Country Life Special Section • Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Community
Gardening • CL2 Dairy • CL3 Community • CL3
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Camels a local attraction, soon near Vegas Farmers Equip. tallies a year of helping fight cancer Caps for Cancer raised more than $8,000, added to Tough Enough to Wear Pink $30,000 effort By Calvin Bratt editor@lyndentribune.com
A family gets acquainted with a Bactrian (two-humped) camel at Beldar Haven Farm. (Elisa Claassen/Lynden Tribune)
Sand Road farm of Guy Seeklus offers ‘camel experience’ year-round, rides at Lynden fair By Elisa Claassen for the Lynden Tribune
WHATCOM — At this year’s Northwest Washington Fair alongside the carnival rides, children and adults were “boarding” a different kind of ride — climbing aboard camels. Soon the experience may be offered 1,200 miles away. Fairly new not only to the fair but also Whatcom County, Camel Safari is based at Beldar Haven Farm on Sand Road. The 105-
acre farm, easily visible with a large sign and barns and arenas, is a fully organic operation that is also home to horses, alpacas, goats and dogs. Guy Seeklus, owner and president and a self-proclaimed “animal person,” grew up surrounded by cattle and other farm animals in Saskatchewan, Canada. This property had been on the market near his home for a while. In June 2013, Beldar Haven Farms opened “camel experience” to the public. Camel Encounter sessions of one hour for $25 don’t involve riding, but you do get to tour the farm and learn about camel culture by getting up close, and petting and feeding camels. “If you like kids and animals, it is a great thing to do,” Seeklus said. During a tour of the stables, all is quiet initially and then head after head appear — and extend out a distance from their stalls at the footsteps. Lodi is the alpha male of the
camel group, and the largest. He is seven and a half feet tall at the hump. Seeklus enthusiastically greets each camel in the spacious barn with a pat and a treat. All of the camels, whether with one or two humps, have different and distinct personalities. They are well fed, Seeklus said, with a diet that includes treats such as watermelon, apples, carrots and cucumbers. Since few veterinarians in the Northwest are versed in camel care, local horse vet Don Beckman of Mt. Baker Veterinary has worked with Dr. Ahmed Tibary of Washington State University, who specializes in large animals, including cows, camels and horses. “He did his homework through Vetnet, talked with WSU and is now a pro,” Seeklus said. Barn manager and trainer Ginger Widner
LYNDEN — Over the past year, as the fight against cancer got personal at Farmers Equipment Co., the company responded. It was at about this time in 2014, said CFO Kevin Pawlowski, when parts manager Junior Stacey shared the difficult news that his Caps for daughter-inCancer law Amy had • Farmers Equipment been diagnosed matched every $10 with stage 3 donation and gave breast cancer. the donor a Caps for Amidst the Cancer hat as a thanknatural feeling you. of “what can we do to help?” an idea was born. A cap was designed in both the distinctive pink of the Tough Enough to Wear Pink movement and bearing the logo of Farmers Equipment, which was on the verge of celebrating its 80th year. “We wanted to commemorate our 80th year in business by giving something back to the community,” said Pawlowski, “and to let Amy and everyone else who is battling cancer know that we’re standing with them.” The idea was to raise $2,500 by getting $10 donations from 250 people. Farmers Equipment would match each $10 donation, and give the donor a ‘Caps for Cancer’ hat as a thank-you gift. The goal was to be able to send a total of
See Camels on CL2
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See Caps on CL2
Country Life 2 • Wednesday, October 14, 2015 • lyndentribune.com | ferndalerecord.com
In Bloom
Caps: Local group with meaningful goals Four gardening tasks for fall Continued from CL1
$5,000 in donations and matching gifts to the local PeaceHealth St. Joseph Cancer Center. Then in February even more difficult news came. Jan Stremler, wife of company president Ken Stremler, was dealing with ovarian cancer. In a matter of weeks, on March 24, she died at age 70. Caps for Cancer became dedicated to Jan’s memory. At the company’s anniversary celebration in May, the effort gained momentum. Also, Pawlowski went to the committee behind the local Tough Enough to Wear Pink promotion of the Lynden PRCA Rodeo and offered 100 caps to help raise more funds at the August event. In fact, 135 caps were given away, which meant that another $2,700 was raised with Farmers Equipment’s partnership. It went farther. In the summer, Grandiflora, the Stremler family’s home and garden store, promoted the cause, gathered more $10 donations, and gave away caps. The campaign is now drawing to a close. Last week, Farmers Equipment gave its $1,350 matching share to the Lynden Tough Enough to Wear Pink cause. In all, said
By David Vos
The Caps for Cancer fundraiser of Farmers Equipment Inc. this year also contributed $1,350 to the local Tough Enough To Wear Pink effort. From left are Karen Timmer and Audrey Seaholm of TETWP and Kevin Pawlowski and Ken Stremler of Farmers Equipment. (Calvin Bratt/Lynden Tribune) team member Karen Timmer, close to $30,000 will be given this year to the Peace Health Cancer Center to be used to fill the range of “little things not covered by insurance” for cancer patients, from wigs to lip balm. Moreover, Farmers Equipment will make its own
Caps for Cancer donation of over $8,000 — well topping the $5,000 goal — to the cancer center, with a presentation due soon. Timmer and Pawlowski both said it is especially gratifying that all the combined $38,000 was raised out of the Lynden area and stays local
to aid in the very deeply felt needs of local cancer patients. Pawlowski noted that two other mainstays of Farmers Equipment in the past, Dorothy Otter and Art Hof, are kept in mind as having battled cancer. “Sooner or later, this disease comes very close to all of us,” he said.
