Country Life April 2017

Country Life Section C • lyndentribune.com • Wednesday, April 12, 2017

FFA/4-H • C2 Dairy • C3 Gardening • C3

Last six months’ precip is 15 inches above average In February and March, 17.5 inches fell

By Calvin Bratt editor@lyndentribune.com

WHATCOM ­— The local wetness has indeed been impressive since Oct. 1, start of the annual weather record-keeping cycle.

Numbers from the National Weather Service Clearbrook station on Van

Buren Road, kept by Roderic Perry, show that the county has received 46.35 inches of precipitation in the six months of October 2016 through March 2017.

That compares to the historic average for the half year of 31.77 inches — so almost 15 inches more precipitation than normal.

In the months of February and March, we’ve received more than 17.5 inches of rainfall, compared to 8.6 average.

The two months of October and November 2016

were also extra wet, bringing over 20 inches of precip compared to about 11 normally.

In between, the months of December and January were drier than normal. They were also colder.

The precipitation figures take into account snowfall as well, which was plenty bountiful this winter.

Check out the weather site at http://rodericperry. weebly.com.

A flooded field near Nooksack typifies the wet conditions local farmers have faced so far this spring. (Elisa Claassen/Lynden Tribune)

County seeks ‘animal husbandry’ definition, code changes on impervious surfaces Ag advisory panel meeting at 3 p.m. today WHATCOM ­— The county Agricultural Advisory Committee meets at 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, in the Northwest Annex conference room at Whatcom County Planning & Development Services, 5280 Northwest Dr. The proposed agenda includes: election of officers, an open session for the public to speak on agricultural issues, and two special presentations.

County planners propose code changes that will: 1) define “animal husbandry” and 2) add impervious surface standards.

On April 13, planning

staff will present to the county Planning Commission a number of small zoning code amendments to make clarifications and corrections. One of these is to add a definition of “animal husbandry.” The code currently has no definition, but uses the term in describing permitted uses in several residential, rural and resource zoning districts, generally in conjunction with agricultural use.

The proposed new wording is: “The scientific study or practice of breeding and tending domestic farm animals. For the purpose of this definition, domestic farm animals are a component of or accessory to an agricultural use.”

On the matter of impervious surfaces, staff

refers to the October state Supreme Court Hirst decision that found the county lacking in measures to protect water quality and quantity. The Growth Management Hearings Board and the court suggested adding impervious surface limits as a measure to protect water quality.

Originally, staff had proposed to the Planning Commission adding impervious surface limits to the Rural (R) and Residential Rural (RR) zoning district standards. Based on input from the public and the commission, staff added the idea of increasing the square footage standards and moving the standards to the stormwater requirements in county code where they would act as a threshold for requiring

use of the state stormwater manual, rather than a cap on impervious surfaces.

That shift would make the requirements of the code effective countywide, not just in the rural zones.

Questions arose as to the applicability in the Agriculture zone, and that discussion will continue at the Planning Commission meeting of April 27.

The options staff wants the AAC to consider this week are: 1. Returning to the original proposal of applying the requirements to the R and RR zones only.

2. Replacing the 45,000 square foot threshold for all parcels over three acres with a threshold that increases based on a percentage of the parcel size.

See Meeting on C2

Heavy rainfall causes manure misery for dairy farms Public support sought to solve dilemma of manure storage

By Gerald Baron to the Lynden Tribune

WHATCOM — Since the beginning of farming, weather has been crucial to farmers. But modern farming brings its own special challenges. The exceptional rain and snow this year in Whatcom County is causing a serious manure storage problem. Heavy rains last October and well into spring means that storage lagoons are full to

capacity, putting farmers in a no-win situation.

Manure lagoons are an essential part of contemporary dairy farming because they allow the manure of dairy cows to be applied safely. Whatcom dairy farmers first started installing lagoons in the 1970s, before even the effects of too much nitrogen on crops or bacteria runoff into streams was really understood. Saturated fields or application during rains can make it easy for fecal coliform to run off into ditches and streams that flow into the Nooksack River. Now we also know that when nitrogen from See Manure on C5

C2 • Wednesday, April 12, 2017 • lyndentribune.com

4H Reports PAILS -n-TRAILS Charles Johnson, reporter Pails –n-Trails 4H Club had two great meetings in March. One was about keeping our goats’ feet healthy and the other was about keeping our brains healthy.

