Country Life
Dairy • A9 Gardening • A10
Wednesday, May 8, 2019 • lyndentribune.com • ferndalerecord.com
Plowing Match is May 18 at Berthusen Park
2017 ag census: Whatcom small farms rising But many other signals point to decline in local agriculture By Calvin Bratt editor@lyndentribune.com
WHATCOM — The number of small farms less than 10 acres in size is growing steadily in the county. That statistic stands out as a pattern evident across the last three fiveyear censuses of agriculture, according to the 2017 one released in April. Whatcom County had 1,712 farms in 2017, of which 701 consisted of 9.9 acres or less. The tiny-farms tally was 578 in 2012, 393 in 2007 and 287 in 2002.
Farms in all other larger acreage categories have approximately held steady or decreased in number over the same 15 years, the census shows. Mediumsized farms of 50 to 499 acres went from totalling 526 in the county in 2002 to 307 in 2017. The total number of acres in farming in Whatcom was 148,027 in 2002. That dropped sharply to 102,584 by 2007, rebounded some to 115,831 in 2012 and was at 102,523 in 2017. The size of operations, both by average and by median calculation, has gone down consistently over the last three censuses. Investment in ag land, including buildings, has consistently gone up, to where it has surpassed $1 million per operation and is almost to $17,000 per acre. The number of operations in cropland was 1,267, slightly more than in 2002. The number of acres in crops dropped slightly,
however, in the range of 8.7 percent to 15.6 percent. More than half of those operations and acres had irrigation. Sales of crops and commodities have been on a general although modest rise in Whatcom agriculture since 2002. The total value is pegged at $372.9 million in 2017, of which $154 million is in crops and about $219 million is in animals and their products. Federal government dollars to boost agriculture were less in 2017 than in any of the previous three censuses. Total farm operating expenses across the county had gone up more than 50 percent in 15 years while net cash farm income had gone down about 30 percent. The Whatcom report is online at https://www. nass.usda.gov/Quick_ Stats/CDQT/chapter/2/ table/1/state/WA/county/073.
The International Plowing Match is about preserving the tradition of true horsepower. (File photo) LYNDEN — This is a look ahead to events on the schedule of the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds. The International Plowing Match is unique in that it is fair-sponsored but held on the west side of Berthusen Park, off West Badger Road, at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 18. • WA State Good Sams RV Rally, May 1-5 • Northwest Reining
Association Show, May 3-5 • Happy Wanderers RV Rally, May 6-10 • WA High School Equestrian District 7 meet, May 10-12 • Irish Water Spaniel Show, May 13-15 • Mt. Baker Kennel Club show, May 17-20 • B.C. Morgan Horse Show, May 31-June 2 • Northwest Reining Association Show, June
7-9 • Royal Rovers RV Rally, June 10-13 • SKP (Escapees) RV Rally, June 17-20 • Alycia Burton Free Riding Tour, June 19-20 • Whatcom County 4-H Leaders Show, June 21-23 • AVA Region III Vaulting Show, June 28-30 • Extreme Midget Wrestling, June 29
Old Indian, Harley-Davidson and other motorcycles win the admiration of those attending the Northwest Motorcycle Classic on the Lynden fairgrounds Saturday, April 27. (Calvin Bratt/Lynden Tribune)
Wednesday, May 8, 2019 • lyndentribune.com • A9
MIELKE MARKET
Benchmark milk price jumps 92 cents The U.S. Department of Agriculture on May 3 announced the April Federal Order Class III benchmark milk price at $15.96 per hundredweight. That is up 92 cents from March, $1.49 above April 2018 and the highest Class III price since September 2018. The four-month 2019 average stands at $14.71, up from $14.02 a year ago but below the $16.17 of 2017. The April Class IV price is $15.72, up a penny from March, $2.24 above a year ago and at its highest level since 2014. The rising tide is welcome news to an industry suffering its fifth consecutive year of low milk prices and second year of trade-related challenges, but it is still too little too late for many who have called it quits throughout the country. Block cheddar cheese at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange slipped to $1.6550 per pound on Thursday, but regained 2 cents Friday to close at $1.6750, down a penny on the week. The barrels, after holding at $1.63 for five consecutive sessions, shot up 3.25 cents Friday, to $1.6625, up 3.25 cents on the week and 6.25 cents above a year ago. Twenty-five train cars of block cheese exchanged hands on the week, 22 on Friday alone, the largest single day of trading since March 24, 2011. Also, 25 cars of bar-
