for another great year! Gather together with more than 175 farmers, fishers, chefs, grocery buyers, food artisans, processors, and distributors for a day filled with valuable networking and connection opportunities. Experience a day full of cutting edge education workshops, a vibrant expo, happy hour mixer, one-on-one producer and buyer consultations, and delicious, 7-course, locally-sourced lunch. Past attendees reported an average of 6 new sales connections…
Find out more »FDA Produce Safety Rule Water Summit
Water used during the production of fruits and vegetables represents a potential pathway for contamination with human pathogens. In the Food Safety Modernization Act’s (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, microbial quality standards were established for agricultural water that comes in contact with produce to reduce risks associated with agricultural water use. FDA received feedback with concerns about the complexity of the regulations and difficulty of implementation. The two-day Water Summit is an engagement opportunity for growers, regulatory personal, industry representatives, educators,…
Find out more »Food Ingredient Technology Course
This is an introductory course on Food Ingredient Technology (FIT). The short course provides an overview of major food ingredients that are used in value-added foods. It provides an overview of the various functionalities of these ingredients, and how they are used in making foods with qualities that are desired by consumers. DSC_0061Food Safety Modernization Act (FMSA) poses new challenges for all Food producers. It adopts a holistic, field to fork philosophy, encompassing ingredient acquisition, product development, manufacture and through…
Find out more »March 2018
Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training
The PSA Grower Training Curriculum was created through a four-year nationwide development process. In 2011, after hosting an international gathering to review current educational resources, the PSA launched ten, open Working Committees (WCs), composed of one hundred seventy-eight unique members from academia, agriculture, industry, and regulatory agencies. The WCs identified key areas and learning objectives to be addressed in the grower curriculum. Additionally, grower preferences regarding produce safety training programs were collected by hosting eight in-person farmer focus groups nationwide,…
Find out more »Produce Safety Alliance Train the Trainer
The PSA Grower Training Curriculum was created through a four-year nationwide development process. In 2011, after hosting an international gathering to review current educational resources, the PSA launched ten, open Working Committees (WCs), composed of one hundred seventy-eight unique members from academia, agriculture, industry, and regulatory agencies. The WCs identified key areas and learning objectives to be addressed in the grower curriculum. Additionally, grower preferences regarding produce safety training programs were collected by hosting eight in-person farmer focus groups nationwide,…
Find out more »6th annual San Juan Islands Ag Summit
Registration is now officially open for the 6th annual San Juan Islands Ag Summit. Join us March 16-17 on Lopez Island! Please visit our Eventbrite page for tickets and the latest information about this exciting upcoming event. Our Friday workshops are now posted, and you can save 30% off Saturday door price when you sign up before February 16! Interested in scholarship or work-trade? We are now accepting applications on a rolling basis until March 1st. The applications can be found on our…
Find out more »WSU Postharvest Fruit School 2018 BERRY SESSION
WSU Fruit Schools are designed to dive deep into topics important to the industry using a combination of presentation, discussion, hands-on activities, and demonstrations. WSU Postharvest Fruit School 2018 is a three day event concentrating on all aspects of postharvest fruit. This year we have separate tickets for specific events, giving attendees the option of which events they would like to attend. For berry growers we have tickets available for only the berry session on day two. We will be…
Find out more »Western Washington Berry Workshop
Come learn about the latest research in berry production for western Washington. Topics include: Weed Management Disease Management Pollination
Find out more »April 2018
COVER CROP MANAGEMENT & REDUCED-TILLAGE WORKSHOP PLUS DEMONSTRATION & REQUIRED TRAINING FOR PIERCE CD NO-TILL DRILL
Highlighted topics will include: Four different cover crop trials Strip-planting Raised beds Termination timing Winter-killed summer cover crop Cover crop management for reduced tillage and conventional tillage Strip-tillage for vegetables Multi-year weed management and transitioning to reduced tillage Demonstration and required training for renting Pierce Conservation District’s no-till drill for seeding cover crops and pasture. WSU researchers and cooperating farmers are evaluating cover crops and equipment for use in organic reduced tillage production. This spring field day will highlight cover…
Find out more »Farmer Round Table
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.…
Find out more »Nutrient Recovery Technology Field Day
Please join WSU and our commercial partners as we showcase two different technologies that capture nutrients from dairy manure to lessen environmental impacts. Both technologies allow for the recovered nutrients to then be responsibly land applied as recycled fertilizer according to crop demands. The NRCS Conservation Innovation Program has funded these two separate WSU projects to further examine these technologies and their sustainable applications benefiting both the environment and our state’s dairy farmers. We encourage you to join…
Find out more »May 2018
Hand-On Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Field Day
Participate in machine laying of biodegradable plastic mulch Interact with biodegradable plastic, polyethylene, and paper mulches in the field Learn the latest about biodegradable mulch films Field Day Flyer PDF
Find out more »June 2018
Irrigated Agriculture Supply
Goal/Purpose: To engage producers that have water supply challenges in understanding opportunities that may be available to them for solutions and to solicit possible ideas for inclusion in ESSB 6091 pilot projects. Audience: Agricultural producers that haven’t been actively involved/heard about water supply solutions; key ag members that are involved in crafting solutions (e.g. WID representatives) NOTE: SPACE IS LIMITED AND PRIORITY IS GIVEN TO WID ASSESSMENT PAYERS.
