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See the Details for Each Workshop
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Please note: this conference has already occurred
Session A Saturday, November 14 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
A1 El Programa de Alimentos Organicos
A1 The Organic Food Program
A2 Soil and Plant Nutrient Management
A3 Seed Saving on the Farm
A4 Growing Organic Table Grapes and Hops
A5 Beefing Up the Palouse: Planned Grazing on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Grasses
Session B Saturday, November 14 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
B1 Manejo Integal de Plagas: Manejando la Palomilla de Manzana y las Plagas Secundarias en Sistemas de Huertas Orgánicas
B1 Integrated Pest Management: Managing Codling Moth and Secondary Pests in Organic Apple Orchard Systems
B2 Mustard Crop Manures for Potato Production
B3 Reintegrating Livestock and Horticultural Crop Farming
B4 Pest Management of Aphids, Leafhoppers and Maggots
B5 What do Produce Retailers Want?
Session C Sunday, November 15 9:00 am -10:30 pm
C1 Seguridad de los Alimentos y de la Granja Familiar
C1 Food Safety and the Small Farm
C2 Biopesticides: What’s New, What’s Hot and What’s Not
C3 Organic Pasture and Forage
C4 Hay and Row Crop Equipment
C5 Merchandising and Marketing for Farmers Markets and Farm Stands
Session D Sunday, November 15 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
D1 Buena Practicá para el Cultivo de Verduras en el Centro-sur de Washington
D1 Good Growing Practices for Vegetables in South Central Washington
D2 Nutritional Value of Organic Food and How to Improve It
D3 Pastured Poultry Processing
D4 Organic Orchard Floor Management
D5 Innovative Marketing Cooperatives
Session E Sunday, November 15 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
E1 Programas y Servicios del USDA: Disponibilidad de Prestamos e Incentivos para Agricultores Latinos
E1 USDA Programs and Services: Availability of Loans and Incentives for Latino Farmers
E2 Virtual Farm Walk: Let Us Farm, Where Ecology and Sustainability are Paramount
E3 Small Scale Grain Production
E4 Growing Seaberry, Honeyberry, Hardy Kiwi and Other Unique and Hardy Fruits
E5 Organic Dairy Goat Herd Health
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Session A Saturday, November 14 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
A1 El Programa de Alimentos Organicos
Esta session, ensena por Miles McEvoy of WSDA Organic Food Program, explicará el Programa Nacional Organico y como obtener certificación orgánica. La sessión cubrirá los requisitos de produccion de cultivos, los requisitos de produccion ganaderia, y los requisitos de elaboraion. Tambien, la session cubrira el mantenimiento de registros paras obtener certficacion. Créditos disponibles para aplicadores de Plaguicidas.
Se ofrece en español, con traducción al inglés.
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A1 The Organic Food Program
 This session with Miles McEvoy (see note), Director of the WSDA Organic Food Program, explained the National Organic Standards and how to obtain organic certification. The session covered organic crop production, organic livestock production and organic processing as well as the records necessary for organic certification. Offered in Spanish with English translation.
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Special Note: Since Miles was appointed to head up the National Organic program, he wasn't present, but others from the WSDA Organic Food Program were in attendance to present.
A2 Soil and Plant Nutrient Management
 Amigo Bob Cantisano, President of Organic Ag Advisors and Manager of Heaven and Earth Farm in San Juan, California, offered an overview of farm practices that produce a vibrant organic soil. This practical workshop included composting, cover crops, compost teas, crop rotation, mineral and protein fertilizers and soil amendments. Farmers brought theirr soil analysis and questions for discussion. Amigo has nearly 35 years of experience growing and advising in most commercial scale organic crops grown in the Western United States and the tropics, including vegetables, tree and bush fruit, grapes, herbs and flowers.
