Country Life A8 • lyndentribune.com • Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Farmer-tribe partnership announces two farms to lead water plan process $150,000 grant for shellfish bed work also OK’d By Calvin Bratt editor@lyndentribune.com
WHATCOM — Two Lynden dairy farms have been identified as the first ones to jointly develop Water Quality Improvement Plans under the Portage Bay Partnership signed Jan. 5. The plans will identify specific ways individual participating farms can improve environmental performance aimed at reducing bacterial contamination. The two farms to lead the way are Edaleen Dairy and Twin Brook Creamery. Mitch Moorlag is the general manager of Edaleen Dairy and Larry Stap is owner of Twin Brook Creamery with other family members. Under the agreement forming the partnership, Water Quality Improvement Plans will be developed jointly with agreedupon experts identified by the Lummi leaders and farmers. The first two plans are expected to be completed within the May 1, 2017 timeframe identified in the plan. Upon successful development of these plans, the remaining five farmers that are part of the Partnership agreement will develop their plans and other farmers in the county will be invited to join in. The entire Partnership is focused on opening the Portage Bay shellfish beds, which have been closed part of the year since September 2014 due to higher than allowed levels of bacterial contamination. Recognizing this contamination is from multiple sources, the Partnership establishes a pro-
cess whereby farmers and Lummi Nation leaders will work together to address all sources. The selection of the two farms came after an initial meeting of the four farmers and four Lummi Indian Business Council members directing the Partnership. Also announced last week, a key financial piece of the farmer-tribal Portage Bay Partnership is in place. The Washington State Conservation Commission on Jan. 17 approved a $150,000 grant to the Lummi Nation to improve shellfish beds. The request from Lummi had been forwarded by the Whatcom Conservation District five days earlier, with a contingent of farmers speaking in support. The approved funds will be used by Lummi Natural Resources to acquire a barge to transport bed enhancement material, also for project permitting costs and to restore three acres of shellfish beds. This phase will be completed by June 2017. An anticipated future phase — improvement of 22 acres of shellfish beds to be completed by June 2019 — will require an additional $350,000 in funding. That project involves applying gravel to improve shellfish bed substrates in order to enhance survival rates of clam seeds. A total of $5.1 million of State Conservation Commission funds have been used since 2013 to improve Western Washington shellfish harvests. The 214 approved projects to date will improve water quality by addressing septic systems, manure storage, surface water runoff, and more. This source of funds was identified by the farmers as suitable for use for enhancing the shellfish beds during the negotiations leading up the Portage Bay
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On Jan. 5 farmers signed the Portage Bay Partnership to collaborate with the Lummi tribe on water quality. (Calvin Bratt/Lynden Tribune) Partnership agreement, which was signed Jan. 5. “This grant is important to the future of our shellfish harvesters and our entire community,” said Lummi Indian Business Council chairman Tim Ballew II. “And it also demonstrates that by working together farmers and the Lummi Nation can accomplish much more than we can independently or by opposition. We are hopeful that this is just one example of the benefits that this partnership can deliver to our respective communities.” Rich Appel, a farmer member of the Portage Bay Partnership, echoed Ballew’s comments. “It’s about the relationship, and this grant is an excellent example. Farmers can be very helpful to our friends and neighbors of the Lummi Nation who are also harvesters, and we know that our relationship with the Lummi Nation is an important part of our future as family farmers.”