Find out more »July 2018
WSU NWREC Annual Field Day
The WSU Mount Vernon NWREC Annual Field Day will be taking place on July 12th and is a free event open to the public. Beginning at 3:00 pm faculty and graduate students will host a walking tour of some of the nearly 150 acres of active research plots at the Center. Hear about current research projects and learn how work at the Center impacts growers, consumers, agricultural businesses and local economies throughout the region. Two tractor-driven wagons will be available for non-walkers. At…
Find out more »September 2018
Eat Local Month & Farm Tour
It’s time to celebrate local food in Whatcom County! Join Sustainable Connections for September Eat Local Month - restaurant specials all month long, the 12th Annual Whatcom Farm Tour on September 8th & 9th, and much more! Visit eatlocalfirst.org for all the details.
Find out more »Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Till-Down Field Day
Participate in till-down of biodegradable plastic mulch into the soil Interact with biodegradable plastic, polyethylene, and paper mulches as they are tilled down or removed from the field Learn the latest about biodegradable mulch films BDM Field Day Flyer 9-11-18
Find out more »October 2018
Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training
Who Should Attend Fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and co-management of natural resources and food safety. The PSA Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in § 112.22(c) that requires ‘At least one supervisor or responsible party for your farm must have successfully completed food safety training at least equivalent to that…
Find out more »November 2018
38th Annual Food Safety & Sanitation Workshop
November 6-7, 2018 Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel Portland, Oregon Attendee registration is now open! Please visit our website for additional workshop information and online registration: http://ext100.wsu.edu/foodsanitation/ Attendee registration is now open. Early registration fee is $250/attendee by October 22, 2018. Late registration fee is $290/attendee after October 22, 2018. Room blocks sell out quickly, so please make your hotel reservations early. Here is the link to room block info: https://extension.wsu.edu/foodsanitation/hotel/ Nominate your colleague for the 2018 Line…
Find out more »March 2019
Healthy Soils, Healthy Region Workshop
“Coming together to increase adoption of soil health practices through coordination and training” March 12 - 14, 2019 - Pendleton Convention Center http://csanr.wsu.edu/healthysoils/ Workshops, demos, speakers, poster session, trade show, farm tour and more! Registration opens November 1, 2018 Fill out our conference planning survey at http://bit.ly/HSHRSurvey
Find out more »August 2019
WSU Extension Mechanical Cultivation Field Day
Join WSU Extension for an exciting workshop on mechanical cultivation for vegetable weed management. The event will include an array of demonstrations and speakers with contributions from local farmers, equipment representatives, and Extension specialists. PROGRAM FEATURES: Seed and seedling-focused strategies for weed management Live demos of tractor-sized and walk-behind cultivation equipment with Kult-Kress, Sutton Ag, Tilmor, Johnnys, BCS, Carts & Tools Belly- and rear-mounted setups w/ finger weeders, basket weeders, steerable toolbars, knives, cutaway disks, and more Local farmer panel…
Find out more »September 2019
Soil Health on the Dairy
Are you getting the most out of your soil? Healthy soil contributes to higher yields, reduced labor, improved water holding capacity, and more. Learn from a team of WSU soil scientists and district staff about the latest research, testing strategies, and practical tools for better soil health. This event will be in the field with hands-on demonstrations and a free lunch.
