Country Life Special Section • Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Government
County Council chair wants Water Action Plan Weimer: Pull together diverse areas of concern By Calvin Bratt editor@lyndentribune.com
WHATCOM — Carl Weimer, chair of a retooled Whatcom County Council, is trying a fresh run at resolving pressing county water issues. He is asking the various stakeholders, including agriculture, to say what can be done by the county using limited dollars for greatest effectiveness. At the Feb. 11 County Council meeting, Weimer hoped to start a discussion on creating a 2014 Water Action Plan. That coordinated plan, in turn, would shape the spending priorities of the county’s 2015-16 budget. Weimer has put his ideas into a proposed resolution that he expects will be revamped by others. Possibly a plan can be passed by the council on Feb. 25, he said. Although he has had ideas in mind for some time, he gained impetus to pull them together from the wellattended Farm Water Meeting held Jan. 20 at the Mt. Baker Rotary Building in Lynden, Weimer said. “I found that (to be) one of the best and most informative water meetings I have attended in the last 15 years,” Weimer said in an email. “It appeared to me that there was now an opportunity for movement on some of these critical water issues.” Weimer, beginning his third term on the County Council, identifies these five areas to be addressed: • bacterial pollution affecting shellfish growing areas. • water quantity and
Tom Thornton speaks as a member of the Ag District Coalition organizing board at the Farm Water Meeting in Lynden Jan. 20. The purpose was to raise various farm water issues. From right are: Ed Blok, Marty Maberry, Thornton, Scott Bedlington, Greg Ebe, Rod VandeHoef, Adam Enfield and Randy Honcoop. (Calvin Bratt/Lynden Tribune) availability issues. • Lake Whatcom water quality. • habitat issues. • stormwater issues outside of Lake Whatcom. In his draft resolution, he lists more specific interests within each of those general areas and also the entities that could provide the most helpful input. For instance, on water quantity and availability, he hopes for the participation of Whatcom Farm Friends, the
Council aims to tighten up restrictions on ag zone WHATCOM — Also on the Feb. 11 County Council agenda was an effort to tighten up how livestock slaughterhouses are allowed in the Agriculture zone. A public hearing was held on this topic. A proposed interim ordinance would require all meat packinghouse applications to be processed as a conditional use. That would put them through a public hearing process
county’s Agricultural Advisory Committee, the Bertrand and North Lynden Watershed Improvement Districts, the state Department of Ecology, and the WRIA 1 (Nooksack River watershed) planning participants. Weimer sees opportunity in the convergence of several developments: a report soon to be released by the state Department of Ecology on phosphorus and bacterial pollution in Lake Whatcom; a state Growth Management Hear-
ings Board’s concern about water quality and quantity protection in rural Whatcom County, on county appeal; and renewal of the WRIA Planning Unit process. Separately, County Executive Jack Louws has said that he considers water issues as a whole to be his most difficult challenge. Over the years, there have been plans and efforts in some of these areas. In fact, various advisory committees
and programs have generated well over 300 recommended projects “which we have made precious little progress on,” Weimer said. Whatcom Farm Friends is generally on board wanting to see attention to water issues, said executive director Henry Bierlink. But drainage and flood management issues do not seem to be addressed adequately in the draft action plan, he said.
and review by a county hearing examiner before gaining approval, in contrast to outright alloweance in the zone. The County Council passed the current law allowing slaughterhouses last September on a 4-3 vote, after about two years of contention. Two members of that council were voted out in the November election. Farmers say there is not adequate allowance, nor enough facilities, for livestock slaughter in a county that has thousands of dairy and beef cattle as well as sheep, goats and hogs.