By Lee Mielke
rel cheese were sold on the week. Milk remains available for cheesemakers in the Midwest, according to Dairy Market News, although not at the discounts seen in spring flushes of the past. Cheese demand reports remain mixed, with some cheesemakers seeing improved sales throughout April and expecting similar results for May. Others say orders are slow and point to plentiful supplies as a bearish pull on orders. Western cheese inventories are above what buyers need, but are “manageable.” Milk output is plentiful and cheese production is active. International cheese sales are termed “fair.” Butter closed Friday at $2.2725 per pound, up a quarter cent on the week but 8 cents below a year ago. Cream is still headed for Midwestern churns, but plant managers say current prices are nearing their limit and intakes
have begun to ebb. Some are finding cream from the West. Western butter makers relay that cream, although available, is somewhat tighter and surmise that ice cream manufacturers are taking the extra loads. Butter manufacturing is steady and butter stocks are building. Grade A nonfat dry milk saw a Friday close at $1.0525 per pound, up 1.25 cents on the week. It is the highest CME price since Oct. 6, 2015, and 21 cents above a year ago. The May 2 Dairy Products report pegged March U.S. cheese output at 1.1 billion pounds, up 11 percent from February but 0.7 percent below March 2018. Year-to-date cheese output is now at 3.2 billion pounds, down 0.3 percent from a year ago. The Northwest Dairy Association makes these price projections for the Class III price and Pacific Northwest blend price: Month Class PNW III Blend April $15.96 $16.00 (current) May $16.40 $16.60 June $16.50 $16.90 July $16.60 $17.10 Aug. $16.70 $17.30 Sept. $17.00 $17.40 Oct. $17.10 $17.50 Nov. $17.00 $17.40 Dec $16.70 $17.30 Lee Mielke, of Lynden, is editor of the Mielke Market Weekly. Whatcom County has about 85 dairy farms.
Get set for HAY SEASON! We have everything you need!
Expect to hear more about manure than you’re used to Whatcom Conservation District is doing an ad/ education campaign WHATCOM — In springtime especially, farmers are applying manure to their crop fields. While some local farm types, such as dairy, are regulated on manure use, others farm types are not. The Whatcom Conservation District is launching a public education campaign called “Manure Matters.” It will provide information on the steps farmers must take to protect water quality in local streams, rivers and bays and cultivate a public understanding of how and why farmers recycle manure as an organic crop nutrient and soil amendment. Educational and humorous ads will run in
local newspapers and on websites, radio and social media throughout the spring and summer. The campaign is funded by a Washington State Department of Agriculture grant created from fines issued for improper manure management. The district says it is “recycling” those funds back to the community. The public education ads will direct visitors to the district’s “Manure Matters” webpage at www.whatcomcd.org/ manure-matters for more information. In addition to providing the community with information on how farmers recycle manure, the page provides links to additional resources available for farmers including grants, technical assistance and scientific research on the benefits of manure as a crop nutrient and soil amendment. The Whatcom Conservation District also coordinates the Manure Spreading Advisory, Application Risk Management decision support tool, and a
manure spreading text alert system for all manure users to provide the information they need to be the best stewards of their land and protect water quality. The “Manure Matters” campaign will include a series of ads with different themes representing the variety of manure producers and users in Whatcom County. The conservation district hopes to remove the stigma around manure, bring a positive view to a valuable resource and increase its appropriate use that is protective of water quality. Topics that will be discussed within education materials will include the benefits of manure to soil and plants, how manure moves in the environment, manure spreading dates and setback requirements, the science of odor, fences and buffers, winter manure handling, and general protection of water quality using best management practices.