MiElkE Market
Milk price starts 2017 going down The Federal Order (FO) and California benchmark milk prices started 2017 heading down. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the January Class III price at $16.77 per hundredweight (cwt.), down 63 cents from December but $3.05 above January 2016 and 78 cents above California’s comparable 4b price. It equates to $1.44 per gallon, down from $1.50 in December but above the $1.18 of a year ago. The Class IV price is $16.19, up $1.22 from December and $2.88 above a year ago. California’s Class 4b
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cheese milk price is $15.99 per cwt., down 60 cents from December but $2.91 above a year ago. Cheese traders gave us a little whiplash starting the month. Cheddar block jumped a dime on Feb. 2, climbing to $1.85 per pound, only to give back 11 cents the next day and close at $1.74, still 5 cents higher on the week and 27 cents above a year ago. The barrels closed at $1.7075, up 26 cents on the week and 24.25 cents above a year ago. That reestablished a more normal 3.25 cents below the blocks. After weeks of varying spot milk availability, the
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Dairy Market News reported readily available milk from Midwestern cheese producers, but there was a decrease in the amount being offered. Cheese demand is varied and the market undertone is uncertain, as some contacts are taking a wait-and-see approach with regard to international trade. Chicago Mercantile Exchange butter closed Feb. 2 at $2.1575 per pound, down 6.25 cents on the week, 1.25 cents below a year ago and the lowest it’s been since last Dec. 15. Grade A nonfat dry milk closed .75 cents lower on the week at 94 cents per pound, 23 cents above a year ago. But politics is impacting the market as the Trump Administration is taking on the Mexican border issue and trade agreements deemed not advantageous to the U.S. President Trump signed executive orders strengthening enforcement of immigration policy and called for work to begin on his promised wall along the Mexican border. Mexico is one of the United States’ biggest customers for milk powder. The Northwest Dairy Association made these price projections for the Class III price and Pacific Northwest blend price: Month Class PNW III Blend Jan. $16.77 $17.00 (current) Feb. $16.80 $16.50 March $16.90 $16.70 April $17.00 $16.65 May $17.15 $16.80 June $17.40 $17.05 July $17.60 $17.20 Aug. $17.80 $17.50 Lee Mielke, of Lynden, is editor of the Mielke Market Weekly. Whatcom County has about 100 dairy farms.
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A9 • lyndentribune.com | ferndalerecord.com • Wednesday, February 8, 2017
4-H Reports THUNDERBIRDS Simeon Leavitt, reporter Vicki Strand, leader Hello, I am the reporter for the Thunderbirds Racing Pigeon Club. I want to tell you about a visit we made to the Sudden Valley Library. We showed some birds and we took them out of the cages to hold. The 4H people who came were Simeon Leavitt (me), Thomas Strand (the leader’s son), Vicki Strand (of course, the leader), Max Gardner and David Dow. I talked about G.I. Joe, a famous war pigeon in World War II. (By the way, you can get the book at the library. It’s an easyto-read book. Your kids would love it!) Max talked about the national American Racing Pigeon Union race. (He won it!) Vicki talked about how to take care of pigeons, and said you cannot catch any diseases from pigeons. We all talked about our 4H races. There’s these clocks that, once the bird gets home, you yank off the racing band and stuff it in the clock and clunk the clock. (I think I’ve already told you about this in an earlier report.) All the people who went to the library presentation loved it! They were full of questions. We may have more people joining our club. The ages for our pigeon club are 6-18 years old. If you’d like more information, contact Vicki Strand at 966-4796. BARNYARD KIDS Joanne Odens, leader Alexis Oostra, reporter Our regular business meeting was held on Feb. 2, 2017, at the Baremans’ home. President Luke Wolfisberg called the
meeting to order. Many of our members answered the rollcall topic, “Why are you excited about the Super Bowl?” The most common answer was “the commercials”! Project reports were given by Taylor Reams, Abby Bareman and Samantha Tolsma. Alexis Oostra reported on the Quiz Bowl practices that are taking place biweekly in order to get ready for the state contest in March. Old business of taking down the swags at the Fairway Center was discussed. Also, many new items and upcoming dates were brought to our attention. At the end of the meeting we had fun looking at a slide presentation of Luke Wolfisberg’s trip to Louisville, Kentucky, for the National Quiz Bowl contest. It was great to see all of the places he visited, and what an amazing opportunity it is for 4Hers. Our next meeting will be March 2. BARN BUDDIES Tabitha Revak, reporter Debbie VanderVeen, leader With no meeting this past month, Barn Buddies members have focused on their drama and musical performances, sports, and school work ... and, for some, their ongoing 4H projects. When 4H members register each year, they are given a diverse list of projects they can choose to focus on over the course of the year. The goal of projects is to allow members to develop skills and gain experience through doing what they enjoy — whether it be leadership, art, raising an animal — and the list goes on. As said by a couple of members who are currently raising