Government
Rep. Buys shepherding water rights-related bills
By Tim Newcomb tim@lyndentribune.com
OLYMPIA — As Rep. Vincent Buys points out, water law is complicated. But he says a bill aimed at helping Whatcom County berry farmers retain water rights should help iron out some tricky rules, as a process that has support from local municipalities, Whatcom County and the state’s Department of Ecology. Buys, a Lynden Republican, said his goal is to shepherd a bill through the Washington State House of Representatives. “It is too big of an issue to not keep pursuing,” he said. Sen. Doug Ericksen, also of the 42nd District, was able to get a bill passed in the Republican-led Senate that will, in essence, ensure local farmers don’t lose out on water
Government
Ag Advisory Committee is in Lynden tonight A variety of the group’s goals to be presented
Slaughterhouse issue back on council agenda
Berry farmers want credit for their water conservation
Farm Bill • CL2 Gardening • CL3 FFA • CL4
rights because of past conservation efforts. That’s because of a “use it or lose it” approach on water rights, not encouraging conservation of water. Ericksen’s bill now heads to the House, where Buys was already working to get his own version, with the exact same language, out of an appropriations subcommittee. “It doesn’t really matter (which bill),” Buys said about pushing the effort, “as long as one of the bills goes through.” The House is led by Democrats. These bills hope to clear up part of a nearly 30-year Ecology issue, Buys said. In the 1980s local farmers switched to drip irrigation to water crops, a method that conserves water better. But under complex water law, farmers risked forfeiting their water rights on the unused portion of water. To keep those rights, farmers applied to transfer water rights to other properties. Due to a tricky process, made more complicated by the state’s “annual consumptive quantity” rulings, those applications have sat idle
ever since. “Ecology is asking for this because they are trying to figure out a way to get transfers on the books completed after 30 years,” Buys said. “They want to get applications out the door and get the issue solved once and for all.” The Ericksen and Buys bills would, in reality, roll water rights back to the 1980s levels and allow Ecology to properly transfer rights. The bill narrows the effort to the Nooksack River water basin, specifically 19 different farms within Whatcom County. Buys said letters of support for the bill have come from the city of Lynden, Whatcom County, Ecology and others. State environmental groups and tribes remain neutral. Whether the Buys bill makes it out of committee this week or not, the representative will work to get one of the bills to a full House vote. Ericksen’s bill passed the Senate on a vote of 38-8. The full effort has been tried in the Legislature before, but fallen short.
Corner of the Guide and Main Lynden • (360) 354-2186 Store Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00AM-5:00PM, Saturday, 8AM-1PM
LYNDEN — The county’s Agricultural Advisory Committee is changing things up a bit. It will have an evening meeting in Lynden tonight. This meeting is at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, in the Lynden Community Center, 401 Grover St. The 13-member group usually meets afternoons at county Planning & Development Services on Northwest Road. County PDS staff will do brief presentations on the history and purpose of the Agricultural Advisory Committee, and also on the county’s Agricultural Strategic Plan and the specific agricultural protection priorities listed within it. There will also be an update on the county’s appeal of the Growth Management Hearings Board June decision on water resources and an explanation of the Ag District Coalition effort. The public can speak on agriculture issues at 8 p.m. Staff updates and reports include: the PDR program, agricultural small-lot changes and the Comprehensive Plan update.
Country Life 2 • Wednesday, February 12, 2014 • lyndentribune.com | ferndalerecord.com
Five-year Farm Bill passes
Hovander Park Children’s Story Garden changes format in 2014
Children enjoy the Hovander Park Children’s Garden. (Courtesy photo)
FERNDALE — The popular vegetable gardening program at the Children’s Story Garden in Hovander Homestead Park has a new format for 2014. There will be five Saturday themed classes in April and May. Topics will include composting and making worm bins, miniature gardens, a scarecrow workshop, bug buddies and pumpkin starts. Most projects can be taken home. There will also be handson vegetable gardening led by Master Gardeners. These sessions are on Dig It Wednesdays from June to October so young gardeners experience the garden from seed to harvest. All produce from the garden is donated to the food bank. This year, each gardening bed will feature a favorite children’s book. You will find Peter Rabbit among the lettuce, Jack climbing the bean stock and more. Also look for Paul Bunyan’s Little Library — a place to borrow and leave children’s books. The fee is $50 per child and adult or a $60 family rate for an adult and more than one child. To register and for more information, visit http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ mastergardener/csg.