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A3 Seed Saving on the Farm
Tired of buying new seed every year? Concerned about food security and biodiversity? Try your hand at saving your own seed. Mariah Cornwoman, owner and operator of 100-acre CW Ray Farm and Forest Products in Tonasket, presented this practical session on seed saving practices. Topics included variety selection, pollination, plant selection, processing, curing, storing and germination testing. Mariah direct markets herbal products and open pollinated garden seeds and has many years of experience to share.
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A4 Growing Organic Table Grapes and Hops
 Marilyn and Rick Lynn of Rama Farm in Bridgeport discussed the lessons learned over the last nine years of integrating table grapes into a small scale, diversified family farm. Topics included propagation, pruning, trellising, cultivation, pest control, harvest, storage and selling at farmers markets. Jason Perrault of Perrault Farms in Toppenish will cover the many challenges of commercial scale hop production, including pests and diseases, specific environmental needs, large water requirements, and factors related to growing a perennial climbing vine. Not only does the vine require extensive trellis work, but also very specialized (and expensive) equipment to grow and harvest the crop. Present organic hop production practices add a few more challenges to the list. What are these challenges? How do we overcome them? Can we use what we learn to improve conventional production systems? Jason will take you along in his ongoing pursuit of successful organic hop production.
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A5 Beefing Up the Palouse: Planned Grazing on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Grasses
Join Maurice Robinette, third generation rancher from Cheney, in a discussion of the Beefing Up the Palouse project, one of four projects funded by the governor under a program called the Ag Pilots Project. WSU, with many other partners, examined the economic feasibility of grazing CRP land in Eastern Washington. While no land under CRP contract was grazed, land that was seeded to the same grass mixes plus alfalfa and adjacent to CRP was grazed using holistic management principles. Thousands of acres of CRP land will be coming out of contract in the next few years and this technique appears to be an economically feasible alternative. In addition to economic benefits, it was found that all ecosystem processes are enhanced by the use of planned grazing. Carbon credits were also sold and carbon sequestration assessments are currently being conducted by WSU at G and L Farms in Benge, Washington.
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Session B Saturday, November 14 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
B1 Manejo Integal de Plagas: Manejando la Palomilla de Manzana y las Plagas Secundarias en Sistemas de Huertas Orgánicas
 Esta sesión se tratará sobre estrategias del Manejo Integral de Plagas (IPM) para combatir la palomilla de la manzana y plagas secundarias en sistemas de huertas orgánicas. Nadine Lehrer de WSU Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center en Wenatchee, y Mike Young de Yung Sun de Wapato explicará también tratará sobre el manejo de plagas tanto en teoría como en la práctica, y se hablará del Proyecto de Transición en el Manejo de Plagas de la Universidad Estatal de Washington, un proyecto que ayuda a productores, consultores, investigadores, trabajadores, y grupos ambientales a interactuar y acostumbrarse al nuevo ambiente del manejo de plagas en manzana. Créditos disponibles para aplicadores de Plaguicidas. Se ofrece en español, con traducción al inglés.
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B1 Integrated Pest Management: Managing Codling Moth and Secondary Pests in Organic Apple Orchard Systems
This session will discuss Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies for managing codling moth and secondary pests in organic apple orchard systems. Nadine Lehrer of WSU Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center in Wenatchee, and Mike Young of Yung Sun Farms in Wapato, will talk about pest management both in theory and in practice, and will also describe Washington State University’s Pest Management Transition Project, designed to help growers, consultants, researchers, farm workers, and environmental groups interact around and adjust to a changing pest management environment. Offered in Spanish with English translation.
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B2 Mustard Crop Manures for Potato Production
Farmers in the Columbia Basin are using mustard green manures to suppress soil-borne pests and improve soil quality, mainly using conventional practices before potatoes. Andy McGuire of WSU Extension Grant County and Brad Baile of Lenwood Farms in Connell offer this workshop on mustard green manure management, including species/variety selection, planting, fertility, and incorporation recommendations. On-farm research results will be presented to highlight the benefits of the practice, possible mechanisms of soilborne pest control and production costs. Finally, the challenges of irrigation, fertility and rotation requirements, and the benefits of using the practice on an organic farm will also be discussed.