Find out more »November 2019
Whatcom Conservation District Farm Speaker Series: Winter Mud Management
Farm Speaker Series: Winter Mud Management November 14, 2019,6-8PM Everson Auction Barn Mud happens. Are you knee deep? Whatcom CD can help! Join us for a free workshop to learn about resources available locally to help farmers prepare for the rainy season including rebates for barn gutters and heavy use area footing, pasture soil testing, tarps for manure piles, small farm grants, and more! RSVP(suggested): Katie Pencke, kpencke@whatcomcd.org or 360-526-2381 x105
Find out more »December 2019
Refresher for WPS Training for Trainers
Event Flyer OFFERED IN SPANISH AND ENGLISH★ The Washington Growers League is sponsoring a Washington State Department of Agriculture class that is a refresher for people who have already completed the WSDA “Train the Trainer” class. This refresher for trainers is required every 3 years by the WSDA for all trainers who want to be able to issue WSDA cards certifying training. For those trainers who will only be training employees and not issuing cards, no refresher is required, but…
Find out more »Washington Small Fruit Conference and Lynden Ag Show
The 2019 Washington Small Fruit Conference will take place on December 4-6th in Lynden, WA. This year we have several special additions and as always will house meetings by the Washington Blueberry and Red Raspberry Commissions. The conference shares the latest research and developments in small fruit production and the event also houses the Lynden Ag Show; the largest agricultural trade show in western Washington with over 45 vendors present. Live streaming to Prosser, WA and Vancouver, WA. Pesticide credits…
Find out more »January 2020
Horticulture Growers’ Short Course
The Lower Mainland Horticultural Improvement Association organizes the annual Horticultural Growers’ Short Course. Formed in 1958, LMHIA is a not-for-profit organization that provides educational programs for its members. The first Horticultural Growers’ Short Course was presented in 1958 and it has enjoyed partnership with the Pacific Agriculture Show since 1998. LMHIA is governed by a Board of Directors representing horticulture commodities, with assistance from contract personnel and from BC Ministry of Agriculture staff.
Find out more »February 2020
Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training
The Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) was tasked with developing the standardized national produce safety training program to prepare fresh produce growers to meet the regulatory requirements in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule.The PSA Grower Training Curriculum was created through a four-year nationwide development process. In 2011, after hosting an international gathering to review current educational resources, the PSA launched ten, open Working Committees (WCs), composed of one hundred seventy-eight unique…
Find out more »Nutrient Management Training
Join the Whatcom Conservation District for the 6th annual training at the Mount Baker Rotary Building to learn about irrigation and soil water management technology opportunities, tips for manure management, local success stories, and more!
Find out more »Annual Grazing Plan Development
Learn how the Westside Pasture Calendar and other tools can help you develop a grazing plan for your farm. Hear from a local agronomist on how they support producers and recent case studies in pasture management. Conservation District planners will share recent research in regenerative agriculture and a local farrier and beef producer will share how they plan and implement their own managed grazing programs.
Find out more »WSU ON-FARM COMPOST SHORT COURSE
This two-day short course will focus on increasing your knowledge and skills around on-farm composting. The course will include hands-on exercises in compost recipe formulation, feedstock assessment, and construction of aerobic and properly wetted compost piles. End use of compost products to improve production and soil health on-farm and best practices to protect water quality will also be included. Representatives from Washington Department of Ecology and Department of Agriculture will present on regulations effecting on farm regulations and Organic Program…
Find out more »March 2020
WEBINAR: Farm and Community Food Program response to COVID-19 – keeping our farmers, customers and communities healthy
Given the CoVid-19 outbreak and its potential impact on land-based and community farm and food systems projects, we invite you to share best practices and to collectively think through and apply the CDC and Health Department guidance to our farm and food settings to make sure that our organizations are taking the best measures possible to protect staff, farmers, participants, and the community. We’d like to provide opportunities to give examples of what programs are doing and engage in conversation…
Find out more »WEBINAR: Farm Resilience and COVID-19 in Washington State
WA Young Farmers, SnoValley Tilth, Tilth Alliance, and WSDA Regional Markets are partnering to host a webinar on Farm Resilience & COVID-19 in Washington State. During this farmer-led webinar, learn from other producers who are already innovating their practices and adapting to shifts in the market. We will also hear important updates from food and farming advocates, service providers, and leaders in food distribution across Washington State. Our goals will be to assess how farms are adapting and crowdsource ideas,…