MiElkE Market
Milk price jumps $2.20, is flirting with record highs By Lee Mielke lkmielke@juno.com
The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Feb. 7 announced the Federal Order Class III milk price for January at $21.15 per hundredweight (cwt.), up $2.20 from December 2013. That is $3.01 above January 2013 and the highest level the Class III price has been since August 2011. It equates to $1.82 per gallon and is 84 cents above California’s comparable 4b cheese milk price. Class III futures settled pointing to a peak for the year in February at $22.87, which would be the highest Class III milk price ever. The March contract settled at $20.72; April $19.44, May $18.81, and June at $18.78. The January Class IV price, a record-high $22.29, is up 75 cents from December and $4.66 above a year ago. The Class II price is $22.21, up 55 cents from December, $4.02 above a year ago and the highest since August 2007. The four-week Agricultural Marketing Service-surveyed cheese price used in calculating this month’s prices averaged $2.0838 per pound, up 20.8 cents from December. Butter averaged $1.6475, up 1.7 cents. Nonfat dry milk averaged $2.0335, up 8 cents, and dry whey averaged 60.25 cents per pound, up 3.2 cents from December. Meanwhile, cash cheese ended its record climb and started downhill last week, ending gains in the block price that occurred in seven of the previous eight weeks. The blocks peaked Jan. 31 at a record-high $2.36 per pound and barrels at a record $2.32 on Jan. 30. The blocks closed Friday, Feb. 7, at $2.2325 per pound, plunging 12 3/4 cents on the week but are still 58 1/4
cents above a year ago. The cheddar barrels finished at $2.2050, down 11 1/2 cents on the week, ending four consecutive weeks of gain, but still 64 1/2 cents above a year ago. Eight train cars of block traded hands on the week and two of barrel. The lagging NDPSR block price averaged $2.2271, up 9.1 cents, while the barrels averaged $2.2348, up 8 1/2 cents. Record high cheese prices are becoming more of an issue for manufacturers, according to USDA’s Dairy Market News. While the high prices are welcome, there is increased resistance for purchases above immediate needs. Buyers are reluctant to build excess inventories at high prices, as are manufacturers. Some plants that are in good shape inventory-wise are allowing contracted milk to move to alternate production facilities. Lower than expected milk volumes in the West were responsible for a large manufacturer to announce limited layoffs. Difficult winter weather in the East is being blamed for some production slowdowns, but good export demand from previously committed sales continues to move cheese out of the country. U.S. prices are closer to international prices and have slowed current demand. Cash butter closed the week at $1.82 per pound, down 6 cents on the week but 26 1/2 cents above a year ago. Twenty-eight cars traded hands on the week. NDPSR butter averaged $1.7916, up 12.3 cents. Butter manufacturers are focusing on rebuilding inventories, according to DMN. But a mix of tight cream supplies, good domestic demand and active export sales are “hindering the process.” Cash Grade A nonfat dry
Sen. Cantwell praises benefits to Northwest agriculture WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congress passed a new fiveyear Farm Bill on Feb. 4, with support from both senators of Washington State as well as 1st District Rep. Suzan DelBene. The $956 billion legislation was approved in the Senate by a vote of 68-32 and the House by 251-166. It was then signed by President Obama on Friday as he stood in front of agricultural equipment at Michigan State University. A new Farm Bill was supposed to have been passed in 2013, but got bogged down between House and Senate versions. The bill will for the first time make a long-term investment in specialty crop research programs that provide critical support for northwest Washington berries, potatoes and apples, said Sen. Maria Cantwell. Last October, she visited the Bellewood Acres apple farm on Guide Meridian Road and spoke with berry growers and agriculture researchers about the need for new legislation. “The Farm Bill is a jobs bill for our nation and for Washington state,” Cantwell said in a floor speech. “It maintains our investment in research and exports so that American farmers can thrive and win in the expanding global marketplace. And it helps get more goods to mar-
DelBene likes reforms saving over $16 billion
milk closed Feb. 7 at $2.0175, down 2 1/4 cents. Eight cars sold in the cash market. NDPSR powder averaged $2.0638, up 2 cents, and dry whey averaged 61.36 cents per pound, up 0.5 cents from the previous week. Dan McBride of the Northwest Dairy Association made these price projections for the Class III price and Pacific Northwest blend price: Month Class PNW III Blend Jan. $21.15 $22.10 (current) Feb. $22.80 $22.40 March $20.40 $21.60 April $19.10 $21.00 May $18.60 $20.20 June $18.50 $20.00 July $18.70 $19.50 Aug. $18.60 $19.10 Sept. $18.50 $18.80 Lee Mielke, of Lynden, writes a syndicated newspaper column titled “Mielke Market Weekly” on dairy market issues. He can be reached via email at lkmielke@juno.com.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene said the new Farm Bill includes a number of reforms that will reduce the deficit by over $16 billion, with much of the savings coming from reforms to agricultural subsidies, such as the elimination of direct payments. It also includes two initiatives DelBene helped lead: 1) an Employment & Training $200 million pilot that will create programs across the country modeled on Washington state’s Basic, Food, Em-