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B3 Reintegrating Livestock and Horticultural Crop Farming
E. Ann Clark of University of Guelph states that specialization, which has been the hallmark of modern agriculture, results in dis-integration of crop and livestock enterprises. Polarizing horticultural crop and livestock enterprises has created a suite of harmful outcomes, from unidirectional nutrient outflow to degraded soil, nutrient leaching and plant disease. But reintegration means more than just avoiding harms. Strategically engaging crops and livestock offers ecological as well as economic synergies which prudent farmers are already exploring. Both crops and livestock need to be viewed not simply as an end unto themselves, but as tools of production. Each enterprise performs a service for other enterprises, and ultimately, for whole farm sustainability. Examples of achieved synergy taken from the experience of contemporary farmers will be presented.
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B4 Pest Management of Aphids, Leafhoppers and Maggots
Aphids, leafhoppers and maggots are a few pests observed in greater numbers over the past few years in vegetable crops. Amy Dreves, Oregon State University entomologist, will identify adult and immature forms; explain how to monitor and detect these pests early; distinguish damages; and discuss how the seasonal development of these pests dictates the windows of opportunity for control. We will emphasize how knowledge of a pest’s life biology, behavior and landscape ecology is used in structuring a management strategy. Number of generations per year, pest potential for dispersal and growth, influence of weather, choice of preventative and cultural practices, landscape borders and natural mortality factors all effect your choice of an appropriate and effective management tool. A mix of tools for managing these pests will be described.
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B5 What do Produce Retailers Want?
Join this panel discussion facilitated by Diane Dempster of Charlie’s Produce, and you will hear three very different retail operators talk about what they need from growers. Each will describe what products they buy, what the pack should be and what communication they need in order to successfully market your products. Caroline Boyle of New Roots Organic runs a successful home delivery business in Seattle, and has been in the produce industry for over 15 years. Allan Shepherd has owned Rocket Market in Spokane for over nine years and previously ran the produce department at Huckleberries in Spokane. Joe Pulicicchio has been in the produce business for over 20 years and is the head of produce purchasing for Town and Country Markets, which supplies six stores in the Seattle area and Bainbridge Island. Following this workshop will be a half hour meet and greet session so that growers can meet buyers directly.
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Session C Sunday, November 15 9:00 am - 10:30 pm
C1 Seguridad de los Alimentos y de la Granja Familiar
Seguridad de los alimentos en la granja – ¿ preocupado, interesado, plan de desarrollo? Esta sesión con Karen Killinger de WSU le dará una reseña sobre la seguridad de los alimentos en la granja y Buenas Prácticas Agrícolas (BPA) que se pueden usar para dirigir los riesgos potenciales de la seguridad de los alimentos. Los tópicos que se discutirán incluye la calidad del agua de riego, prácticas de manejo del estiércol y la composta, higiene de los trabajadores, sanidad durante la cosecha, almacenamiento y transporte. Se darán ejemplos de los cambios que se hacen a un sistema de agricultura orgánica para reducir los riesgos de seguridad. Esta sesión se ofrecerá en inglés y español. Juntese a nosotros para discutir las prácticas de su granja y que pueden mejorar la seguridad y calidad de sus alimentos!
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C1 Food Safety and the Small Farm
Food safety on the farm – concerned, interested, developing a plan? This session with Karen Killinger of WSU will provide an overview of food safety on the farm and Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) that can be used to address potential food safety risks. Topics that will be discussed include irrigation water quality, manure and compost management practices, worker hygiene, sanitation during harvest, storage and transport. Examples of changes made to an organic farming system to reduce food safety risks will be provided. This session will be offered in English and Spanish. Join us to discuss your farm and practices that can enhance the safety and quality of your foods!