Find out more »2nd Annual Cover Crop Roundtable
Please join us for the 2nd Annual Cover Crop Roundtable! This is an annual gathering to network regional growers and researchers, share information on local cover crop successes and coordinate research interests and needs. See below for this year’s roundtable agenda, and join us to share, learn, and find inspiration for using cover crops for the 2020 season! Can't make it to Puyallup? Join the roundtable remotely via Zoom. Complete the registration process, and then email alisonn@piercecd.org to receive the…
Find out more »Soil Health Innovations Conference
Soils have become a focal topic due to new scientific understanding, the application of emerging technologies, and a growing interest among producers and policymakers in improving climate resilience and mitigating emissions. Soil health revolves around these principles: minimizing disturbance (such as tillage, biocides, and fertilizer), year-long roots in the ground, soil cover, plant diversity, and livestock integration. This inaugural conference will focus on innovations and technologies that serve to address the future of sustainable agricultural through better soil health practices.…
Find out more »April 2020
Small Farm Expo
The event also offers an opportunity for vendors, manufacturers and exhibitors from across the farming industry to showcase their agri-business products. Participants will be given the chance to connect with supporting organizations, learn about the latest news affecting producers, ask and answer questions, and network with other farmers who share their concerns and desire to be successful. Our Place Cafe, will have hot and fresh food will be available for purchase with cash throughout the day. Teens for Christ will…
Find out more »May 2020
FSPCA Preventive Controls for Human Foods Online Blended Training
Please visit our website for online registration and additional information: http://foodprocessing.wsu.edu/fsmapc/ This two part blended online and instructor led course has been designed by the Food Safety Preventative Controls Alliance (FSPCA) in collaboration with the FDA. It is a course recognized by FDA at present in meeting their requirements. By successfully completing this course, you will meet the requirements as a FSPCA Preventive Controls Qualified Person who can manage a food safety preventive controls program in accordance with the Hazard…
Find out more »June 2020
Spanish Private Applicator Online Course
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Find out more »Respirator Fit Testing in Agricultural Communities
Respiratory PPE fit testing helps assure the best protection against dangerous airborne particles. Agricultural workers face a myriad of challenges in obtaining a proper fit test and who can provide this service. Additionally, there are gray areas of misunderstanding about the fit testing mandates in certain agricultural populations. Respirator Fit Testing in Agricultural Communities will address some of these issues in an OSHA sponsored webinar on Wednesday, June 24 at 12:00 CDT
Find out more »August 2020
International Quinoa Research Symposium
Registration for the ONLINE International Quinoa Research Symposium is now live and completely FREE. Participants can look forward to three full days of learning including: keynote speakers, recorded field walks, interactive poster sessions, and online discussion forums.
Find out more »Online Pesticide License Recertification Seminar Series: Epidemiology and IPM of White Rot in Allium Crops
Speaker: Jeremiah Dung White rot is an extremely destructive and economically important disease of Allium crops, especially garlic and onion. The soilborne fungus that causes white rot can lay dormant in soils for decades and germinates in response to the presence of Alliums. Join Dr. Dung as he discusses the biology of the pathogen, the epidemiology and management of the disease, and current research efforts associated with a larger USDA-NIFA SCRI SREP project on stakeholder-prioritized pests and diseases of onion.…
Find out more »September 2020
Online Pesticide License Recertification Seminar Series: Pesticides and Honey Bees and Insecticide Trials for Seed Crops
Pesticides and Honey Bees, 11:00-11:30, Speaker: Tim Lawrence Pesticides and honey bees are both essential to ensure an adequate supply of affordable food crops. This presentation will cover: the history of pesticides and pollination services provided by honey bees; the evolution of pesticides and their impact on honey bees; issues and concerns related to neonicotinoid pesticides; and steps pesticide applicators and growers can take in mitigating the effects of pesticides on honey bees and other pollinators. Insecticides trials for seed…
Find out more »Online Pesticide License Recertification Seminar Series: Know your herbicides and biodegradable mulch
Know your herbicides: Clopyralid and aminopyralid, 11:00-11:30, Speaker: Steven Seefeldt Two related herbicides with interesting properties. Learn how and when to use them as part of an integrated management plan. Soil-biodegradable plastic mulch provides weed control, 11:30-12:00, Speaker: Carol Miles Soil-biodegradable plastic mulch can be an effective tool for controlling weeds. This presentation will provide an introduction to soil-biodegradable mulch, an overview of how effective weed control can be, and impact on crop yield compared to polyethylene mulch in vegetable…