Used Farm Equipment
A10 • Wednesday, May 8, 2019 • lyndentribune.com
Big Hovander plant Exciting new plants sale is this Saturday for your garden, plots IN BLOOM
The big Master Gardeners plant sale at Hovander Park is a tradition in May each year. (File photo/Elisa Claassen)
It features the advice, plants of the Master Gardeners By Elisa Claassen for the Lynden Tribune and Ferndale Record
FERNDALE — April and May are the key times to hit the community’s best garden sales. This Saturday, May 11, the Master Gardeners do their countdown, lower the tape at 9 a.m. and once again expect a full crowd at their Hovander Homestead Park venue. Top sellers are tomatoes, said WSU Master Gardener program coordinator Beth Chisholm. Forty heirloom and unique varieties are offered. Unlike other plant sales, this one includes on-site assistance from the trained professionals, a pruning seminar, a bake sale hosted by the Community Partners 4-H Club and additional plant vendors, Chisholm said. In additional to rare plants, perennials, trees, bushes and herbs, find Mothers Day gifts and bonsai. In the weeks leading up to the sale, 75 volunteers are busy prepping, labeling and pricing, and
setting up. Many of the plants sold are grown in the private gardens of the Master Gardeners and then dug up, divided and repotted in the group’s greenhouse at Hovander Park. The tomatoes are grown from seed in the spring. A p p r o x i m a t e l y $10,000 is raised each year from the sale. The funds support scholarships, free workshops and service projects, she said. Chisholm, who has been with the local office since 2011, says this year’s annual training class has just been completed, adding another 33 trained Master Gardeners for a total of nearly 150. While much of the training is online, a weekly class is still required for 12 weeks. Topics include integrated pest management, efficient watering systems, soil improvement and choosing appropriate plants. Upon completion, graduates are expected to volunteer in the community including at the office to answer questions from the public, also at diagnostic clinics, demonstration gardens, schools, the Bellingham Farmers Market, the therapy garden at PeaceHealth and the plant sale.
800.548.2699 | northwestfcs.com This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Hours of the sale are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hovander Homestead Park is at 5299 Nielsen Rd. in Ferndale. The diagnostic clinics continue from 9 a.m. to noon weekdays during the growing season at 1000 N. Forest St. in Bellingham. Staff has additional office hours from 1 to 4 p.m. Additional information is at www.wsu.edu. Other remaining plant sales and events: • Lynden Christian Plant Sale — The nursery continues to be open Monday through Friday. • Lynden High School Plant Sale — It began April 23 and continues Thursday and Friday from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through this week. • Vander Giessen Nursery — Commercial greenhouse has an e-garden club with a monthly newsletter.
The phrase “April showers bring May flowers” has never seemed to ring so true as this year. After a roller-coaster spring that started late due to February’s bitter cold, then raced ahead in a warm, pleasant March, only to grind to a halt with a cool, wet April, it’s finally time to enjoy blue skies and great weather for planting just about anything. As you spend time outside this month, here are a few tips and plants you might want to make space for in your planters and flowerbeds. First, whether you’re starting with an empty backyard in a new home or making work of replanting existing flowerbeds this spring, trees are the backbone of any landscape. One tree I’ve fallen in love with is Celestial Shadow dogwood. This dogwood provides three seasons of interest, beginning in spring with green leaves edged with wide yellow margins. After the leaves emerge, bright white flowers take center stage in late spring. Throughout summer, enjoy the brilliant color of the variegated leaves, and watch the yellow edges gradually change to fluorescent pink in autumn before dropping. Topping out at around 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide, this tree is truly a showstopper! Second, if the structure of your garden is complete, or you simply don’t have room for a tree, perennials are great fillers for gardens. This spring, as you replace plants that died this winter, check out Mahogany Monster heuchera. This impressive new variety of coral bells has huge mahogany-red leaves, each growing up to six inches wide — nearly twice the size of many other heuchera varieties. The plant itself can grow to as large as 18 inches tall and three
feet wide and thrives in full sun to full shade. Third, no yard is complete without annuals. Even the most floriferous perennial can’t compete with the flower power annuals offer. As you fill your pots with flowers for summer, don’t miss out on the Superbells Punch Series calibrachoa from Proven Winners. Each of the colors in this collection has a pattern with a distinct dark center to each bloom, creating a dramatic contrast with the brighter colors around the edge of the bloom. Two of my favorites are Pomegranate Punch, with a rich red coloration, and the new Tangerine Punch, which boasts tangerine-orange flowers with a burnt-orange center. With self-deadheading flowers that bloom until autumn frost, calibrachoa are a no-brainer
Enjoy no-fuss blooming color all summer!
