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Section C • lyndentribune.com • Wednesday, May 10, 2017
Raspberry growers raise concern of foreign ‘dumping’ D.C. law firm will monitor 2017 imports and advise any action By Calvin Bratt editor@lyndentribune.com
LYNDEN — The Washington Red Raspberry Commission is willing to go to court to ward off any new foreign “dumping” of undervalued raspberries into the U.S. market. The Lynden-based growers organization has asked a Washington, D.C., law firm to look into the evidence and advise on any action. Local growers have raised concern that raspberries may be coming into the United States at prices below
the costs to grow and pack (dumping) or discounted due to government subsidies that benefit the foreign source (export subsidies). Both practices are in violation of international trade laws. The commission is committed to “good working relationships with our foreign competitors to grow the raspberry market worldwide,” and the 4-year-old National Processed Raspberry Council — which is meeting in Lynden May 1617 — is making good progress toward those goals, a news release states. “However, the WRRC will not stand by while domestic producers are overwhelmed by unfairly low-priced imports. The industry intends to call attention to unfair trade practices whenever they exist and
Finally into fields
On Monday a mower cuts into a field along Hampton Road that will provide grass silage for the Van Berkum dairy farm. It has been a slow wait for farmers this spring to get into sodden fields. The local rainfall in April was two inches over normal, adding to the high precipitation of most of the winter. (Calvin Bratt/Lynden Tribune)
make use of the tools available to us to See Dumping on C2
Martin’s Feed looking to move to Sumas Transload site on railroad could bring about 15 jobs to Sumas By Nick Elges sports@lyndentribune.com
The proposed site in Sumas is yard along railroad tracks. (Whatcom County Assessor’s Office photo)
WHATCOM — Martin’s Feed Inc. of Lynden has applied for a shoreline substantial development permit and is looking to construct a rail transload
facility at 191 W. Front St. in Sumas, according a legal notice printed in the Lynden Tribune on April 19. The project would presumably move Martin’s trucking operation from its longtime base at the corner of Bender and East Badger roads in Lynden. The business declined further comment. “They still have some hurdles ahead as far as permitting and running utilities to the chosen site, but I suspect it should work out in the end,” said
Ruben Hernandez, the City of Sumas utilities superintendent. The proposed site of transloading is roughly four acres of open yard currently owned by BNSF Railway Company. “My understanding is Martin’s Feeds is purchasing the land from the previous owners,” Hernandez said. No comments have been made by the public so far in a comment period that runs through May 19. A shoreline See Martin’s on C5
See Martin’s on C5
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C2 • Wednesday, May 10, 2017 • lyndentribune.com
Dumping: Board OKs $5,000 to legal firm Sarbanand
installing large on-farm sewer system Adjacent to housing, up to 600 workers could be served east of Sumas
SUMAS — After applying for coverage under a Washington State Department of Health permit, Sarbanand Farms is installing a new sewer system at its operation east of Sumas. The application is to operate a Large Onsite Sewer System capable of serving up to 600 temporary farm workers from July through September. The crop is blueberries. According to chief administrative officer Cliff Woolley, the system is being installed mainly for additional worker housing. Woolley also said that a permit to construct the system has been issued by the Department of Health and will all happen “in compliance with all applicable regulations.” According to a public notice printed in the Lynden Tribune on March 8, the new system will replace
several existing holding tanks that currently are used to store raw wastewater. The system serves existing and new bathrooms, showers and laundry facilities for temporary farm workers. Two 42,000-gallon underground holding tanks are expected to be installed. Their location will be onsite at the farm, just south of residential units. Farm owners will manage and operate the new tanks. According to the state health department, LOSS offers an alternative to centralized municipal sewage treatment plants and can generally serve up to 370 individual people. The state reviews and approves all LOSS project applications across Washington and existing systems are required to obtain and renew annual operating permits. Certain types of wastewater and sewage, including industrial wastewater and stormwater, are prohibited from being treated or flowing into a LOSS. “We do intend to process as much fruit as possible in our onsite facility in Sumas,” Woolley said. A comment period to the Department of Health has passed.
TBD. Pesticide credits available. Sept. 6 — Washington Red Raspberry Commission meeting, 1796 Front St., Lynden. Oct. 25 — Washington Red Raspberry Commission meeting, 1796 Front St., Lynden. Nov. 27 — Washington
Red Raspberry Commission meeting, 1796 Front St., Lynden. Nov. 27-29 — Small Fruit Conference and Lynden Ag Show, Lynden. Call Henry at the Washington Red Raspberry Commission office, 354-8767 for more details on some of the local events.