Find out more »Online Pesticide License Recertification Seminar Series: Forest Pathology and Management
Forest Pathology—Diseases in Washington State and their Management, 11:00-12:00, Speaker: Bob Edmonds Forest diseases, mostly caused by fungi, are important components of natural forest ecosystems in Washington, causing tree mortality, producing snags and creating habitats for plants and animals, influencing forest succession, and recycling carbon and nutrients. Forest pathogens, fires and insects commonly act together. However, in managed forests they influence forest health, cause site degradation, kill planted trees, and cause economic losses. I will briefly describe the main diseases…
Find out more »Online Pesticide License Recertification Seminar Series: Fungicides 101
Fungicides 101 - Making the Most of Your Conventional or Organic Fungicide Programs, 11:00-12:00, Speaker: Lindsey du Toit Whether you grow crops conventionally or organically, are you getting the most out of your fungicide programs? If your crop has a root disease, will you get any benefit from applying a fungicide to the plants or to the soil? When should you make your application(s)? How often? What method of fungicide application will give you the best control of the diseases…
Find out more »Online Course: Blueberry Physiology, Production Systems & Management
Online blueberry course offered through Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) at OSU has been updated and will be offered again starting on September 25, 2020. The online blueberry course led by Bernadine Strik at OSU has been very popular with seven offerings to date and full enrollment. As a reminder, “students” have access to 3 to 4 hours of narrated lectures per week over this 6-week-long course (September 25 – November 6, 2020). A new set of lectures are available…
Find out more »Online Pesticide License Recertification Seminar Series: Fumigation in red raspberry and fungicide resistance
Preplant to replant: Fumigation in red raspberry, 11:00-11:30, Speaker: Lisa DeVetter Fumigation is a widely implemented practice to manage soil borne diseases and parasitic nematodes in the Washington red raspberry system. This presentation will provide an overview of fumigation in the raspberry system and research done to improve management of key soil borne pathogens with an emphasis on pre-plant management decisions. Fungicide resistance and proper rotation, 11:30-12:00, Speaker: Anthony Keinath Discussion of fungicide active ingredients by FRAC Code and managing…
Find out more »October 2020
Online Pesticide License Recertification Seminar Series: The hidden world of subterranean soil arthropod pests
The hidden world of subterranean soil arthropod pests - Identification and management of invisible pests 11:00-12:00, Speakers: Ben Diehl and Bev Gerdeman Major soil arthropod pests include wireworms, springtails, root maggots, symphylans and bulb mites. Their subterranean habits make them some of the most difficult agricultural pests to control. This program will cover how to identify these pests, as well as recognize their damage to various crops. We will highlight their biology to identify vulnerable stages and best approaches for…
Find out more »Online Pesticide License Recertification Seminar Series: Know your weeds and Pesticide Transport in Soil Water
Know your weeds: Scotch broom and blackberry, 11:00-11:30, Speaker: Steven Seefeldt Where did these weeds come from and what are they doing on our farms? Learn about their biology and ecology while getting information on how to control them using old and new technologies. Pesticide transport in soil water, 11:30-12:00, Speaker: Gabe LaHue Implications of soil properties, soil-water relations, and subsurface water flows for pesticide fate and transport. Please contact AMS.MountVernon@wsu.edu for Zoom details.
Find out more »Online Pesticide License Recertification Seminar Series: Black Dot and Fusarium
Controlling latent infections of black dot with early fungicide applications, 11:00-11:30, Speaker: Lydia Tymon Colletotrichum coccodes causes black dot, which can lead to reduced tuber yield and quality. Although this disease has been studied for many years, black dot continues to be a challenge to manage because the fungus can infect its hosts without causing symptoms. Chemical management tactics such as fumigation and in furrow applications have been shown to be ineffective. Applications of azoxystrobin prior to infection can significantly…
Find out more »Online Pesticide License Recertification Seminar Series: Epidemiology and integrated management of bacterial leaf spot
Epidemiology and integrated management of bacterial leaf spot caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. aptata in table beet and Swiss chard seed production in the Pacific Northwest, 11:00-12:00, Speakers: Marilen Nampijja and Stephanie Crane Bacterial leaf spot (BLS) of beet and Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) is caused by the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. aptata (Psa). The bacterium can cause significant economic losses in Swiss chard, table beet, and sugar beet. In 2017 alone, the incidence of BLS in…
Find out more »November 2020
Online Pesticide License Recertification Seminar Series: Predicting and managing the impacts of invasive insects
