Farm Speaker Series
2025
2nd Thursday of Each Month
May - September
Join us on local farms to hear from local farmers and experience field based workshops. This year’s topic areas will be local, sustainable meat production and small acreage equine management!
Farm Speaker Series from May to October
Listen to local Whatcom County farmers, as they share how they manage their pastures to increase yields, improve soil health and grow a high quality forage for their animals. Each episode showcases how various farms adapt their management for grass growth. Whether you are raising horses, beef, sheep or goats, healthy pastures are a vital component of your farm’s success. Overcome pasture challenges and grow thriving, nutritious pastures for your animals! For the full Virtual Pasture Tour playlist visit our YouTube channel.
 Episode 1: Soil Activity & Pasture PlanningThis episode features Raegan Miller and his Icelandic sheep. Join us as we tour his farm to learn about soil activity and pasture planning. We also explore many of the tools offered by Whatcom CD, including FREE tarps for covering manure/compost systems and $200 rebates for gutters and downspouts. |  Episode 2: Soil Test Interpretation & Pasture RotationThis episode features Don Hrutfiord, his grandson, and cattle. Join us as we tour his farm to learn how he prepares his pastures for optimal grass growth. We also explore many of the tools Whatcom CD offers to support your pasture goals! |
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 Episode 3: Optimize Grazing for Continuous GrowthThis episode features Michele Bennett and her horse, Tailor. Join us as we tour her farm to learn about how she sets up her fencing and rotates her pastures to keep her horse healthy throughout the summer! We also explore many of the tools offered by Whatcom CD, including the manure spreader rental and soil test program. |  Episode 4: Irrigation Management for Sustained Pasture GrowthThis episode features Joel Wiersma, who talks us through his irrigation management plan. Join us to learn more about Joel’s equipment and practices that help keep his fields producing high quality forage throughout the season. |
 Episode 5: Compost Systems for Manure ManagementThis episode features Mike and Julia Bozzo from the Northwest Therapeutic Riding Center, where horse manure is composted in a covered facility. Composting manure is beneficial when dealing with large quantities of manure, as it reduces the volume of material and creates a great fertilizer. Join us to learn how this compost system was built and how it operates. |  Episode 6: Improved Infrastructure for Winter ReadinessThis episode features Jim and Kim Grams, who recently partnered with the Whatcom CD to rebuild the footing of their heavy use area. Jim and Kim had dealt with a lot of mud in the winter around their barn. They installed grid mats and brought in gravel to improve drainage, ultimately leading to easier chores, reduced mud, clean water, and happier, healthier horses. |
 Episode 7: Incorporating Track Paddock Systems for Winter Pasture ManagementThis episode features Michele Bennett from Episode 3. We are back with Michele at her farm to follow up on her practices for improved winter readiness. She is joined by Whatcom veterinarian, Dr. Sharon Hoofnagle. Together, they discuss the benefits and special considerations of track paddock systems, in addition to pasture management strategies, to maximize horse and field health leading into the winter. |
Below are links to videos of the previous Farm Speaker Series talks:
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A Different Kind of Prep Time for Farm Disaster Preparedness
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Optimize your pasture management; talk nutrients and forage growth with a local agronomist
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Competition or Co-opetition; How local farms are cooperating to provide opportunity for all
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Farm Funding Opportunities; Grants, incentives and costshare
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Farms to Tables; marketing and sales from the perspective of direct market farmers
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Vet's Corner; working with a large animal vet to improve herd health
Below are links to videos of other virtual presentations that may be of interest to you:
“This project has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under assistance agreement PC-01J89801 to the Washington State Department of Health. The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Environmental Protection Agency, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.”