By Nick Elges sports@lyndentribune.com
The U.S. red raspberry crop for processing purposes is concentrated in the Lynden area. (File photo) Continued from C1 ensure a fair and legal opportunity for all to sell in raspberry markets in the United States,” it states. The WRRC board of directors approved a $5,000 outlay to the firm of King & Spalding. Those are the same folks who helped the Washington red raspberry industry in an anti-dumping
Berry calendar starts with NPRC meeting here next week WHATCOM — The National Processed Raspberry Council will meet Wednes-
action directed at Chile in 2001, said WRRC executive director Henry Bierlink. In that case, duties were imposed against Chile for about five years. Several countries are of concern now, Bierlink said. Because Washington produces the bulk of red raspberries for processing purposes, it is only natural for the state group to step
out in the lead for the entire U.S. frozen raspberry industry, he said. King & Spalding will help monitor 2017 imports and sales and advise on the chance of success in an anti-dumping, countervailing duties or Section 201 (Safeguard) case. WRRC has used these legal tools in the past to maintain fair market conditions for growers. Both the U.S. Com-
merce Department and the International Trade Commission get involved in anti-dumping cases. Commerce determines if dumping has occurred, ITC determines the injury level. The President can then set a tariff on the other country. Fair international pricing is not a responsibility of the National Procesed Raspberry Council.
day, May 17, starting at 10 a.m., in the Jansen Art Center, 321 Front St., Lynden. On the day’s agenda are: a review of antitrust guidelines, a USDA report, committee realignment and appointments, adoption of a strategic plan, and reports on research, food safety and marketing.
And there will be an invitation-only reception the evening before, also in the Jansen Center’s upstairs Chamber Hall. These are other regional events on the 2017 Northwest berry industry calendar (updated April 20): July 13 — Mount Vernon Station Raspberry Field Day,
3 p.m. July 19 — Raspberry Machine Harvest Field Day at Maberry Packing Lake Field. July 20 — BC Clearbrook Substation Raspberry Field Day at Clearbrook Research Station. July 31 — Soilborne Disease Management Field Day, 2 p.m. in Lynden. Location
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Wednesday, May 10, 2017 • lyndentribune.com • C3
Innotech moving to Laurel area
Ag Advisory group meets at 3 p.m. today, then not until fall New member is addressing lack-of-quorum issue By Calvin Bratt editor@lyndentribune.com
Innotech’s Laurel Road facility is already under construction. (Courtesy photo)
Stainless steel equipment manufacturer seeing strong growth By Ashley Hiruko ashley@lyndentribune.com
WHATCOM — Innotech, a manufacturing company for food processing equipment now in Bellingham, will relocate to a larger facility in the Laurel Road area this fall. It’s been five years since the company began in 2012 with two employees. Since then, the number has more than doubled and the sales force has increased as well. The new shop, described as being quadruple the size of the current location, is very much needed, company co-founder Tracy Kaptein said. The space will allow the business to take on larger projects that have had to previously be turned down and will potentially provide the ability to offer other services. “We just need the big-
ger shop to be able to work more efficiently,“ Kaptein said. The company is known for helping food processing companies in the seafood, meat, dairy and fruit industries set up proper stainless steel equipment to fit their specific needs. The business offers services in the initial planning stages with 3D designs and also fabricates and customizes pieces for clients. “Every processing plant is different. So we try to start with a standard piece of equipment, but also try to customize if needed,” Kaptein said. “We come up with a solution for every customer that fits their needs.“ On the Innotech website, galleries are filled with photos of shakers, conveyors, lug washers and tote dumpers, just part of a long list of equipment usually needed to operate a food processing plant. Kaptein cited one popular piece of equipment the company offers that has multiple functions in one, but still allows clients to remove certain parts if needed. The Prosort allows smaller farms that may not
have the means to purchase multiple pieces of equipment to process their fruit, she said. “This will eliminate some of the labor,” Kaptein said. “We’re trying to come up with a few other pieces of equipment and trying to make the function of their plants better. We’re trying to look out for them to just make things better for them, easier for them.” Both local to Whatcom, Tracy and husband Tim Kaptein each have many years of experience working with metal. Tim helped out in his father’s metal fabrication business, which began over 50 years ago. The company made garbage compactors, exposing him not only to metalworking, but also what it takes to “own a business and the sacrifices it required.” It was many years before he moved on and began a business of his own. He first worked for several local fabrication companies and ultimately became a certified welder. He branched out on his own with Tracy and now today the couple is busier than ever. Last year’s berry sea-
son kept the Kapteins on their toes. And this year’s red raspberry season is right around the corner — one reason for the move happening in the fall even though the building will be ready in July. The Kapteins know all too well just how valuable time is during the intense berry season in Whatcom County. Berry processing plants rely heavily on sorters, blowers and rock catches to assure a quality product. “We kind of take pride especially during season,” Kaptein said. “You need us, you call us in the middle of the night. Every minute of downtime takes away from their end number.” Two years ago, Innotech Process Equipment won the Whatcom Business Alliance Start-up Business of the Year Award. This helped trigger a little bit of a spark, Tracy said — “to show everybody that we could do it.” It’s not such a small business anymore, and Kaptein hopes their expansion move encourages other businesses to know they can move forward too.
