Farm Mechanic Hands-on Workshop and Silovpasture Tour
On a beautiful day, 13 people gathered at Pine Stump Farms outside of Omak in Okanogan County for a hands-on, Farm Walk in farm mechanics, silvoculture and silvopasture. The group explored the pastures, barns, shops, and forests that make up this diverse, innovative farmstead. Farmers Carey Hunter and Albert Roberts described their operations and their many years of work to make this farm a successful enterprise. Among the results are a certified goat dairy, solid building made from the farm’s timber, a high tunnel for extending the growing season, and plans for a well-designed hay barn for their certified organic hay.
Carey and Albert have taken courses and earned degrees in many topics to help them successfully manage and develop their farm. They have been involved in the decision-making processes of commissions, regulation bodies and agencies that impact farm policy and practice. Albert serves on the Okanogan Conservation District board and Carrie has been involved in AgForestry Leadership Development Program. In addition, they have tapped into resources available through various government programs, enhancing their farming operations with grants, loans, information, and support. The Farm Walk was augmented by attending resource people, including Celeste Avalon Acord from NRCS, Guy Gifford from DNR, and Mark Swanson from WSU Pullman. These individuals discussed opportunities and information available to help farmers.
In the shop, Albert showed steps for getting machines ready for use. He discussed the basics and then shared specific details: for example, the black residue on the spark plug may indicate a too-rich burn in the gas/fuel mix. His inventions, shop, tool organization, wealth of knowledge and experience inspired the group to discuss innovations for their own farms, sourcing materials, and making use of what is available.
Carey led a walk through the diverse range of Pine Stumps’ landscapes. Stopping at the horse corral, Celeste explained that NRCS helped to fund, engineer, and assess the design of a stock watering tank which simultaneously serves both paddock and range livestock. Carey described the importance of timing logging with insect cycles so that the cut timber does not encourage pest populations to flourish, particularly bark beetles. Guy showed the group signs of insect damage (frass and needle color) and samples of beetle types, both native and non-native. Thinning techniques were practiced among the tree seedlings, keeping only those that are strong and well-positioned. Mark demonstrated the removal of lower tree branches in order to reduce forest fire hazards. Lower dead branches can serve as a ladder for flames to leap into trees. These conversations demonstrated the amount of knowledge and work required to manage the forest in Pine Stump’s operations.
Afterward, attendees reviewed the day’s observations and experiences over a variety of farm-made goat cheeses. They also shared their admiration for Carey and Albert, farmers involved in both on-farm innovations and many aspects of farming education, culture, and policy beyond the farm gate.
Farm Walk booklet: HERE