Buy 3, Get 1 FREE All Superbells Trailing Calibrachoa
Limit 10 free per customer. May not combine with other discounts. Expires 6/1/19.
• (360)
354-3097
CHECK IT
Cascade Blueberry Farm Agritourism • Farmers Market • Farm Stand • Phone Orders • Wholesale
Family owned and operated since 1985. Farm stand open 10am to 6pm, seven days a week, - Now through October 1st Vegetable starts, hanging baskets, vegetables & blueberries available in season. (Blueberries available August 1st)
Kevin & Bianca Maddux - kamaddux@hotmail.com
M A R K E T 1 LLC • 360-966-3271
By David Vos
for any planter in sun or partial shade. If interesting flower patterns are your thing, have you checked out Pink Sky petunia yet? With hot pink flowers that show off a pattern of white speckles, spots and blotches, Pink Sky produces ever-changing blooms that are sure to catch the eye. Plant in hanging baskets or in the ground and let the trailing, spreading growth habit fill up your garden with no deadheading needed. Finally, as you plant your garden, pots and landscape this spring, be sure to use the right soil for the job. A high-quality potting soil like Black Gold is essential for happy flowers in containers. For most applications, choose an organic allpurpose mix. Or, if you could use help keeping up with watering, select a mix like Black Gold Moisture Supreme, which has coconut coir added to help hold moisture and reduce the need to water as frequently. For inground plantings, potting soil or compost can be used as an amendment for existing soil to help improve drainage in clay soils or retain moisture in sandy ground. This time of year, it’s simply a delight to be outside and watch things grow. Enjoy planting, nurturing and watching your new garden treasures thrive! David Vos is manager of Vander Giessen Nursery Inc. of Lynden.
OUT
Mother’s Day is a great time to celebrate the special women in your life! This year, why not treat your mom to something special while also remembering Mother Earth? If you are unsure of where to begin, here’s a list to get you started. These gifts are not only thoughtful to mom but to the planet as well. • Essential oils • Spring bulbs • Tree sapling • Air purifying plants • Reusable shopping bags or cleaning cloths • Mini herb garden • Bicycle • Rain Barrel • Upcycled art
2667 Willeys Lake Rd., Custer • 360-366-5188
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
NEXT FEEDER SALE Saturday, May 11th 12:30pm Early Consignments:
• 24 Whitefaced Calves 550-600# • 28 Black Calves 600-800# • 20 Crossbred Calves 500-600# • 20 Angus Steers 800-950# • 30 Crossbred Calves 500-700# • 3 Purebred Fancy Hereford Bulls
Serving Whatcom & Skagit Counties Since 1967
360-384-5487 • 360-734-8818 Residential & Commercial
Medium and Fine Bark For Your Landscaping Needs Sawdust Shavings • Hog Fuel • Cedar Chips • Bark Mulch www.facebook.com/starkenburgshavings
1546 Slater Rd. Ferndale, WA, 98248
Nice selection of yard art and kinetic spinners
Greenhouse is looking spectacular! Check out our shrubbery and perennials.
360-384-3688 • portalwayfarmandgarden.com
• Yard waste recycling by composting (grass clippings, brush & stumps) • Compost & soil material sales
EVERY WED. 1:00pm
M-F 7:30am-4:30pm, Sat. 8am-3pm, Varies by Season
Cull Cattle, Small Animals & Poultry Dairy & 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 eversonauctionmarket@comcast.net
Mother’s Day Hanging Baskets & Color Pots
Clean Green Solutions
And Many More by Sale Time! EVERY MONDAY 12:30pm
6100 Portal Way, Ferndale
glacierpacificllc.com | glacierpacific14@gmail.com 9657 Crape Road | Sumas, WA 98295 License #GLACIPL858KO
Green Earth Technology 774 Meadowlark Road, Lynden
360-354-4936
Meadowlark Rd.
Pole Rd.
Hannegan
w w w . e v e r s o n a u c t i o n m a r k e t . c o m
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