For the goat talk, we learned from one of our 4H alumni, Cassidy Kettlestrings, how to properly trim goats’ hooves. Cassidy brought her goat to show us. She also answered all of our questions. It was great to have a past 4H member come teach us more about goats.

In our second meeting, we learned about the 4H Healthy Brain Pledge.

We learned that in order to get our “head to clearer thinking” (in our motto), we need to do the Healthy Brain Pledge. Something I really liked about it was to do an activity you really like and to give hugs (who doesn’t like getting a hug!).

If you don’t have someone to hug, you can also hug your animal. We are going to try to do all the activities on the Healthy Brain Pledge for one month.

BARN BUDDIES Debbie VanderVeen, leader Tabitha Revak, reporter After the adjournment of our last Barn Buddies 4HClub meeting on March 11 at 4:25 p.m., we learned about the proper handling and care of cavies (commonly known as guinea pigs) from fellow members Anna and Kara Teachman.

They brought three cavies with them to the meeting, so we were able to practice handling the animals after watching them do so properly. In order to properly and safely hold a cavy, their hind legs and back need to be supported in order to avoid injury to the animal caused by excessive strain on the back.

We also learned about the identification of different breeds of cavies. Some of those we learned about

Cavies will be part of the Small Animal Experience run by Barn Buddies at the Northwest Washington Fair. (Courtesy photo) are: • The Abyssinian, which is unique because of the rosettes (whorls of hair) found throughout its coat. An ideal Abyssinian show cavy has 10 rosettes.

• The American cavy, which has a short, smooth coat.

• The Teddy, which has medium-length, fuzzy, kinky hair.

• The Peruvian, which has long and smooth hair (longest of all the cavy breeds). Peruvian cavies need extensive grooming to keep their long hair free of tangles.

There are other breeds as well, such as the Satin versions, some of which we did discuss in our club’s cavy workshop.

There is still much to learn before August, but we are looking forward to the 2017 Northwest Washington Fair and its preparations. Working with the people and animals at the

fair and participating in animal workshops in preparation for the fair are the most exciting times of year for Barn Buddies.

THUNDERBIRDS Vicki Strand, leader Simeon Leavitt, reporter Hello. You probably have read my reports before, but today I have a very interesting thing to tell you about. It was our Fly-In. What is that? The Fly-In is where the club members pick their birds.

Each kid got two birds at the Fly-In; four kids got three birds (there were extra).

At the Fly-In, the presenters were Gwen Berglund (who did judging eggs), Maggie McCracken (on diseases), and Simeon Leavitt (me, on pigeon food). Then there came lunch. After that, Vicki and Thomas talked. Then the birds were picked. You also get to name your birds.

And there was Fit and Show — that was before lunch. And then that was the end of the Fly-In. People helped put stuff away, along with playing tag.

Early-Pick is before the Fly-In, approximately two weeks, where members get one early bird each.

To train birds, we walk them around the yard so they get used to the area and also see the outside of their home. And then we let them fly about 15 paces away from the loft. (A loft is a pigeon home.) Also, you get to band some baby birds. It’s very fun! You have to put the bands on at a certain time or else the bands will fall off or not go on. Bands are how you know which bird is which.

It helps know the year in which the birds have been banded.

To join our club, for kids ages 6-18, call Vicki Strand at 966-4796.

Meeting: Ag. strategic plan review still sought Continued from C1 3. Exempt agricultural uses where stormwater is managed through a farm plan.

4. Exempt all parcels over 20 acres.

Also, the Whatcom Food Network asks for advisory committee input on its Community Food Assessment update.

The Food Network wants to know of the assets, challenges and opportunities surrounding the farming sector of Whatcom

County. The group aims to increase communication and collaboration among the many organizations and agencies related to food system in Whatcom County.

The first Community Food Assessment was undertaken in 2011 and this is the third update since.

An emphasis in the current review is fishing for Whatcom County.

In carry-over business, a review of the Agricultural Strategic Plan is still sought.