Murray cites protections against milk price collapses WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Patty Murray voted for the bipartisan, compromise Farm Bill, saying it includes strong funding levels and provisions to support agriculture in Washington state. She also noted increased funding for specialty crop grants benefiting producers of fruits, vegetables, tree nuts and nursery crops. Annual funding for these grants increases from $55 million in the 2008 Farm Bill to $72.5 million now and $85 million
ket — whether that’s a farmers market around the corner or a new market in South Korea.” The bill’s 50 percent investment increase in two key specialty crop programs will support research to help increase crop yields and exports for northwest Washington berry growers. Whatcom County is a hub for the nation’s berry industry. More than 65 percent of the nation’s red raspberries for processing are grown in Whatcom County, and the industry supports 6,000 jobs during harvest. Raspberries, blueberries and strawberries together make up Whatcom County’s second largest agricultural product, behind milk production. Also, at least 2,600 acres of blueberries in Whatcom produce 48 percent of the total blueberry crop for Washington State. berry “Washington’s growers are delighted that a new five-year Farm Bill is in place,” said Henry Bierlink, executive director of the Whatcom Farm Friends organization. “Uncertainty surrounding continued Farm Bill extensions has made it very difficult for wise, long-term investments in our berry crops. We appreciate the fundamental investment that Congress is making into research and production efficiencies that help keep our farmers profitable and sustainable.” Overall, Whatcom County has 102,584 acres of land in farms and nearly $326 million in agriculture production. “The Farm Bill has in the past funded research that has helped even a small orchardist like me to minimize chemi-
cal applications and research new pests,” said John Belisle, co-owner of Bellewood Acres. “It has also funded studies examining storage procedures for fruit. Without this funding I would not be as profitable, my fruit would be of a lower grade, and American agriculture would feed far fewer people. And not to mention SNAP and its importance to my daughter, her children, and many others suffering difficult times in their lives.” These are additional specifics: • The Specialty Crop Research Initiative will be funded at $80 million a year and the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program will be funded at $72.5 million in Fiscal Years 2014-17 and $85 million in 2018. WSU has received Specialty Crop Block Grant investments to develop new planting and harvesting methods for tree fruit to help increase crop yields and protect workers. In September 2013, Whatcom Farm Friends and the Red Raspberry Commission received $345,000 in Farm Bill grants for berry research through the Specialty Crop Block Grants program. The Economic Research Service estimates that for every $1 invested in publicly funded research, $10 of economic activity is generated. • The new Farm Bill also invests in the Clean Plant Network at $62.5 million per year through FY 2017 and then $75 million in FY 2018. The network provides pathogen-tested plant material for specialty crop growers to better protect their produce from disease and blight.
ployment and Training; and 2) an amendment that ensures states can be reimbursed by the USDA for resources expended in another state for wildfire management. She praised the Farm Bill for including significant increases in investments and funding for specialty crops and organic farms that will support Washington state’s fruit and vegetable farmers. DelBene was the only Washington State member on the conference committee that reconciled differences between House and Senate versions of a bill. She thanked senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell for their effort and leadership
in support of the legislation. “The Farm Bill will help Washington’s families and strengthen our state’s agricultural industry and the approximate 160,000 jobs it supports. This bill was a compromise, and while I am disappointed in the reductions to SNAP (Supplemental Nutritition Assistance Program) benefits, we were successful in stopping the much more severe cuts proposed by the House and preventing anyone from losing SNAP eligibility. “The Farm Bill that passed today reflects what’s possible with genuine bipartisan efforts to focus on delivering results for our families and farmers,” DelBene said.
beginning in 2018. A research initiative for fruits, vegetables and other specialty crops will increase from less than $50 million in the 2008 Farm Bill to $80 million per year. “Despite the hard-fought victories for agriculture programs and industries, I’m very disappointed that this compromise makes harmful cuts to nutrition programs for low-income families in Washington state. Food assistance was there for my family when we needed it, and now is not the time to leave behind families and children who need
help putting food on the table. That’s why I’ll continue working with my colleagues to strengthen the SNAP program that families across our country rely on.” The Farm Bill includes cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, but restored billions in additional cuts included in the original House proposal. During negotiations Sen. Murray urged House and Senate leaders to fully fund nutrition programs. Other highlights for See Murray on CL3
Use a lender that understands your unique needs.
• Appraisal • Farms and Ranches • Crop Insurance • Operating Lines of Credit • Country Home and Bare Lot Loans • Equipment Financing
800.548.2699 | farm-credit.com
Back In Thyme
got cows? CALL TODAY! FOR PRICES! Competitive prices on all grades of butcher cattle.
NEW!
Live internet auction service!
Open Daily
Your source for locally grown nursery stock for 63 years 3410 Northwest Ave.