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C2 Biopesticides: What’s New, What’s Hot and What’s Not
There seems to be another new super safe and effective biopesticide being advertised every day. So the question is, how good are they and can they help with the pests on your farm. Dave Muehleisen, entomologist and Education Director of 21 Acres in Woodinville, will talk about some of the recently registered bio- insecticides, fungicides and herbicides that have come on the market. Dave will discuss their mechanisms of action, if known, data on environmental and human safety, host target range, specificity, methods of application and any test results of efficacy. He will also address whether they are approved for use by certified organic growers and how they might be incorporated into a comprehensive pest management program.
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C3 Organic Pasture and Forage
Perennial cool-season grasses and legumes are utilized by livestock producers throughout the Pacific Northwest to provide grazeable pasture during the growing season or hay in the winter. Like your kids, each grass and legume type has unique likes and dislikes. Steve Fransen, WSU Forage Specialist and Agronomist at the Irrigated Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Prosser, will help you learn how to identify the correct plant species for different soils, climates or uses. Steve will also discuss the growth cycle of pasture grasses and legumes and identify critical times of management for long-term sustainable production, as well as several aspects of organic forage and pasture production practice.
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C4 Hay and Row Crop Equipment
Albert Roberts of Pine Stump Farms grows hay, timber, diversified livestock and runs a goat dairy in Okanogan. Dennis Carlton is a fourth generation family farmer who owns and operates Smallwood Farms, a 40-acre tree fruit farm and 4-acre garden in Okanogan. Together, Albert and Dennis offer this practical workshop on how to be resourceful with farm equipment. Learn all about small scale to production hay equipment; how to turn a rototiller into a raised bed maker for $35, and how to manufacture your own row crop cultivator by salvaging old equipment from yours or a friend’s bone yard. Bring your equipment ideas and innovations to share with others.
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C5 Merchandising and Marketing for Farmers Markets and Farm Stands
George LeBlanc has worked in the produce industry for 35 years. He is currently a merchandiser for Charlie’s Produce in Seattle, where he develops retail merchandising strategies with clients ranging in scale from neighborhood produce stands to Wal-Mart of Canada. This workshop will cover all aspects of selling produce at retail outlets, with particular emphasis on direct sales to consumers in farmers markets and farm stand formats. Join George in an informed look at market layout and design, building customer loyalty, managing employees and product mix.
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Session D Sunday, November 15 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
D1 Buena Practicá para el Cultivo de Verduras en el Centro-sur de Washington
 Asista y aprenda de la vasta experiencia de Don Hilario Álvarez, propietario de una de las granjas orgánicas más diversificadas en el Este de Washington. El Sr. Álvarez hablara sobre la variedad de cultivos y técnicas agrícolas innovadoras que hacen su granja tan extraordinaria. La Granja Álvarez de 120 acres esta situada en el Valle de Yakima. Hilario y Soledad Álvarez cultivan más de 200 variedades de verduras y melones, que incluyen una gran variedad de chiles, tomate, berenjena, papa, calabacita, chícharo, betabel, cebolla, maíz, ocra (quingombó), ajo, calabaza de verano e invierno, cacahuate y más. Todo el producto es vendido en los mercados de agricultores del Centro de WA y la región Puget Sound y en nuevos CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) y restaurantes en el Valle de Wenatchee. Se ofrece en español e ingles.
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D1 Good Growing Practices for Vegetables in South Central Washington
Come and learn from the vast experience of Don Hilario Alvarez, owner of one of the most diversified organic market farms in Eastern Washington. Hilario will talk about the variety of vegetables he grows and the farming techniques that make Alvarez Farm so unique. The 120-acre Alvarez Farm is located in the upper Yakima Valley. Hilario and Soledad Alvarez grow over 200 varieties of vegetables and melons, including a large diversity of peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes, zucchini, peas, beets, green onions, corn, okra, garlic, summer and winter squash, peanuts and more. Produce is sold through farmers markets in Central Washington and the Puget Sound region, and to new CSA and restaurant direct markets in the Wenatchee Valley. This workshop will be offered in Spanish and English.