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Wednesday, April 12, 2017 • lyndentribune.com • C3

MiElkE Market

Milk prices tumbling The March Federal Order Class III benchmark milk price dropped to $15.81 per hundredweight (cwt.), down $1.07 from February but $2.07 above March 2016.

It is the lowest Class III price since October 2016 and equates to $1.36 per gallon.

The March Class IV price is $14.32, down $1.27 from February and at the lowest level since November 2016. It is $1.58 above a year ago, however.

California’s comparable 4b cheese milk price is $13.76 per cwt., down $2.05 from February but 52 cents above a year ago. It is $2.05 below the FO Class III, the biggest gap since January 2015, and it puts the 4b price at its lowest since June 2016.

The April 4 Global Dairy Trade auction’s weighted average for products offered inched up 1.6 percent, following the 1.7 percent gain on March 21, and that after plunging 6.3 percent March 7 and 3.2 percent on Feb. 21.

Back home, cash block cheese closed the first Friday of April at $1.46 per pound, down 6 cents, reversing three weeks of gains, but 4 cents above a

By Lee Mielke Editor, Mielke Market Weekly year ago. The barrels finished at $1.4350, down 3.5 cents on the week and 1.75 cents above a year ago.

Dairy Market News reports that milk is readily available for cheese producers in the Midwest and spot prices for milk headed into cheese vats were running $1.50 to $5 under Class.

Cheese production in the West is also strong, as milk continues to be readily available. Inventories are increasing while domestic demand is a little lackluster and exports have been a little slow to develop.

Chicago Mercantile Exhange butter closed April 7 at $2.0975 per

pound, down a penny on the week and 2.25 cents below a year ago.

Some Central region butter producers report production is lighter than in previous weeks.

Demand for Western butter is still good as the spring holidays approach, but buyers are trying hard to not overextend themselves and take on more butter than their immediate needs.

Grade A CME nonfat dry milk closed Friday, April 7, at 81 cents per pound, up a penny on the week and 12 cents above a year ago.

The Northwest Dairy Association made these price projections for the Class III price and Pacific Northwest blend price: Month Class PNW III Blend March $15.81 $16.00 (current) April $15.10 $15.05 May $15.05 $14.80 June $15.25 $14.90 July $15.85 $15.30 Aug. $16.25 $15.70 Sept. $16.35 $16.00 Oct. $16.40 $16.05 Lee Mielke, of Lynden, is editor of the Mielke Market Weekly. Whatcom County has about 100 dairy farms.

The Whatcom County Dairy Women say:

“Thank You For Your Support!”

Congratulations to our new 2017 Whatcom County Dairy Ambassador

Emma Weg and Alternate

Annika Asplund

IN BLOOM

It’s time for spring renewal of lawn and garden Spring is the time of renewal in the yard and garden, and that’s never been truer than this year. Whether you’re looking for a shrub to replace one damaged or killed this winter, want to plant something new and exciting to lift your spirits, or need help continuing to repair your lawn, here are some of my top suggestions for this month.

Each spring brings about the introductions of new plants to add to our landscapes, and this year is no exception. One of my favorite newer shrubs is Paloma Blanca euonymus, an ornamental evergreen shrub well-suited for pots or in the landscape. Like a dwarf boxwood, this shrub stays compact, growing just two and half feet tall and only two feet wide with glossy green leaves. Unlike a boxwood, though, Paloma Blanca puts on a beautiful show each spring with bright white new growth that slowly fades to dark green. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, showy alternative to boxwood, Paloma Blanca is it!

A second plant I’m excited about this spring is a soft yellow miniature rhododendron called “Patty Bee.” For small yards, many older varieties of rhododendron can easily overwhelm a flowerbed. Patty Bee, though, grows to just two feet tall and wide with smaller, more numerous flowers than most rhodies, making it easy to confuse with a rhododendron’s smaller cousin, the azalea.

Since evergreen azaleas only come in shades of pink, red and white, this miniature rhody may add a unique yellow color to a space otherwise suited for an azalea.