(360) 733-8190
Stop by or call for Pick-up Open 5 Days a Week 9am-12pm
Lavender & Country Gifts Lavender and herbal soaps, salves, teas, potpourri and sachets. A variety of creatively handcrafted re-creations from vintage fabrics, robes, jackets, vests, owls, and bunnies
7247 Everett Rd. off Bay Rd. - Ferndale 360-303-5103 | Open 10 - 5 www.backinthyme4u.com
B��� M���� V����! • 4 C����� �� L�������� M����/B��� • B����� A��������� � M�� M������ • F������� A�������� P����� �� D������� – CALL 366-5239 M-F�� 7-4 | S�� 8-1 ���.P����P�����.���
Country Life 3 • Wednesday, February 12, 2014 • lyndentribune.com | ferndalerecord.com
In Bloom
Sand or clay — dealing with your soil needs By David Vos
Working in a nursery, it’s one of most common questions I’m asked by customers: “How do I deal with ____ soil?” The question is asked because they have a problem on either end of the spectrum of soil types: sand or clay. In our area, chances are pretty good you have one of these two types of soil and knowing how to properly deal with both can go a long way toward ensuring gardening success in the coming year. First, sandy soil — although a nuisance, it can be easily remedied. The two main problems associated with sandy soil are lack of nutrient-holding capacity and the inability to hold water. Gardeners with sandy ground know how frustrating it can be to try to keep plants growing in soil where both nutrients and water simply drain away. If the soil in your flowerbeds is too sandy for plants to thrive, spade or rototill nutrient-rich compost into your beds. If that’s not an option, spreading a layer of compost on top will allow the nutrients and organic matter to slowly work into the soil, albeit over a longer period of time. As frustrating as some gardeners find sandy soil, it’s far better than clay. For much of the year, rains keep our gardens well-watered. Without the good drainage that sandy ground provides, many plants struggle and can even rot in clay. In established flowerbeds, treat clay soils like you would sand: add compost. Breaking up the heavy consistency of clay will promote drainage and allow plant roots to develop. Compost must be added liberally and often, though, as clay has a tendency to make a comeback. If in the coming year you have plans to plant anything new in clay, take time to first dig a test hole several feet deep. In some parts of Lynden, for example, clay is only a couple of feet thick, and beyond it is pure, clean sand. If you find that your beds have only a shallow layer of clay, it may be easy enough to dig a drainage hole under
each shrub or tree you wish to plant. If you’re not so fortunate, however — or don’t feel like going to the work of that much extra digging, don’t think you can get away with just adding some good soil to the hole when you plant a new-found treasure. No matter how wide or deep you dig a hole when you plant something in heavy clay, all you’re really doing is making a bigger bowl for water to collect in when it rains. While fresh, well-drained topsoil is just what your plants need, the key to planting in clay is to raise the roots above it. First, dig your hole as deep as the root ball of your plant. Then, before planting, backfill the hole at least halfway with a good mix of fresh topsoil and compost. Set your plant onto that layer — the top of the root ball should be sticking up at least halfway out of the hole — and finish filling in around the roots. Gently slope the new soil down away from the base of the plant, creating a mound for the newly-planted shrub or tree. On a larger scale, you can replicate this by planting new flowerbeds up on slightly-raised berms. In time, most plants will root into clay soils, but for the first season or two, the presence of well-drained, nutrient-rich soil will allow plants to get established and begin to develop healthy root systems. As spring approaches, take some time to plan what you can do in your flowerbeds to improve your soil. Whether sand or clay, taking the proper steps early on in the season will reward you with healthy plants all summer long — and for years to come.
VANDER GIESSEN NURSERY, INC.
10% OFF BAGGED COMPOST & TOPSOIL
Limit 6 each per customer. Not valid with other discounts. Expires 3/1/14.
Mon-Sat 9:00-5:00 401 E. Grover St, Lynden (360) 354-3097
WSDA now taking 2014 proposals to boost berry crops OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Agriculture is now accepting proposals for innovative projects to support the state’s fruit, vegetable and nursery industry through the federal Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Proposals are due to WSDA by 5 p.m. Feb. 28. The agency manages the grants, which are funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. About $3 million will be available to Washington upon passage of the U.S. Farm Bill. Private and nonprofit organizations, commodity commissions and other public entities may request funds for projects of $25,000 to $250,000 that benefit the competitiveness of fruit, vegetable, tree nut and nursery crop producers. The first step in applying for grant funding is to submit a brief concept proposal using a form provided by WSDA. Email proposals to specialitycrop@agr.wa.gov. The proposals will be reviewed by WSDA, and successful applicants will be asked to submit full proposals for further review. Application information, forms and the milestone schedules are provided on WSDA’s website (www.agr.wa.gov/grants/ scbgp). For additional information, go to the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service at www.ams.usda.gov/scbgp or contact WSDA’s Rianne Perry at rperry@agr.wa.gov or (360)
902-2177. Based on feedback from Washington’s specialty crop industries, WSDA is seeking projects that promote international and domestic trade, increase water availability, develop new crop varieties, control pests and diseases, reduce regulatory barriers, and increase production through innovative technologies. Washington ranks third in the nation in production of specialty crops and last year funded 23 projects under this specialty crop program. USDA will announce winning proposals this fall and WSDA grant agreements will be issued in November. In 2013: • The Washington Blueberry Commission received $95,144 to conduct a professional assessment on the market for blueberries in South Korea, China and Vietnam. • Whatcom Farm Friends received $75,000 to integrate specialty crop growers’ water use and needs into the Whatcom County Water Use Plan and create an Agriculture Water District to implement water strategies that address grower needs. • Whatcom Farm Friends received $100,000 to increase sales of blueberries in Asian markets by trying to develop more effective pesticide use patterns to control spotted wing drosophila. • The Washington Red Raspberry Commission received $169,926 to try to develop a systematic approach for cane management through horticultural modifications for physically separating oneyear and two-year-old canes.
