Washington State University Snohomish County Extension is presenting a series of farmer-to-farmer tours this spring and summer. The purpose is to create opportunities for farmers to share information and expertise.

The knowledge needed to farm profitably used to be passed from one generation to the next. For many, that connection no longer exists. While there is a growing back to the farm movement, the skills necessary for success are no longer readily available to new farmers. The farmer-to-farmer tours will allow novice farmers to visit with experienced farmers who are willing to share their knowledge and expertise, and to learn the skills needed to thrive in the challenging world of 21st century farming.

Monday, May 26: Dominion Organic Greenhouse, Ferndale, Wash.Learn what it takes to run a successful organic vegetable greenhouse operation with discussions on compost and marketing as well as integrated pest management. Owner/operator Blair McHenry has been a consultant to the British Columbia hothouse industry for more than 20 years.

Tuesday, June 17: St. John’s Creamery & Sno-Isle Co-op, Everett, Wash.
Learn about the process of milking goats for a retail raw-milk product, what it takes to run a goat dairy, transitioning to organic grass feed, and the entire farm-to-retail store process. The tour will continue at Sno-Isle Natural Foods Co-op, a local retail grocery featuring organic and locally grown farm products, where the discussion will focus on getting products to market, and what this type of market has to offer compared to other retail settings.

Wednesday, June 25: Mission Farrier School, Snohomish, Wash.
Participants will see how students evaluate individual horse’s needs and how each horse is shoed to take into account its unique needs. Learn when to call the farrier, when to call the vet, and what maintenance procedures you can do yourself. In addition, you’ll learn how Mission Farrier School manages mud and waste and find out what it took to build a successful farm and school.

For more information, contact Kate Halstead, khalstead@wsu.edu, (425) 357-6024.

By Denny Fleenor

EVERETT, Wash. – Washington State University Snohomish County Extension is presenting a series of farmer-to-farmer tours this spring and summer. The purpose is to create opportunities for farmers to share information and expertise.

The knowledge needed to farm profitably used to be passed from one generation to the next. For many, that connection no longer exists. While there is a growing back to the farm movement, the skills necessary for success are no longer readily available to new farmers. The farmer-to-farmer tours will allow novice farmers to visit with experienced farmers who are willing to share their knowledge and expertise, and to learn the skills needed to thrive in the challenging world of 21st century farming.

Monday, May 26: Dominion Organic Greenhouse, Ferndale, Wash.
Learn what it takes to run a successful organic vegetable greenhouse operation with discussions on compost and marketing as well as integrated pest management. Owner/operator Blair McHenry has been a consultant to the British Columbia hothouse industry for more than 20 years.

Tuesday, June 17: St. John’s Creamery & Sno-Isle Co-op, Everett, Wash.
Learn about the process of milking goats for a retail raw-milk product, what it takes to run a goat dairy, transitioning to organic grass feed, and the entire farm-to-retail store process. The tour will continue at Sno-Isle Natural Foods Co-op, a local retail grocery featuring organic and locally grown farm products, where the discussion will focus on getting products to market, and what this type of market has to offer compared to other retail settings.

Wednesday, June 25: Mission Farrier School, Snohomish, Wash.
Participants will see how students evaluate individual horse’s needs and how each horse is shoed to take into account its unique needs. Learn when to call the farrier, when to call the vet, and what maintenance procedures you can do yourself. In addition, you’ll learn how Mission Farrier School manages mud and waste and find out what it took to build a successful farm and school.

All farmer-to-farmer farm tours start at 10 a.m. The cost for each tour is $15 per person. Directions are available at http://snohomish.wsu.edu/ag/workshops/workshops08.htm.

Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Download the registration form at http://snohomish.wsu.edu/agworkshops/workshops08.htm and mail it with your check, or call Karie Christensen at (425) 338-2400 (email klchristen@wsu.edu).

For more information, contact Kate Halstead, khalstead@wsu.edu, (425) 357-6024.

-30-