Third on my list of shrubs to plant this spring is a line of dwarf berries from Bushel & Berry. This new brand consists entirely of compact berries wellsuited for pots on your deck or patio — although they work fine in the landscape, too! Jelly Bean is a miniature blueberry that grows

By David Vos General Manager, VanderGiessen Nursery to less than two feet tall and wide, Raspberry Shortcake tops out at three feet with no need for staking, and Babycakes thornless blackberry reaches to just three to four feet, typically producing fruit twice each year. If you love the taste of fresh berries and enjoy watching things grow, check out Bushel & Berry plants at your local garden center this spring.

Finally, I would be remiss in not addressing your April lawn care projects.

Last month, I wrote about dealing with moss in your lawns, and as you’ve started mowing, you’ve likely realized just how bad the moss is again this year. Af-

ter you kill the moss with ferrous sulfate and fertilize the grass, the next step will be preventing grassy weeds, namely poa annua, or annual bluegrass.

Crabgrass can be a problem in our area, but not until later in the summer as it needs warmer weather to grow. Poa, on the other hand, loves our temperate climate — especially mild, rainy weather — and can be identified as a lightgreen, fast-spreading grass with slightly wider blade than typical lawn grasses.

To prevent poa and crabgrass as well as kill recently sprouted poa already in your lawn, now is the time to apply Bonide Crabgrass Plus. Based on my own experience dealing with poa in my lawn and the feedback I’ve heard from others who have used it, this product is the best one out there right now for battling grassy weeds.

Apply it now and enjoy a healthier lawn through summer and into autumn.

While the weather is still far from perfect, the sights of flowering cherry trees, daffodils and tulips beginning to bloom signal that spring is here. Enjoy the new season and all that spring has to offer!

Pictured L-R:

Emma Weg, 2017 Whatcom County Dairy Ambassador and Annika Asplund, Alternate Eaglemill Farms LLC 1364 Abbott Road Lynden, WA 98264

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C4 • Wednesday, April 12, 2017 • lyndentribune.com

Some ag sectors more hopeful than others Farm Credit Services looks into the 2017 crystal ball SPOKANE — With a cold, wet winter in the rear-view mirror, food and fiber producers in the Northwest are looking forward to spring and getting back into their fields and timberlands. For some industries, profit margins look promising.

For others, the profit outlook is weak.

Northwest Farm Credit Services, an $11 billion financial cooperative providing financing and related services, annually produces a forecast for the sectors of Northwest (Washington, Oregon, Idaho) agriculture. Here is the overview: Cattle — Northwest cattle producers and feedlots increased feed rations with cold weather and above-average precipitation this winter.

Overall, prices for most cattle prices rallied during the first quarter of 2017 after a volatile end to 2016, supported by domestic consumption and export demand.

Northwest FCS’ 12-month outlook for cow/calf producers and feedlots predicts profitable operations with active marketing and risk management.

Dairy — Northwest dairy producers’ yearover-year cow numbers increased by 7,000 this February.

Milk production remained unchanged. Severe winter weather weighed down milk per cow and increased costs.

Nationally, milk production is up from the prior year, fueled by 66,000 more cows. U.S. cheese inventories and European skim milk powder stocks remain high, limiting milk market upswings and Northwest producers’ profits.

Although margins

Jersey cows await getting out to spring pasture on a Whatcom County farm. are generally at or below break-even, Northwest FCS’ 12-month outlook is for slightly profitable returns where producers manage expenses and milk-price risk.

Hay — Northwest hay markets are stronger as colder-than-normal weather and prolonged periods of snow cover drove cow/calf producers to feed substantially more feeder hay than anticipated. This is a boon to the industry going into the 2017 production season.

Although prices are down 9 percent from the prior year, the total value of forage exports increased from 2015 to

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2016. Nearly all export growth has come from increasing alfalfa sales, particularly to newer destinations. Most hay producers are operating at or below break-even margins.

However, Northwest FCS’ 12-month outlook is for slightly profitable returns for producers who start 2017 with a clean inventory slate and focus on cost control.

Potatoes — A cool, wet spring has delayed Northwest potato growers’ fieldwork and planting by as much as two weeks from normal. Delayed planting may influence early season processing potato supplies.