Murray: New milk rules Continued from CL2 Washington state include: • $879 million in additional mandatory funding for alternative energy programs, which was not included in the House-passed Farm Bill, supporting programs such as the Rural Energy for America Program. • provisions to streamline conservation programs to make them work better for farmers and for administrators.
• provisions to curb overproduction of milk and milk price collapses. While the bill does not include the Dairy Market Stabilization Program, which had been in the Senate-passed version, this compromise will set separate insurance premiums for small and large farms and allows the U.S. Department of Agriculture to buy up some excess milk supply in order to combat price collapses due to over-production and provide support to dairy farmers.
Preorder now for Conservation District plant sale BELLINGHAM — The Whatcom Conservation District is accepting pre-orders for the Native Plant Sale that will happen Saturday, March 29, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Roe Studio on the Whatcom Community College campus. Quantities of 40 native species of shrubs and trees are limited, and sales will be on a first-come, first-served basis. To get the right species for your landscaping and restoration needs, people should order now. Plants are sold in bundles during the pre-order period, meaning wholesale quantities and prices. Pre-orders must be received at the WCD office by Monday, March 17, and require a $100 minimum purchase. A 50 percent deposit is due at pre-ordering. Payment must be made by cash, check
4-H Reports VALLEY VAQUEROS Reporter: Amelia Whitehead Leader: Christy Douge Hi, my name is Amelia Rose Whitehead. I am 8 years old and I am reporter for the Valley Vaqueros 4-H Club. We were voting who would get to be the reporter, and I got it! Valley Vaqueros has been around since 1971. Wow! That is a long time. It is even older than my mom! I will tell you the who, what, when, where, why and how of our club. Our club has lots of smart kids because we are learning about animals. Trent Van Dyken came and taught us how the animals should look. That is called “livestock judging.” Our club voted for new leaders. They are: president Cailey VanZanten, vice president Haley Biemold, historian Brandon Kelly,
secretary Elisa Lopez, treasurer Grace Douge, and reporter Amelia Rose Whitehead (that’s me). Near Christmas day our 4-H club went to Wal-Mart and we split up into groups to go find presents for children who needed Christmas presents. I felt good about doing that because we were helping someone be happy at Christmas. I like being in this club that does things to be kind to others. It is easy for me to go to meetings because they are right next door to my house. The next thing our club will do is practice public presenting to our own club. We can present about almost anything. I want to present about how to be a newspaper reporter. I think I’m doing a pretty good job of it so far. My mom says I can’t make this report any longer, but I can tell you more next time.
Talk at WWU is on U.S. guest worker policies
The university’s Border Policy Research Institute is the host of the free talk by Laurie Trautman. Trautman, recently appointed BPRI associate director, is completing her doctorate in geography at the University of Oregon. Her doctoral research examines guest worker policies in Canada and the United States. The Border Policy Research Institute is a multi-disciplinary institute.
BELLINGHAM — A talk on the topic “Temporary Worker, Permanent Alien: Guest Worker Policy in the U.S. and Canada” is set for 12:15 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, in Bond Hall 110 on the Western Washington University campus.
Proudly ... Supporting the Dairy Industry of Whatcom County since 1947.
W WW .V A NDE R G IES SE N N U R S ER Y . CO M
ASPHALT PAVING • Driveways • Parking Lots • Patching • Industrial & Commercial
www.wrsweb.com 2380 Grandview Rd., Ferndale 98248 Locally owned and operated since 1982 Residential & Commercial
Call Loren VanderYacht for a FREE ESTIMATE! 360-366-3303 office 360-410-7389 cell
ShopLocal Support your community. Shop our local businesses.
-Lynden Tribune
MARKET1
LLC
• 966-3271
7 2 9 1 E v e r s o n G o s h e n R o a d • E v e r s o n , WA 9 8 2 4 7
w w w. e v e r s o n a u c t i o n m a r ke t . c o m
NEXT FEEDER SALE Saturday, March 8th 12:30 pm
EVERY MONDAY EVERY WEDNESDAY 12:30pm 1:00pm Cull Cattle, Small Animals & Poultry General Livestock Sale Your Consignments Are Appreciated! FOR MORE INFORMATION OR FOR TRUCKING CALL: Barn: 360-966-3271 Pete: 360-815-0318 • Terry: 360-815-4897
or credit card. Pre-order pickup will be possible before the open sale on Friday, March 28, between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the site of the sale. Orders can also be picked up at the open sale on Saturday. Order forms and plant descriptions are available on WCD’s website www.whatcomcd.org or may be requested from the WCD office at 354-2035 ext. 3 or by e-mailig to wcd@whatcomcd.org. Plants can also be purchased individually at the March 29 open sale. All such purchases are on a first-come, first-served basis. Some of this year’s species include: mountain and western hemlocks, western red cedar, noble fir, evergreen huckleberry, blue elderberry, red flowering currant and wild ginger. There will also be a variety of potted perennials. Some local nursery vendors and environmental organizations will be present with additional plant purchasing options.