Predicting and managing the impacts of invasive insects, 11:00-12:00, Speaker: Patrick Tobin Expansion of global trade and trade has facilitated the arrival and subsequent establishment of non-native insects. Forest ecosystems are especially threatened by non-native insects due to the worldwide importance of solid wood packaging material used in global trade, the importation of lumber and wood products, and the importation of live trees for planting, all of which provide a mechanism on which an insect can 'hitchhike.' Fortunately, of the…
Find out more »December 2020
January 2021
February 2021
2021 Berry Food Safety Training
Schedule: Day 1 February 2, 2021 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Karen Ullmann and Beth Lorence, Washington State Department of Agriculture Recordkeeping for success- make sure you are inspection ready by hearing straight from the WSDA about records that are required for the Produce Safety Rule and what issues they’ve seen through their first couple of years of on-farm inspections with some hands-on exercises. Day 2 February 3, 2021 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Faith Critzer, Washington State University Cleaning…
Find out more »April 2021
Food Safety & Sanitation Workshop for Spring – Chemical Rep Panel
You must pre-register to receive the Zoom link. Zoom link will be sent out a few days prior to the start date. Visit our website for registration: https://extension.wsu.edu/foodsanitation/ Agenda 9:00 am – 9:10 am Introductions Girish Ganjyal, FSS Committee Chair, Washington State University 9:10 am – 10:00 am Managing your Chemical Vendor Don Jones, FSS Committee Member, Wesmar Company 10:00 am – 10:10 am Break 10:10 am - 11:30 am Panel Discussion: Best Practices for a Successful Sanitation…
Find out more »November 2021
Biological Soil Amendments of Animal Origin and the Produce Safety Rule
Free 3-day virtual workshop on Biological Soil Amendments of Animal Origin and theProduce Safety Rule on Nov. 16 – 18th at 10 am – 2 pm PST. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/biological-soil-amendments-of-animal-origin-virtual-workshop-registration-185036137067 About this event: The training will cover best practices of composting within the context of the Produce Safety Rule, with perspectives from industry, cooperative extension, and regulatory agencies. It will include an overview on the Produce Safety Rule and draft guidance to understand the current regulatory framework and…
Find out more »December 2021
Pesticide Private Applicator License Training in Spanish
When: December 14th – 16th 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Where: Steakhouse 9 at Homestead Farms 115 E Homestead Blvd, Lynden, WA 98264 Who: This 2 ½ day training is for people seeking to obtain a private applicators license in Washington State. Training will prepare attendees for the license test that will be offered on site on the afternoon of the 16th. This training will be offered in Spanish only. Cost: 15$ includes lunch for all three days To register:…
Find out more »March 2022
Horticultural Crops Entomologist Candidates Seminar
Four Horticultural Crops Entomologist candidates will be visiting the WSU Mount Vernon NWREC on March 22nd, 24th, 29th, and 31st. This will be an important position to serve the needs of the agricultural community in northwestern WA, and stakeholder input is extremely valuable for the selection process. In addition, strong stakeholder support can be a critical factor in competitive candidates deciding whether to accept an offer, and therefore, in our ability to recruit the best candidates. Each candidate will give…
Find out more »Improve harvest efficiency and fruit quality of fresh-market blueberry
About this event Join our free virtual webinar to learn how to improve harvest efficiency and fruit quality of fresh-market blueberry. Speakers will discuss research on machine and hand harvesting techniques, food safety in the field and packing house, aspects of firmness, as well as post-harvest management techniques including cold chain, controlled and modified atmosphere. Webinar contact: English-speaking contact: Lisa DeVetter, lisa.devetter@wsu.edu Spanish-speaking contact: Victor Hugo Escalona Contreras, vescalona@uchile.cl
Find out more »January 2024
Western Washington Seed Workshop
2024 Western Washington Seed Workshop (Final)
Find out more »February 2024
The “Green” Gold Rush: Opportunities and Risks of CarbonMarkets for Dairies, Digesters & Beyond
Topics include: Opportunities in CarbonMarkets Grant & Cost-ShareOpportunities Technology Overview Long-Term Outlook Panel Q & A Session RSVP is required by 1/30/24 https://bit.ly/3SghF8b Questions? Contact Georgine Yorgey yorgey@wsu.edu Lynden
Find out more »Skagit Ag Summit
2024 Skagit Ag Summit schedule (final)
Find out more »Western Washington Potato Workshop
2024 Western Washington Potato Workshop Brochure (final)
Find out more »March 2024
Western Washington Berry Workshop
FINAL Western Washington Berry Workshop brochure
Find out more »Localized Solutions for Pesticide Use in Diverse Cropping Systems: Developing solutions for successful Endangered Species Act Implementation
Registration Required. Please join Oregon State University at this full-day stakeholder workshop including regulatory agencies, conservation groups, and agricultural producers to explore workable solutions for pesticides and endangered species protec-tion in PNW agriculture. For more information: Mt Vernon_Registration
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