and training animals for projects, the process can be a very challenging and rewarding experience. Anna Teachman, who is raising a dairy heifer and training a dog for her main projects, admits that it can be frustrating when her dog is not learning what it is being taught or when her heifer is not responding well to its current feed. However, she also emphasized that working through those challenges — trying new training techniques, adjusting her heifer’s nutrition — has taught perseverance and has made achieving goals even more rewarding. Kara Teachman’s sentiments regarding her 4H projects closely mirror those of her sister. Kara is raising pygmy goats as well as training a dog for showing. It was somewhat intimidating to begin working with pygmy goats, since she hasn’t had much prior experience with them, but that is exactly the goal of 4H projects — to provide new experiences and to learn by doing. Kara, though admitting the challenges of her projects, also acknowledged them as positive experiences, teaching persistence as well as the more obvious animal handling skills. Although both Anna and Kara’s main ongoing 4H projects focus on animals, both speak of character traits that their projects are helping them to develop. Though it may sound a bit cliché, raising an animal is not just about learning about the animal. It is also about learning the commitment and sensitivity required to care for the animal’s needs. The same principle applies to other 4H projects: art, photography, horticulture. All provide an experience that goes beyond the basic action of completing the project.
IN BLOOM
Treats for all at capitol’s Dairy Day
Washington State’s Dairy Ambassadors helped put on Dairy Day at the Capitol in Olympia Jan. 24. Whatcom County’s Jill DeJager and Jana Plagerman are first and third from right, respectively. (Photo courtesy of Washington State Legislative photographer)
Two local Dairy Ambassadors helped out OLYMPIA — On Jan. 24 Washington State Dairy Ambassador Alicia Smaciarz blew her whistle in the state Senate for an “Alllllllll aboard” Dairy Farmers of Washington educational train journey through some nutritional information and farming practices. Smaciarz told of being raised on her family’s dairy farm in Raymond and being very active in work-
Yes, spring is coming! — better get ready
Last month, I wrote about how much I love winter — and don’t get me wrong, I do! But as I write we’re in the midst of another big winter storm and, frankly, I’m ready to scratch my spring itch. Thankfully, the weather should improve soon, so it’s time to make your gardening to-do list for February. Gardening in early spring is very weather-dependent, especially when it comes to spraying your plants for insects or diseases. Sprays require dry weather to do their work, and they’re not always easy to use, especially for larger trees. On any non-edible trees or larger shrubs, don’t forget that there is an easier alternative: using a systemic insecticide. A product like Bonide Annual Tree & Shrub Insect Control has two benefits: Not only does it provide protection all year long, it can be applied rain or shine. Simply add the proper amount to a
bucket of water and pour it around the base of the tree you wish to protect. It’s really that simple! As for timing on treatment, later this month is the perfect opportunity to treat non-flowering and evergreen trees like spruce. For flowering trees like ornamental plums, wait until just after blooming to apply Bonide Tree & Shrub to ensure season-long insect control while also protecting pollinators. Although systemic products are effective and very easy to use, for fruit trees sprays are the best method to safely control insects and diseases. While your plants are still dormant, choose a dry day and spray with horticultural oil to smother any insects that have overwintered on the branches of your trees. If you’ve battled fungus issues like scab, mildew, or black spot — either on fruit trees or on other ornamental shrubs like roses — now is also a good time to dormant spray using copper or sulfur fungicides. Any of these products can be used during the growing season as well, but if you want to ensure your plants start out the season healthy, I would highly recommend a dormant spray treatment. After all, as the wise saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Beyond the less glamorous work of controlling garden pests and diseases, there’s plenty of fun to be had in the garden this time of year. Early spring color is beginning to show up in nurseries and garden centers around our area and, regardless the weather outside, it’s bound to feel like spring in a greenhouse. If you’re just plain sick of snow, winter cold and the freeze-dried winter cabbage still in your pots from last fall, freshen up the look of your front porch with a new container of colorful perennials you can trans-
plant out into your yard later this spring when you’re ready to use your containers for summer flowers. One great up-andcoming plant that works well in pots is gaultheria, or wintergreen. Classic wintergreen has bright red berries this time of year with glossy green leaves tinged with red or bronze. “Peppermint Pearl,” a new variety this year, adds a twist with pink berries. Both varieties are extremely hardy and make a nice evergreen groundcover when you’re done with them in your pots.