Northwest FCS’ 12-month outlook for profitability includes slightly profitable results for contract potato growers and continued pressure on uncontracted potato growers’ profits.

Apples — The Washington State Tree Fruit

Association’s March 1 Storage Report reveals a Northwest fresh apple crop at 134 million boxes, the second largest crop on record. Crop size for 2016-17 continues to come down from the 137.9 million boxes estimated in December.

Crop shrinkage is driven mainly by quality issues associated with early harvest heat and late-season rains.

Apple sales are on pace with past years.

Headwinds moving forward include sales of traditional varieties facing lower demand and fruit with larger profiles.

Northwest FCS’ 12-month outlook is positive for growers whose varietal mix meets consumer demand. Producers experiencing quality issues and/or those with plantings centered in traditional varieties may struggle.

Forest products —

The housing market improved in 2016, but at a slower rate than expected. Single-family starts accounted for 67 percent of total housing starts in 2016, lower than the 10year average of 71 percent, but higher than 64 percent in 2015.

Market conditions and forecasts indicate a steady housing recovery, underpinning Northwest FCS’ 12-month outlook for strong mill and timberland profitability.

Positive mill returns are driven by improving lumber prices and lower-cost log inventory carried over from last year.

Nursery/greenhouse — Consumer demand and single-family housing starts are expected to buoy overall demand for nursery stock. Although sales are expected to grow in 2017, early season sales may be impacted by wet and inclement weather.

Sales growth

matched with more balanced inventory levels support stable or higher grower prices and improved margins. Northwest FCS’ 12-month outlook is for continued strong returns and industry profitability.

Fisheries — Demand across fisheries remains strong.

Ongoing challenges include a strong U.S. dollar and uncertain trade policy. However, new vessel construction and improvements to existing vessels are enhancing efficiencies in some fisheries. These enhancements support additional product mixes and value-added products.

Northwest FCS’ 12-month outlook for the fisheries industry includes above break-even returns. Strong demand for Pacific cod, sablefish and Amendment 80 fisheries support strong prices and profitability.

Master Gardeners’ big plant sale at Hovander park May 13

ers Plant Sale will be on Saturday, May 13, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hovander Homestead Park, 5299 Nielsen Rd., Ferndale.

Each year, the Whatcom County Master Gardeners grow, divide and propagate hundreds of plants for the community to buy in the spring.

Select from 20 varieties of tomatoes, specialty

perennials, herbs, shade plants, natives, dahlias and more. All plants have been cultivated and selected by Master Gardener volunteers.

These are low-cost and unique plants suited for the Whatcom environment. Talk to the local plant and food vendors and visit the demonstration gardens at Hovander.

Cash, checks and credit/debit cards will be accepted for payment.

This annual program fundraiser supports the educational demonstra-

tion gardens, community projects, free workshops and free diagnostic plant clinic. In 2016 Master Gardeners provided 7,000 hours of volunteer service to the community through education, stewardship, leadership and sharing skills with youth and adults.

To learn more about the program or how to become a Master Gardener, visit http://whatcom. wsu.edu/ch/mg.html. Or call 778-5811 for more information.

WHATCOM — The 26th annual Whatcom County Master Garden-

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Wednesday, April 12, 2017 • lyndentribune.com • C5

Easter on the Farm, Apple Blossom Run coming up at BelleWood LYNDEN ­ — Fun family events are upcoming at BelleWood Acres apple farm, 6140 Guide Meridian Rd. Easter on the Farm is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 15-16, while the third annual Apple Blossom Run for the Bees 5K is at 11 a.m. April 29 with checkin starting at 9.

Easter on the Farm offers an egg hunt, petting zoo, pony rides, an Easter bunny, family photos, a country brunch, scavenger trail hunt, apple bin train ride and face painting. Tickets available at www.bellewoodfarms.com.

The Run for the Bees 5K benefits bee research at Washington State University. Run through orchards in bloom at the most beautiful time on the farm. Cospon-

Bellewood Acres apple farm at Laurel is set to host a variety of fun activities this spring. (Ashley Hiruko/Lynden Tribune) sors are Fairhaven Runners and Walkers and the Mt.

Baker Beekeeping Association.