IN BLOOM
Grow a garden full of fresh color, not bugs To be fair, most of us living here in the Pacific Northwest have chosen our lot in life. But let’s be real — the last six months have tested even the most rain-loving amongst us. With blue skies finally arriving with some regularity, it’s now time to start planting flowers, vegetables and other plants around your yard. As you relish bringing color back to your hanging baskets and planters, here are some of my favorite plants to enjoy this spring and summer, and tips to keep them free from bugs. The flower I’m probably most excited about this year is a real showstopper, and one I think you must see to fully appreciate. Night Sky petunia, a trailing variety that doesn’t require deadheading, is one-of-a-kind with its coloration. Boasting royal purple flowers with white specks and blotches, this petunia’s blooms look like a star-filled sky. Night Sky will turn whiter with
By David Vos General Manager, VanderGiessen Nursery purple blotches in summer heat, then return to purple with white specks when cooler nighttime temperatures return. Use it in sunloving hanging baskets, patio pots or in the ground and enjoy the striking colors and changing patterns all season long. My second pick for sunloving containers is a new Superbells calibrachoa variety. With so many calibra-
Enjoy no-fuss blooming color all summer!
choa (commonly called million bells) colors out there today, it takes something special to impress me, but Tropical Sunrise Superbells does just that. Tropical Sunrise has two-tone flowers of striped pinkish-coral and soft yellow, and it makes a great “spiller” — that is, trailing plant — in container combinations. If vertical interest — particularly climbing interest — is what your pots need, black-eyed susan vines are unmatched in blooming power. Apricot-a-Peel is a new variety with dusky orange blooms from spring through autumn, blooming even into November. Plant it in a pot next to a trellis and watch it go! Finally, if you’re looking for a mounding flower to fill out a planter, try using regal geraniums (also known as Martha Washingtons) for striking color. With large flowers and unique shades, regal geraniums are excellent “thrillers” — or centerpieces — for containers. Candy Flowers Dark Red is one of my favorites this spring, with wine-red flow-
ers accented with a nearblack center. Now, understand that sooner or later bugs will find your flowers. And if you’ve been working out in your yard this spring, you may have seen evidence of aphids or other insects damaging your prized plants already. Plenty of insect control methods are available, but maybe none more fun to use than other bugs, especially if you have young children around. The other bugs I’m referring to are some of nature’s best predators when it comes to garden pests: ladybugs, lacewings and praying mantis. Available at local garden centers, a tub of ladybugs comes with several hundred of the cute (but voracious!) ladybugs ready to hunt down aphids and have a feast. Lacewings, a lesserknown but even more vicious aphid-killer, can eat up to 1,000 aphids a day while young, and as an added benefit, they stay in your garden longer than ladybugs. David Vos is general manager of VanderGiessen Nursery of Lynden.
WHATCOM — Today’s county Agricultural Advisory Committee meeting will have a reorganizational feel about it. One item on the 3 p.m. agenda is to determine best meeting times for the committee when it resumes its monthly cycle on Oct. 11. The group does not meet through the summer to allow its farmer members to be busy with their operations. Larry Davis is new on the ACC representing the Whatcom Conservation District, and he has taken up an internal issue that has dogged the committee of late — just getting a voting quorum of seven members at meetings. The last two gatherings, and three of the last four, have lacked a quorum to do official business. Davis has prepared a survey to size up members’ preferences as to meeting time, covering week of the month, day of the week and time of day. For quite a while the time has been the second Wednesday of the month at 3 or 3:30 p.m. “With so many new members, this is a good time to determine if a dif-
ferent time/day/week might be better for a greater number of us, thus increasing the likelihood for quorums,” Davis wrote in an advance email. He also voices his conviction that the Ag Advisory Committee can play an important role in the county’s ag policy arena. “I’m not sure every committee member will ‘get’ this reference, but there is an opportunity for this committee to become the E.F. Hutton voice to which the County Council will pay particular attention,” he wrote. “I hope that happens, but it is dependent on satisfying the threshold for a quorum.” Also today, there will election of officers and the county’s Chris Elder steps into the main county representative role upon the departure of staff member Karin Beringer. There is always an open session at a meeting for anyone in the public to speak on an agricultural issue. Committee members listed for the April meeting of AAC were: John Bayer, Ashton Beanblossom, Lesa Boxx, Dave Buys, Vicki Hawley, Larry Helm, Barb Hento, Wes Kentch, Jamie Gunst, Leroy Plagerman, Anna Martin and Landon VanDyk. On the agenda is also a review of the Agriculture Strategic Plan for the county that was first drawn up in 2011.