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D2 Nutritional Value of Organic Food and How to Improve It
There is growing evidence that organic farming systems often produce crop plants that contain higher concentrations of vitamins, minerals, and other phytonutrients, resulting in greater nutrient density of foods. Fruits and vegetables, with their low glycemic loads that help fight obesity, are important sources of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients in the human diet. In this workshop, Preston Andrews, Associate Professor of Horticulture at WSU, will lead an investigation of the connections between organic farming and the nutritional quality of food, especially fruits and vegetables, and explore ways in which organic farming practices can increase nutrient density. Results from three different studies on the nutritional value of organically grown produce will be presented and used as background for a group discussion of ways to increase the nutritional value of organic foods without compromising yields and other quality factors.
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D3 Pastured Poultry Processing
Small scale poultry producers in Washington State have a unique advantage in marketing their poultry products directly. With the proper license, producers can sell their poultry meat to restaurants, grocery stores, at farmers markets and on the farm. Regardless of the scale of the operation, careful planning and a good understanding of the regulations surrounding the processing, handling and marketing of these products is imperative. Kirsten Workman, Colleen Donovan and Melissa Barker, joint recipients of a SARE grant on pastured poultry, will discuss licensing, facility requirements, processing and marketing, as well as how to incorporate organic pastured poultry into your farm operation.
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D4 Organic Orchard Floor Management
The orchard floor plays a critical role in organic systems because of the weed control and fertility challenges growers face. Many management options are available, and combining them into effective systems that meet production needs and maintain soil quality takes some time and experimentation. David Granatstein, sustainable agriculture specialist and statewide coordinator of the Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources at WSU, will discuss what kinds of options are available, their strengths and weaknesses, experimental results and ask growers to share what they have learned in their own orchards.
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D5 Innovative Marketing Cooperatives
 We’ve all seen ag consolidating, watching some farms grow large while others fail. The cooperative business model provides a means for farmers to increase their scale through collaboration while maintaining their autonomy. These ventures can range from co-processing to co-branding to negotiating better prices on contracts or supplies. Come hear about how co-ops of small farmers are deploying co-op businesses as a means to stay competitive and innovate in today’s ag economy. Eric Bowman of the Northwest Co-op Development Center will review a few case studies of small to mid-sized co-ops in the natural food sector, what makes a co-op, and when co-ops might make sense for you. In addition, Watershine Woods from the Okanogan Producers Marketing Association (OPMA) will review the experiences of a co-op of six growers in northeast Washington. As testament to its success, OPMA is in its fourth season and still has all six of its original members. As an OPMA member, Marketing Coordinator for her local co-op and small farmer, Watershine will review what has worked and not worked for their co-op, and share her experience as an entrepreneur with her own web-based garlic seed business.
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Session E Sunday, November 15 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
E1 Programas y Servicios del USDA: Disponibilidad de Prestamos e Incentivos para Agricultores Latinos
Este taller proveerá información sobre los programas y servicios del Departamento de Agricultura Federal (USDA) disponibles para ayudar a nuevos productores que recién inician su operación agrícola. Se hablara a fondo sobre dos programas del USDA FSA - NRCS que disponen de fondos e incentivos para productores. También se proveerá información sobre el programa de préstamos de Northwest Farm Credit Services (NWFCS). Se proveerá información e instrucciones paso a paso en el llenado de formularios para aquellos productores agrícolas deseen solicitar un préstamo del USDA – Farm Services Administration (FSA) o del Natural Resources Conservation Service (NWFCS). Los programas descritos deben de seguir todas las leyes y regulaciones federales de crédito, ambientales y de colección de deudas al hacer prestamos agrícolas. Antes de solicitar un préstamo agrícola, los productores deben estar seguros que el uso que le darán a los fondos del préstamo sean de acuerdo las guías del FSA, NRCS o del NWFCS. Presentado por Malaquías Flores, Sergio Paredes, Crispín Garza y Francisco Martínez. Se ofrece en español, con traducción al inglés.