8631 Depot Road, Lynden WA
360-354-2101
Country Life 4 • Wednesday, February 12, 2013 • lyndentribune.com | ferndalerecord.com
Career Skills Students
The Ferndale FFA Agricultural Sales Team, pictured with advisor Tony Torretta, participated in the state convention at Washington State University in May. (Courtesy photo/Elizabeth Hand)
The Ferndale FFA 2013 state-winning Agricultural Mechanics Team analyzes a harvester to see what went wrong with it and how to fix it. This team competed at nationals in Louisville, Ky., in October. (Courtesy photo/Elizabeth Hand)
National FFA Week!
February 15 - 22, 2014 Special thanks to these community-minded businesses for their continued support of the FFA! Canyon Industries Inc.
COMPLETE MACHINING & FABRICATING FACILITIES
CNC Machining ¡ Lathes to 54� x 240� 100� Swing Vert. Boring Mill 5500 Blue Heron Lane, Deming WA ¡ 360.592.5552
P.O. Box 507 Burlington, WA 98233 1-800-426-2697 www.allwestselectsires.com
Berry Acres
Brian Mellema, Manager brianm@littauharvester.com
752 Loomis Trail Road, Lynden
354.1134
6881 E. 5th Place, Lynden Ph: 360-398-9845 Cell: 360-410-0144
Bellingham • Fairhaven • Blaine • Ferndale • Lynden • Nooksack
w w w. a n d g a r. c o m
Building Trust Since 1935
HEATING & COOLING • INDOOR AIR QUALITY
Lynden
360.354.4451
Burlington
360.757.6081
Sunnyside
509.837.2580
366-9900 • www.andgar.com
8880 Benson Rd. • Lynden, WA 98264
360.318.7720
Ferndale 360.384.1101
The water power division of Canyon Industries, Inc Design, Engineering, Fabrication, CNC Machining. 360-592-5552 | 5500 Blue Heron Ln., Deming, WA 98244 | canyonhydro.com
6140 Guide Meridan Lynden
Open Year Round
Burlington 360.757.4011
Randy Lindquist, Owner 360-815-6594 Beefco is offering competitive prices on all grades of butcher cattle! Open 5 days a week • 9am-12pm Stop by or call for Pick-up
Ted: 815-0693 • Aaron: 815-9556 • Albert: 815-8898 Thank you for your business • Certified Scale Available
405 BIRCH BAY-LYNDEN ROAD LYNDEN, WASHINGTON 98264 CUSTOM BUILT EQUIPMENT
966-3271
whatcomcd.org
Sumas • 988-5811
www.bellewoodapples.com
We Will Only Tow If You Need It! Our Focus Is Customer Service t 5PXJOH t Fuel Delivery t 3FDPWFSZ t Lock Out t 5JSF $IBOHF t +VNQ 4UBSU
Heston’s Hauling
ALFALFA • ALF-GRASS • STRAW • TIMOTHY • SHAVINGS
(360) 354-0799 910 H Street Rd., Lynden, WA
DeLaval Direct Distribution LLC Your Full Service Dealer Since 1977 3273 E. Badger Rd. • Everson, WA 98247 • Phone (360) 966-5550
FRESH BREEZE ORGANIC DAIRY
Certified organic cows, land, pasteurization & bottling. The only Washington dairy to do it all organically
www.freshbreezeorganic.com
Timelessly supporting our youth!
6975 Hannegan Rd, Lynden, WA 354-2035 x126
Quality Rebuild Since 1953 • Automotive • Marine • Agricultural Starters, Alternators, Generators & Magnetos REWIND • REBUILD • REPAIR 1030 C Street, B’ham • 360.733.4920
Custom Lagoon Pumping
ATTENTION DAIRYMEN!
Kulshan Veterinary Hospital www.kulshanvet.com
354-3094
Evergreen Custom Services, LLC
SALES ~ SERVICE ~ REPAIR • 24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE
(360) 354-5095
Everything you need for Home & Farm. wfcoop.com
360-312-TOWS (8697) 6397 B Portal Way, Ferndale www.HestonHauling.com
360-393-4923
Call for immediate inquiries.