2017 will be an ag census year Tally is to be at end of this year WASHINGTON — America’s farmers and ranchers will have the opportunity to strongly represent agriculture in their communities and industry by taking part in the 2017 Census of Agriculture. Conducted every five years by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (National Agricultural Statistics Service, the census, to be mailed at the end of 2017, is a complete count of all U.S. farms and ranches and those who operate them. “The Census of Agriculture remains the only source of uniform, comprehensive and impartial agriculture data for every county in the nation,” said NASS Administrator Hubert Hamer. “As such, census results are relied upon heavily by those who serve farmers and rural communities including federal, state and local governments, agribusinesses, trade associations, extension educators, researchers and farmers and ranchers themselves.” The Census of Agriculture highlights land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures and other topics. The 2012 Census of Agriculture revealed that over 3 million farmers operated more than 2 million farms, spanning over 914 million
acres. This was a 4 percent decrease in the number of U.S. farms from the previous census in 2007. However, agriculture sales, income and expenses increased between 2007 and 2012. This telling information and thousands of other agriculture statistics are a direct result of responses to the Census of Agriculture. “Today, when data are so important, there is strength in numbers,” said Hamer. “For farmers and ranchers, participation in the 2017 Census of Agriculture is their voice, their future, and their opportunity to shape American agriculture — its policies, services and assistance programs — for years to come.” Producers who are new to farming or did not receive a Census of Agriculture in 2012 still have time to sign up to receive the 2017 Census of Agriculture report form by visiting www.agcensus.usda. gov and clicking on the ‘Make Sure You Are Counted’ button through June. NASS defines a farm as any place from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products were produced and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the census year (2017). For more information about the 2017 Census of Agriculture and to see how census data are used, visit www.agcensus.usda.gov or call (800) 727-9540.
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C4 • Wednesday, May 10, 2017 • lyndentribune.com
DelBene objects to New Lynden sign Canadian dairy policies 50 in Congress write letter to administration in regard to recent changes WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Suzan DelBene of northwest Washington’s First District in April voiced her concern about protectionist dairy policies of Canada. DelBene helped lead a bipartisan group of colleagues in writing to President Trump, urging the administration to hold Canada accountable for its trade commitments in the dairy sector when renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The congresswoman says Canada recently changed its dairy policies in a way that makes it difficult for U.S. farmers to export a variety of dairy products. The change potentially violates Canada’s existing trade commitments to the United States and represents the latest in a long line of protectionist policies harming American dairy producers, she believes. “Canada’s recent revisions to its milk classification system have prompted serious concerns,” the letter of more
WID boards not meeting in May WHATCOM — There will be no meetings of the six Watershed Improvement District (WID) boards in May. Farmers are urgent to
than 50 members of Congress states. “Our districts and states rely on the jobs the dairy industry provides and cannot afford further protectionist policies from our northern neighbor. As your administration crafts NAFTA priorities, we must ensure that our trade partners maintain compliance with ongoing agreements. Please stand with us in enforcing current law and opposing Canadian policies that disrupt global milk powder markets and directly hurt American exports.” The United States exported $631 million of dairy products to Canada, and the First District — encompassing most of Whatcom County — is home to many dairy farms. DelBene led the letter effort with Rep. Chris Collins (R-NY). This is the full text: Mr. President: We write to thank you for your recent acknowledgement of Canada’s protectionist dairy policies and urge your administration to take swift action to hold Canada to its trade commitments in this area. The U.S. dairy sector relies on its exports to survive. In 2016, the industry exported approximately 15 percent of its milk production, worth roughly $5 billion. To our NAFTA partners alone, get into their drying fields after the extremely wet spring, explained Henry Bierlink, who is director of the Ag Water Board coordinating entity for the WIDS. The six geographical areas of the districts are: Laurel, Bertrand, Sumas, South Lynden, North Lynden and Drayton.