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E1 USDA Programs and Services: Availability of Loans and Incentives for Latino Farmers
This workshop will provide information on available programs and services of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help beginning farmers with their agricultural operation. There will be in-depth presentations of two loan and incentives programs of the USDA, the Farm Services Administration (FSA) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) that have funds for agricultural producers. The Northwest Farm Credit Services (NWFCS) will also provide information on their loan program. Information and step by step instructions will be provided to fill forms for farmers that would like to request a loan from the USDA –FSA or from the NWFCS. The programs described follow all laws and federal regulations related to credit, environment and debt collection. Before requesting an agricultural loan, farmers should be sure that the use of the funds be in agreement with FSA, NRCS and of NWFCS guides. Presented by Malaquías Flores, Sergio Paredes, Crispín Garza and Francisco Martínez. Offered in Spanish with English translation.
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E2 Virtual Farm Walk: Let Us Farm, Where Ecology and Sustainability are Paramount
For those who were unable to attend this past summer’s farm walk at Let Us Farm in Oakville, Washington, this session is a must. According to the farmers themselves, Cecelia Boulais and Steve Hallstrom “aren't just any old chicken shit farm.” They are achieving sustainability through utilizing summer and winter cover crops and field rotations; conservation tree planting and habitat strips. An old dairy with depleted soils farmed conventionally for 50 years is being restored for wildlife, soil tilth and intern opportunities. Some innovative yet simple practices of organic and sustainable farming will be discussed. Hear about on-farm housing, including a converted silo, milk-tank suite and dining parlor. Steve and Cecelia will also share their experience growing farmers and discuss their plan to transition the operation to the next generation.
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E3 Small Scale Grain Production
 Kevin Murphy, small grains and specialty crop breeder at WSU in Mount Vernon, will discuss the practical considerations of organic grain production, including varietal selection, soil preparation and fertility, farm machinery, planting, cultivating techniques, disease identification, harvest, threshing, seed cleaning, milling and baking and marketing possibilities. Wheat will be the focus crop; additionally, he will discuss barley, oats, triticale, spelt, quinoa and various legumes. The latest results on his perennial wheat breeding and farmer participatory breeding projects will be highlighted by project partners Nash Huber of Nash’s Organic Produce in Sequim and Lori Hoagland of WSU in Pullman.
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E4 Growing Seaberry, Honeyberry, Hardy Kiwi and Other Unique and Hardy Fruits
Demand for locally grown fruit and produce is increasing rapidly. Among the benefits are reduced use of fossil fuels for transportation, the elimination of fears about food safety and support for our local farmers and economy. Small scale farms can capitalize on this increased interest in nutritious and flavorful niche fruits. In this workshop, Jim Gilbert of Northwoods Nursery and its subsidiary, One Green World, will discuss growing and marketing Sea Berry (Hippopphae rhamnoides), Honeyberry (Lonicera caerulea), Hardy Kiwi (Actinidia arguta) and other plants hardy to minus 25ºF or below.
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E5 Organic Dairy Goat Herd Health
Ed and Vicky Welch have raised dairy goats, milked and made cheese and yogurt for 38 years and have been an organically certified goat dairy selling chevre, feta and yogurt for two years. They are currently milking 43 goats, mostly Nubian. and selling to local restaurants, stores and farmers markets. Ed raises almost all the goat feed, alfalfa and barley, using composted bedding material as fertilizer. The farm uses solar hot water and solar electricity. Join Vicki Welch of Sunny Pine Farm in North Central Washington in a discussion of important goat herd management considerations and common herd health issues. Vicky will share what she has learned in confronting Sunny Pine’s herd health challenges and in finding solutions. Topics will include mastitis, milking machine issues, pneumonia, minerals, pasture, dry feed, stray voltage, bedding, staph infections, preventative practices, helpful herbs, homeopathics and useful reference books.
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