For more details on any events, email to info@

bellewoodfarms.com, go to the website http://www.

bellewoodfarms.com or call 318-7720.

Manure: Lagoons filled up, bringing tough choices Continued from A1 commercial fertilizer or organic fertilizer — manure — is applied beyond what the crops can take up, it can accumulate in the soil and then leak into groundwater through heavy rains or irrigation.

This extra nitrogen, combined with nitrogen naturally in the soil or from other sources such as septic systems, converts to nitrate. The EPA limits nitrate in drinking water to 10 parts per million for public health reasons — although the health risk of nitrate at this level is increasingly being questioned by current science studies. As long as it remains the federal standard, it is very important to farmers to apply their nutrients at what’s called an agronomic rate, that is, a rate that does not exceed what the plants can absorb.

This means that manure, while accumulated year-round, needs to be applied as fertilizer during the growing season.

Manure lagoons allow manure to be stored until the right time to apply. Grass is a major feed crop for dairy cows and it typically starts growing in early spring and then into mid- to late October.

Farmers store the manure through our wet winters, then start applying when the grass starts growing. To prevent runoff into streams and

ditches, they avoid applying in rainy conditions or when fields are soaked or flooded. Failure to do so can result in citations and fines through the rigorous dairy nutrient management regulations.

The current problem really started last October.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported that rainfall at the Clearbrook station near Sumas was 10.7 inches in October 2016.

That’s more than double the average of just under 5 inches and well more than double the 4.21 inches the previous year. To make certain there is plenty of room for manure over the winter, a lagoon must be emptied or near emptied by the end of October. But little manure could be applied in that exceptionally rainy month.

Worried, farmers watched lagoons fill during the winter and waited for an early spring, hoping to be able to apply early.

Instead, we have had one of the wettest winters and early springs on record.

This creates an impossible dilemma for farmers. Should they wait until the lagoon overflows, possibly breaching berms and causing a major spill? Should they apply during the rain and when fields are still soaked, knowing that this violates regulations and is harmful to water quality?

Even the most conscientious steward would

struggle with this difficult dilemma.

There is no easy, short-term solution to this situation. One temporary solution that some farmers are using is to haul manure from filled lagoons to any available empty lagoon that can be found from former dairy farms. The manure then has to be hauled back for application. But this can cost thousands, even tens of thousands, of dollars and is not sustainable financially. Other farmers have opted to apply some of the manure to their driest fields and portions of fields.

Longer term, the answer is to increase the amount of storage space so that the variations in weather can be accommodated. But for dairy farmers deep into a multi-year market reces-

sion with no end in sight, investing in a hugely expensive new lagoon is simply not feasible. Add to that the attacks from anti-farm activists ­— including some in our own community — who pressure regulators to require synthetic lagoon liners.

Current lagoons lined according to the standards published by the Natural Resources Conservation Service are very effective at protecting water quality. The nation’s top agricultural scientists agree that synthetic liners are unnecessary. Large dairy farmers in Eastern Washington have been forced through litigation and threats of federal action into installing these extremely expensive liners. They report costs that would bankrupt the majority of dairy farmers.

Facing increasing

uncertainty from new regulations such as the recently published Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation permit from the Department of Ecology and the continuing threats of lawsuits from Oregon attorneys, farmers are understandably hesitant to make major investments.

Whatcom Family Farmers will work with other farm groups such as the Washington Dairy Federation and the

Washington Farm Bureau to encourage cost-share funding from federal and state sources to assist in this problem. All those eager to see Whatcom County continue as a great place to produce great food — including dairy products — are asked to help support this effort.

Gerald Baron is director of communications forWhatcom Family Farmers.

800.548.2699 | northwestfcs.com This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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C6 • Wednesday, April 12, 2017 • lyndentribune.com

Portable unit aids Farmer-help group poultry processing NABC adds Spanishspeaking Perez He will direct new effort at Latino outreach

The unit can come onto farms in northwest Washington.

One farm may host for several producers MOUNT VERNON — The new processing season is just around the corner, and dates will fill quickly for use of the Mobile Poultry Processing Unit, the Northwest Agriculture Business Center advises.

The unit processes poultry right at your farm, saving you transport costs and time and easing the stress on birds.