177A Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Lynden, WA 98264
24 Hour Car Rentals
Serving All Of Whatcom County
www.watertecusa.com
7JTUB %SJWF t 'FSOEBMF t XXX GFSOEBMF XFEOFU FEV
'FSOEBMF 4DIPPMT
Tractor & Turf Now Open Saturdays, 8am-Noon NOW Carrying Full Line of All Makes Tractor Parts & Repair Husqvarna Products Parker Hydraulic Hoses, Baldwin Filters, Including Mowers, Trimmers, Chain Saws and Accessories. All Makes of Lawn & Garden Parts & Service Water Pumps & Pressure Tanks
304 W. Main St. • 966-3561
Curt Maberry Farm (360) 354-1446 Wallgren’s Tire Center 210 Birch Bay-Lynden Rd., Lynden, WA
Fresh in the Summer. Frozen Available Year-round! E-mail: rbkraght@comcast.net
7655 Melody Lane, Ferndale • 360.384.1260
HOT ROD SHOP
Raspberries, Strawberries, Blueberries & Cranberries s r
r
TM
www.NooksackServicePro.com
360-966-4664
Office: 354-5674 1718 Main St. • Lynden • Closed Sundays
830 Evergreen, Lynden, WA 360-354-2186 910 W. Front St., Sumas, WA 98295 (360) 988-9631 F: (360) 988-8666
www.valleype.com
All Forms of Scrap Metal
www.wecu.com
T ELGENHOFF & O ETGEN,
354-5545 CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
400 Fifth St., Lynden
360-354-4444
113 Sixth Street, Lynden www.lyndentribune.com
8450 Depot Rd. Lynden, WA (360) 354-4471
360-398-2161
265 E. George Hopper Road • P.O. Box 966 Burlington, Washington 9823 360.707.2353 • 800.548.2699 • Fax 360.707.2335
315 Cherry Street, Sumas, WA
988-2681
Fax 398-7926 • Mobile 961-2524
MERIDIAN EQUIPMENT INC. USED PARTS • SALES • SERVICE
THE MNULJAT GROUP O RT H
505 Front St. P.O. Box 949 Lynden, WA 98264
Larry & Cheryl DeHaan
Storm Haaven Farm
TJ EQUIPMENT LLC 1270 E. Badger Rd., Lynden, WA 98264
Low Overhead / Low Prices! Used Tractors, Trucks & Farm Implements We Locate Equipment For You
www.raderfarms.com • 354-6574
6873 Guide Meridian, Lynden • 815-1597
Fred Tjoelker - Owner
STONEY RIDGE FARMS Vanderpol & Maas Inc. 2092 Van Dyk Rd. Everson, WA 98247
(360) 966-3919
TRUCK AND AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE
Since 1955 228 Bay-Lyn Drive • Lynden • 354-3000
• excavating • sand & gravel • sitework • sewer & water
Phone 354-8585
360-384-3088
David G. Porter
7180 Everson Goshen Rd. Everson, WA 98247 (360) 966-4613 Fax (360) 966-5103
Sumas Drug
(360) 354-4242
Septic • Boom Truck Rental Architectural Precast Products Pump & Water Storage Tanks
360-354-3912 www.bodesprecast.com 1861 E. Pole Rd., Everson
portalwayfarmandgarden.com
5946 Guide Meridian, Bellingham, WA 98226 Bob & Linda Vander Ploeg
™
FARM CREDIT SERVICES
Portal Way 384-3688 r Lynden 354-5611
(360) 398-2141
Northwest
P.O. Box 267 250 Birch Bay - Lynden Rd. Lynden, WA 98264
Bogaard Hay Co.
729 Loomis Trail Road, Lynden, WA 98264 (360) 354-4504
816 Loomis Trail Rd. Lynden, WA 98264 p: 360.354.2094 f: 360.354.8182 www.maberrypacking.com
5610 Barrett RE r Ferndale, WA 98248 (360) 384-0212
Nooksack Valley Disposal Inc.
Dan Leidecker • (360) 354-3400
8631 Depot Rd. • Lynden • 354-2101
John Reid
Attorney At Law
714-9821
103 E. Holly St. Suite 409, Bellingham, WA
Data-LinkWest Inc
Designated Broker
PO Box 125, Ferndale, WA 98248
Tom McMahon
Managing Broker
www.RealtyWorldPacificNorthwest.com
DE YOUNG & ROOSMA
Complete Computer System Services
1329 King St. Bellingham www.datalinkwest.com
(360) 734-8911
(360) 306-8175
CONSTRUCTION
141 Woodcreek Dr., Lynden Phone & Fax: (360) 354-3374
360.354.4444 113 6th St., Lynden, WA
EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY