Passing on How-to Farmer to Farmer
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.
For the complete schedule, please visit: http://tinyurl.com/3hqw2o.
Pass it on: experienced farmers share knowledge with newcomers to the field. Photo courtesy USDA.
Westside Winemaking Workshop
If you are a westside winemaker, in the early phases of opening a winery, planning to open a winery, or just dreaming about it, WSU Extension has a workshop for you.
The all-day beginner’s workshop on winemaking is offered June 30, from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the WSU Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center in Mount Vernon.
Organized and led by WSU Extension enologist and assistant professor of food science Kerry Ringer, the workshop is tailored especially for maritime Washington production. Speakers include Domaine St. Michelle’s sparkling winemaker Rick Casqueiro, Extension enologist Jim Harbertson, WSU wine microbiologist Charles Edwards, Walla Walla Community College’s Mike Moyer, plus winemakers from the Puget Sound Wine Growers Association and Eastern Washington.
The morning session covers basic winemaking, winery equipment and costs, wine microbiology and grape selection. The afternoon session addresses winemaking with maritime Washington grapes, including sparkling wine and Pinot Noir production, sugar and acid balance, wine blending and perspectives from local winemakers.
To register for the day-long intensive workshop, point your browser to http://tinyurl.com/3uzwkp or call 360-416-7605 for more information. Registration costs $125 per person before June 2, $150 per person thereafter. The WSU Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center is located at 16650 State Route 536 in Mount Vernon.
Westside story: winemaking workshop June 30.
WSU Hosts 78th Annual FFA Convention
More than 2,500 FFA members, teachers and parents from around Washington state are expected to attend the 78th Washington State FFA Convention, Wednesday, May 14, through Saturday, May 17, 2008.
The theme for this year’s convention is “Discover Your Drive” and will feature many leadership activities, competitive events, educational workshops and opportunities for students to be recognized for their outstanding achievements.
This year’s keynote speaker is Coty Back, a past national FFA officer. Before the final gavel brings the convention to a close, 20 career development events will be decided, six new state officers will be elected, and the winners of the organization’s most prestigious honors — the state Agriscience Student Award and the Agri-Entrepreneurship Award — will be announced.
About 170 of the state’s 200 FFA high school programs will be represented on campus, according to Marv Kleene, associate professor of agricultural education and campus coordinator for the convention.
Seventy-eight consecutive FFA conventions – and still going strong!