ing directly with animals. “Living on a dairy farm has provided me with the most valuable life lessons I could ask for. A dairy farmer works 365 days a year. They are always making sure their animals have the best care possible. The dairy community is truly made up of caring and compassionate individuals.” Then in the Capitol Rotunda at noon, ice cream, yogurt and cheese were handed out to the public, legislators and their staff by the the county and state Dairy Ambassadors and representatives of the Washington State Dairy
Federation, Dairy Farmers of Washington and Washington State Dairy Women. It’s what has helped to make Dairy Day a favorite each year at the Legislature. This year, Smaciarz also addressed the House Democratic and Republican caucuses on Jan. 26, advisor Tammi Schoenbachler reported. Helping were state Alternate Ambassador Jana Plagerman of Lynden and Tiana Peterson of Graham as well as county Dairy Ambassador including Whatcom’s Jill DeJager of Everson.
Farm Bureau offers first aid/ CPR class again
treas@gmail.com. The cost for non-members is $70. Pay at the start of class with either cash or a farm or business check; no personal checks, please. Space is limited. Preregistration is required and a minimum of two days in advance is preferred. To sign up, contact Safety First (Duane Korthuis) at 3545387 or by email to safety1st.usa@gmail.com. Attendees must understand spoken English. Books in Spanish are available if requested when signing up. This class meets state Department of Labor and Industries requirements.
LYNDEN — A first aid/ adult CPR class geared to farm operations will be held in the City Hall Annex building, 205 Fourth St., on both Saturday, Feb. 18, from 1 to 4 p.m. and Wednesday, Feb. 22, from 9 a.m. to noon. To get a $50 rate, class participants must be members of the sponsoring Whatcom County Farm Bureau. To join the organization, email Leslie Honcoop or Melodie Kirk at wcfb.
Heroes Among Us Throughout 2017, our newspapers will proudly salute local heroes of our communities. These exemplary individuals may be firefighters, law enforcement, teachers, coaches, neighbors or anyone who strives to help make our part of the world better and brighter by helping others. Here is your chance to help honor those who are making a real impact. Their contributions to improving our communities deserve to be celebrated.
NOMINATE SOMEONE TODAY Heroes Among Us
Nomination Form
Nominee’s Name: _________________________________________________________ City of Residence: _________________________________________________________ Why Nominated (service to community): ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ Nominated by: ____________________________________________________________ Phone Number:
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A10 • lyndentribune.com | ferndalerecord.com • Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Career Skills Students
National FFA Week! February 18-25
Marissa Desdier-Wood and Kalila Cook represent the strong Floral Design team of Mount Baker FFA. (Courtesy photo)
State Rep. Luanne Van Werven speaks at the dedication of the new Mount Baker FFA barn on Jan. 21. (Courtesy photo)
Ferndale’s Austin Roughton works on a small gas engine project. (Courtesy photo)
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