Camels: Vegas a warm change for camels Continued from CL1 wanders in. She was in charge of the camel operations at the 2015 fair — the third year for Camel Safari — to ensure all went smoothly. Widner, who trained horses for 10 years before coming to work with the camels, said she enjoys them and finds them “unique.” She started by applying her horse knowledge and using trial and error to see what did and didn’t work with camels. For instance, she said, at the fair the camels were primarily motivated by food and by choosing the right handler for each camel. Other invites for the camels have been parties, the Scottish Highland Games, the Silver Reef Casino, and many functions at senior centers and libraries. While a 78-year-old has been the oldest person to ride a camel so far, Seeklus said a 100-year-old in a wheelchair expressed interest at the fair, but it wasn’t quite the right setting to accommodate her. “I admired her enthusiasm.” And the local operation is moving to a higher level. Seeklus hopes that by Nov. 1 he will have finalized plans for a branch location a long way away — 12 miles outside of Mesquite, Nevada, in fact. It will be an easy hour-
long shuttle drive for guests from Las Vegas wanting family entertainment away from the strip. The 176-acre property, surrounded on three sides by Bureau of Land Management rangeland with the Virgin River running through it, will be a nice warm change for Seeklus and some of the camels during the winter months in the Northwest. Out of the farm’s 25 camels, some of the dromedary camels will be relocated south while the Bactrians will remain here. As for the inevitable queries about one hump versus two humps, the dromedary is the one-humped and the Bactrian is two-humped. Dromedaries are known to inhabit the Middle East and the Horn of Africa while Bactrian camels primarily live in Central Asia. Bactrians tend to be smarter and more “emotional” and have longer pregnancies, Seeklus said. The farm is open for paid public visits weekdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The 5435 Sand Rd. location is just north of East Smith Road. In addition to the Camel operation, Seeklus runs an online business doing background checks, at www.backgroundreport.com, that uses Fair Credit Reporting Act criteria in a patent-pending process.
A girl asks: What does a camel feel like?. (Elisa Claassen/ Lynden Tribune)
Puyallup fair expanding in 2016
Fruit conference early registration due this Friday WHATCOM — Early registration ends Friday, Oct. 16, for the Washington Small Fruit Conference to be held in Lynden Dec. 2-4. Note that Friday, Dec. 4, brings a half-day of special workshop sessions, with limited available spots. The annual event also includes the Lynden Ag Show with berry and small fruit growing and processing equipment. All the live action is in the Washington Tractor Arena of the Northwest Washington Fairground, although this year there will be a live video conference broadcast to Prosser. Register online at the whatcom.wsu.edu website.
In a multi-year study of major fairs, the Washington State Fairs’ board of directors found lengthening fair schedules was often associated with increased satisfaction of fair guests, a boost in attendance and greater benefits for fair vendors and partners over time. “Achieving high satisfaction and our business goals allow us to thrive as a private, nonprofit organization devot-
from last year, now is also the time to sprinkle some bone meal on the soil surface. Simply scratch it in lightly and let the rains wash it into the soil to feed your bulbs as they gear up for next spring. Third, October is the month to begin preparing your lawn for winter. Our dry summer stopped most moss growth, but as the rains return, you’ll likely see moss begin to reestablish itself in your lawn. If some of the forecasts I’ve seen are right, we’re in for another mild winter, and that makes for ideal moss-growing conditions. Head off any future moss problems now by applying Super Sweet lime to your yard. Not only will moss problems be minimized, but your grass will be better able to use the fertilizer you apply. Late this month or sometime next month — after your last mowing of the year — feed your lawn with Scotts Turf Builder Winterguard to keep your grass healthy through winter and ensure a quick green-up in spring. Finally, keep your winter and trailing Cool Wave pansies looking their best with a couple feedings of Jack’s Petunia Feed this fall and winter. While formulated for petunias, this fertilizer has the extra iron pansies need to keep dark green leaves and large flowers. Don’t worry about feeding as regularly as you do your summer flowers, but if you remember to fertilize even once a month, you’ll see a marked improvement in how your plants look. As you begin to put your yard to bed this month, take the opportunity to plant for spring and keep your yard looking its best — and enjoy the chance to savor autumn’s beauty. David Vos is the general manager of VanderGiessen Nursery in Lynden.
