Workshop Summaries

Biodynamic Production on the Farm – May 12, 2016

One-Day University at S&S Homestead on Lopez Island, WA in May   “Our specialty is health; our product is people.” With these words, Henning Sehmsdorf opened the One-Day University held at S&S Homestead on Lopez Island. Sixteen farmers gathered from … Continue reading

From Seed to Market: Profitable Small-Scale Vegetable Farming – September 9, 2015

Skagit Flats Farm Mount Vernon, WA  September 9, 2015 The Skagit Valley provided a blue-bird day as 31 farmers descended upon Skagit Flats Farm to spend a day with farmer Andy Ross. Attendees came to learn how he has grown … Continue reading

One-Day University: Soil Fertility, Composting, and Organic Farming – August 3rd, 2015

WSU Eggert Organic Farm and the WSU Composting Facility, Pullman, WA Amongst the beautiful Palouse hills in Eastern Washington, thirty farmers, agricultural professionals, and community members gathered at the WSU Eggert Family Organic Farm to learn about soil fertility and … Continue reading

Breeding Variety: Seed Production for the Small Farmer – July 9, 2015

Cloud Mountain Farm Center, Everson, WA Eleven farmers and farm interns gathered at Cloud Mountain Farm Center’s incubator farm site to learn about plant breeding and seed production. The all-day workshop played host to three fantastic experts in the field. … Continue reading

Draft Horse Power for Specialty Crop Production – April 17, 2015

Plowsong Farm, Sequim WA It was a blustery day near Sequim, WA as 15 farmers gathered at Plowsong Farm to learn about draft horse power for crop production from expert, John Erskine. Together with his wife, Heather, John sustainably farms … Continue reading

Staffing Your Farm: Successful Management fo Farm Interns and Employees – March 20, 2015

Cedar River Watershed Education Center, North Bend, WA March 20, 2015 Over the course of a day, 15 farmers learned about successful management of both farm interns and farm employees. Five knowledgeable presenters shared tips, ideas, and resources for farmers … Continue reading

Grape Pruning & Vineyard Management – February 10, 2015

A small, highly interested group gathered at Bainbridge Vineyards to sharpen their grape pruning techniques and learn about overall vine management in Western Washington. The workshop was facilitated by both Betsey Wittick (Bainbridge Vineyards) and Mike Lempriere (Perennial Vintners). For … Continue reading

Crop Planning for Specialty Crop Producers – January 20, 2015

Three dozen specialty crop farmers, both beginning and experienced, gathered at Mount Vernon NWREC on January 20, 2015, to gain crop planning knowledge from facilitator Frederic Theriault, co-author of Crop Planning for Organic Vegetable Growers. Theriault farms and teaches in … Continue reading

Managing Your CSA to Maximize Profitability – January 15, 2014

Annie Salafsky Interview Growers from across Washington State gathered in North Bend on January 15, 2014 to learn from fellow farmers about various types of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) operations with a focus on successful practices and marketing techniques. The … Continue reading

Persephone Farm Crop Mob, June 16, 2013

A small band of able and strong attendees gathered at Persephone Farm for a hands-on “crop mob” on June 16, 2013. Sponsored by Tilth Producers of Washington and the Washington Young Farmers Coalition, farmers Louisa Brown and Rebecca Slattery, along … Continue reading

Skipley Farm Crop Mob – May 11, 2013

More than 20 people came together at Skipley Farm in Snohomish for a Tilth Producers and Washington Young Farmers Coalition–sponsored, hands-on, all day workshop on May 11, 2013. Billed as a “crop mob” event, attendees were drawn to the event … Continue reading