Poultry producers are

invited to make their 2017 appointments now. See the NABC website at www. agbizcenter.org to learn the basics about what is required for the unit to operate at your location or to view the availability calendar.

This year, NABC is offering, for the first time, an opportunity for multiple commercial or noncommercial producers to process birds at a single location. Producers may coordinate among themselves and designate a host farm where the processing will take place.

Each producer must have

(Courtesy photo)

their own Processor License through the Washington State Department of Agriculture, arrange for their own insurance, cold storage and distribution, and work out reimbursement for water and electricity with the host farm or location.

The MPPU can be stationed at a site for several days, or process small batches of several producers in one day (50 bird minimum per producer/175 bird minimum aggregated total day).

Currently, a host farm exists in the Mount Vernon area and is seeking pro-

MOUNT VERNON — The Northwest Agriculture Business Cener has added to its team Alex Perez, who will apply his Spanish language skills to expand out farmer-help programs and services into a bilingual format.

As a Washington State certified Spanish interpreter, Alex provides interpreting and translation services for non-English-speaking clients of all ages. He also served as a bilingual volunteer for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program and has successfully completed training for Security Officer certification.

The oldest of four siblings, Alex was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and raised by migrant parents who worked in agriculture in Skagit County. Because of the seasonality of this work, the Perez family traveled back and forth between Mexico and the United States. After graduating from Mount Vernon High School, he attended Skagit Valley College and then transferred to Western Washington University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in business administration, with a minor in Spanish.

Alex is enthusiastic and excited to recruit and

ducers to form a processing group. If you would like to offer your site for processing or need help finding others to join in a processing day, NABC is will facilitate connecting

work directly with clients from the Latino farming community. His direct experience in fundraising, community projects, outreach and networking in Skagit County is expected to be a great asset to NABC in serving local farmers.

Last fall, in part with funds from a USDA grant, NABC kicked off agriculture business support services specifically geared toward the Latino farming community. Now with the hiring of Perez, NABC is ramping up its cultural and linguistic business development training materials, workshop presentations, outreach efforts and technical assistance tools for the benefit of Spanish speakers in northwest

Washington.

In 2017 NABC has already hosted five workshops in its Transitioning to Value-Added Products series with a bilingual support component. Topics include access to capital with one-on-one lender introductions, business feasibility evaluation, getting farm products to market and market readiness, and writing your business plan. More classes are in the planning stages.

For more information, contact Alex Perez at Alex@ agbizcenter.org or (360) 770-4072. Se habla español. Para mas infomación, contactar a Alex Perez: Alex@agbizcenter.org (360) 770-4072.

interested parties. Contact Sera Hartman at the NABC office to add your name to a contact list or for more information.

Call the NABC office at 360-336-3727 to learn

more about the program or to make a reservation, or call MPPU Supervisor Miguel Martinez at 360899-8265 for guidance on getting ready for your processing date.

Whether it is healthy eating, sustainable businesses, or organic farming, there are so many ways to embrace the green lifestyle in north Whatcom County.

OUT

IT CHECK

Alex Perez

What Does Being “Green” Mean?

Being “Green” can mean a lot of things, even something as easy as celebrating Earth Day on April 22nd by making a small contribution to our planet!

Look for more information about how you can celebrate Earth Day on our special Earth Day page in the Lynden Tribune and Ferndale Record next week!

Commercial/Residential/Agricultural Pick up

ONE FREE*

yard of compost on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22 at Green Earth Technology M-F 7:30am-4:30pm Saturday 8am-1pm 774 Meadowlark Road,

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Meadowlark Rd.

Pole Rd.

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• Sign up for a WTA trail work party to improve trails and outdoor recreation in our area at wta.org/volunteer/schedule • Learn how to start your own compost at epa.gov/recycle/composting-home • Contribute to one of the many worldwide Earth Day campaigns at earthday.org

Dean Mellema 360-739-9903

it's a great time to plant !

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great selection of fruit trees, berry plants & ornamentals

hours: monday-saturday 10-5, sunday 11-4 6906 goodwin road, everson | (360) 966-5859

www.cloudmountainfarmcenter.org

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