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Community
PUYALLUP — Starting in 2016, the Washington State Fair will operate over four weekends, starting on the Friday of Labor Day weekend. The dates are Sept. 2-25, with the fair closed on Tuesdays. “We understand the busy schedule of many families. Adding another weekend will make it easier for families to keep the fair a high-priority event,” said Kent Hojem, chief executive officer.
By all accounts, autumn has arrived. Although we continue to see unseasonably warm weather, rain has returned, leaves are falling and plants are beginning to go dormant. Although your mindset for the yard may be one of winding down, here are some easy tasks to accomplish before the season passes you by. First, the month of October is still a great time to plant shrubs, trees and perennials, as well as colorful, hardy winter pansies. This summer proved particularly challenging in the watering department, and if you lost a few shrubs or trees, don’t feel too bad — you’re certainly not alone. As you work in your yard this month, use the more regular rains we’re getting to your benefit and replace your lost shrubs and trees. Given the continued warm weather, our soil temperatures remain high enough to allow for good root development. In other words, whatever you choose to plant should get nicely established before winter arrives. When you plant, keep in mind that while you don’t need to fertilize your plants this time of year, you should treat whatever you plant with a transplant solution like Superthrive. Doing so will encourage healthy root development without forcing additional plant growth. Second, October is the perfect time to plant bulbs for a great show of spring color. Admittedly, in our instantgratification society, bulbs are a bit of letdown — after all, you’ll leave the nursery with some packages of rather ugly, brown bulbs — but oh, are they worth the wait! Depending on what types of bulbs you plant, you can look forward to them multiplying and returning year after year, called naturalizing. Daffodils (which, by the way, are deer-resistant) are especially good at naturalizing, but many other types will naturalize easily as well. If tulips are your thing, Darwin Hybrid varieties will naturalize the best. When you plant your bulbs, throw some bone meal in the hole before you plant; if you already have existing garden areas or pots with bulbs
ed to education, family and fun,” said Hojem. During September 2016, the Tuesday closures will relieve traffic during three work/ school days, make it easier for fair vendors and concessionaires to restock and exhibitors to refresh their displays. Fair participants and employees also will benefit from a day of rest. The Washington State
Fair started in 1900 and has expanded in stages over the years. It is the only agricultural fair in the state entirely self-funded, not supported by taxes, according to a press release. Over a million visitors came during this year’s 17-day run, ending Sept. 27.
LYNDEN — The Reserve Apple Brandy of BelleWood Distilling, 6140 Guide Meridian Rd., has been named Best of the Northwest by Sip Northwest magazine. “Take apples fresh from your very own orchards, distill them into an elegant eau de vie, then lock it away in used bourbon barrels along with toasted apple wood. The result has nuances of apple, pear, vanilla, smoke and spice that characterize the aroma and flavor of BelleWood’s Reserve Apple Brandy,” wrote the judges. BelleWood’s Eau de Vie took a third place. The Apple Brandy also won a third place from the American Distilling Institute in 2013.
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Country Life 3 • Wednesday, October 14, 2015 • lyndentribune.com | ferndalerecord.com
MiElkE Market
Milk price still slipping; volatility is the pattern The September Federal Order Class III benchmark milk price was announced Sept. 30 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture at $15.82 per hundredweight (cwt.), down 45 cents from August and $8.78 below September 2014. It equates to about $1.36 per gallon, down from $1.40 in August and $2.12 a year ago. It is the lowest September Class III price since 2009 and pulls down the 2015 Class III average to $16.04, compared to $22.72 at this time a year ago and $17.76 in 2013. The Friday, Oct. 2 settlements of Class III futures portend yet more drop in October to $15.69, in November to $15.63 and back up a little in
December. Those settlements would result in a 2015 average of just $15.95 per cwt., down from the record $22.34 in 2014 and $17.99 in 2013. The January 2016 contract settled at $15.72; Febru-
ary at $15.77; March, $15.88; April, $16.01; May, $16.15 and June $16.35, with the peak in August at $16.60 per cwt. So there’s mild hope. The September Class IV price is $15.08, up $2.18 from August and the highest 2015 level so far, but still $7.50 below a year ago. The ninemonth Class IV average stands at $13.70, down from $23.20 a year ago and $18.49 in 2013. Meanwhile, the loud crash you heard the last week of September was the Chicago Mercantile Exchange butter price, which ended four weeks of big gains. Just as it rocketed $1.1450 higher in August and September to a record-high $3.1350 per pound on Sept. 25, it quickly reversed gears
the following week. It closed Oct. 2 at $2.50 per pound, down 63.5 cents on the week and 39.5 cents below a year ago. The 30-cent Sept. 29 crash was the largest, singleday since March 26, 2004. The drop volatility, or whatever you call it, is reportedly sending traders to their chiropractors with neck injuries from quick head movements. Twenty-seven train cars traded hands that week. We take note of McDonald’s recent announcement of switching from margarine to butter, which will likely trigger other fast-food outlets to do the same, bowing to butter’s overall rising popularity among consumers and their
rejection of margarine. Cash block cheese reversed the previous week’s 10.25-cent plunge, closing Oct. 2 at $1.7475 per pound, up 15.75 cents on the week but 40.25 cents below a year ago. The barrels started the week with a loss, but gained it back and then some, finishing at $1.6175, up 6.75 cents on the week, 55.25 cents below a year ago, and an unsustainable 13 cents below the blocks. Twenty-three cars of barrel traded hands on the week. The gains in block all came on unfilled bids. Cash Grade A nonfat dry milk topped $1 per pound for the first time since March 10, 2015, closing Oct. 2 at $1.06 per pound, up 12 cents on the
week but 33.5 cents below a year ago. Fifteen cars found new homes via the CME. 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 Sept. $15.82 $16.25 (current) Oct. $15.70 $16.00 Nov. $15.90 $15.70 Dec. $16.00 $15.60 Jan. $15.95 $15.70 Feb. $16.00 $15.50 March $16.15 $15.60 April $16.20 $15.80 Lee Mielke, of Lynden, is editor of the Mielke Market Weekly. Whatcom County has about 100 dairy farms.
Farming
Local farm was on alternative energy tour Broad Leaf Farm installed a solar system in 2014 WHATCOM — Broad Leaf Farm of Everson was featured Oct. 5 as the first in a series showcasing small farms using renewable energy technology to supply a significant amount of electricity to their operations. Farmers can see renewable energy systems on four Washington farms in 2015-16 during the Renewable Energy Farm Walk Series, presented by Northwest Sustainable Energy for Economic Development (Northwest SEED) and Tilth Producers of Washington. Remaining visits are: Oct. 26, to see solar energy on the Tahoma Farms in Pierce County; April 4, 2016 (tentative), to see wind energy at Bassetti Farm & Ranch in Klickitat County; and April 25, 2016, to see solar energy on the Vineyard Badger Mountain Vineyard in Benton County. Participants hear from the farmer, renewable energy installers, financial institutions and other local experts. Following the tours, farms and other rural businesses can receive free technical assistance from Northwest SEED to move their renewable energy project idea forward. Dusty Williams of Broad
Leaf Farm has been interested in solar since the 1970s when he lived in an off-grid solarpowered trailer. But he always thought it would be too expensive to do solar on a large scale. Then Williams learned of recent declines in solar panel prices and the availability of state and financial incentives, and he acted quickly. The 8.6 kW solar electric system that was installed in July 2014 now supplies about 25 percent of the farm’s electricity needs, reducing utility bills as well as reducing the organic farm’s environmental footprint. Farms are significant consumers of electricity for irrigation pumps, lighting, refrigeration and heating for livestock and greenhouses. Although renewable energy systems have a high upfront cost, available state, federal and utility incentives shorten the payback period significantly. Once the equipment is paid off, operating costs of the renewable energy system are minimal, providing the owner with low-cost electricity for the life of the project. The tour program is sponsored through an Environmental Justice Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Participation in the farm walks is free and open to the public. A lunch is provided to those who preregister at bit. ly/tilthwalks or by calling 206632-7506.
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Dusty Williams of Broad Leaf Farm is enjoying the payoff of his new 8.6 kW solar panels. (Courtesy Photo)
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Country Life 4 • Wednesday, October 14, 2015 • lyndentribune.com | ferndalerecord.com
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