the United States exported $1.2 billion of dairy products to Mexico and $631 million to Canada. To that end, U.S. exports helped the dairy sector maintain roughly 110,000 U.S. jobs in farming and manufacturing. Unfortunately, Canada’s recent revisions to its milk classification system have prompted serious concerns. Canadians traditionally used five classes to price its products, ranging from fluid milks and creams to milk used for further processing. In April 2016, the Canadian province of Ontario began implementing a new milk price class, Class 6, which has dramatically altered dairy imports and skewed the market. More recently, Canada’s newly implemented Class 7 National Ingredients Strategy has displaced current U.S. imports and is poised to negatively impact global milk powder markets. We are concerned that these programs may violate Canada’s existing trade commitments to the United States by effectively discouraging U.S. dairy
Local organic feed company earns $7,500 FedEx grant WHATCOM — Scratch and Peck Feeds of Bellingham has been named a 2017 Bronze Level winner in the FedEx Small Business Grant Contest. Since 2013, FedEx has awarded $250,000 in small-business grants to help entrepreneurial companies grow their businesses. “We are honored and grateful for this opportuni-
Darigold recently installed a new company sign at the top of its Lynden milk drying tower. The subprint is “Since 1918,” and Darigold will celebrate 100 years next year, confirmed Sarah Taydas in corporate communications, although specific plans are still to be developed. (Courtesy photo/Darigold) exports to Canada. The Ontario Class 6 program has already slashed U.S. exports of ultra-filtered milk starting in mid-2016 and U.S. companies are reporting further losses of contracts. The loss of these and other exports because of the Class 6 and
7 programs will continue to harm American dairy manufacturers and their supplying farms. Our districts and states rely on the jobs the dairy industry provides and cannot afford further protectionist policies from our northern neighbor. As your administra-
tion crafts NAFTA priorities, we must ensure that our trade partners maintain compliance with ongoing agreements. Please stand with us in enforcing current law and opposing Canadian policies that disrupt global milk powder markets and directly hurt American exports.
ty,” said Diana AmbauenMeade, company founder. “Our entrepreneurial spirit, dedicated team of employees and passion for quality and wholesome animal feeds made us well aligned for this grant. The generous contribution by FedEx will allow us to further meet the needs of our customers while operating in our new facility.” Scratch and Peck receives $7,500 plus a $1,000 credit toward FedEx print and business services. The company can join other grant winners for two days of sharing and learning at forum in Memphis Sept.
12-13, as well as a tour of the Memphis FedEx Global Hub there. A family-owned company founded in 2010, Scratch and Peck Feeds was the first feed mill in North America to become both Certified Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified. Products are also Animal Welfare Approved and the company is B Corp Certified. The grant funding will
be used to expand shipping opportunities that increase efficiency and productivity while decreasing turnaround time to better assist a growing customer base. Scratch and Peck Feeds specializes in producing high-quality soyfree and whole grain feeds for chickens, ducks, turkeys, pigs and goats, buying grains direct from regional farms.
Some folks read our newspapers in the craziest places! The Lynden Tribune and Ferndale Record are award-winning community newspapers...and more! Each week our professional staff brings you your community news, county-wide news, city and academic activities, and the latest sports news and social happenings. We also bring you daily updates through our website and social media and we are mobile friendly. No wonder folks read our newspapers...even in the craziest places!
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Milk price may be at its bottom for year The April Federal Order benchmark Class III milk price is $15.22 per hundredweight, down 59 cents from March but $1.59 above April 2016 and 92 cents above California’s comparable Class 4b cheese milk price. It is the lowest Class III price since October 2016, but that may be the bottom for 2017. It also equates to $1.31 per gallon. The market bulls got fed again at the May 2 Global Dairy Trade auction where the weighted average for all products offered went up for the fourth consecutive event, up 3.6 percent, following a 3.1 percent jump April 18. FC Stone equated the average 80 percent butterfat GDT butter price to $2.1733 per pound. U.S. Chicago Mercantile Exchange butter closed Friday, May 5, at a globally competitive $2.1075. GDT cheddar cheese equated to $1.6628 per pound U.S. and compares to Friday’s CME block cheddar at $1.60. GDT skim milk powder was 89.89 cents per pound and whole milk powder averaged $1.4665 per pound U.S. Grade A nonfat dry milk price closed Friday at 84.5 cents per pound. Most U.S. dairy prices moved higher the first week of May despite a lot of product sold at the market of last resort, the CME. Cash cheddar blocks closed the week at $1.60 per pound, up 12 cents on the week and 29.5 cents above a year ago. The barrels finished at $1.45, up 3.25 cents on the week and 15 cents above a year ago. Four train carloads of block traded hands on the week and a whopping 54 cars of barrel. FC Stone’s May 4 Early
By Lee Mielke Editor, Mielke Market Weekly Morning Update stated, “It’s not shocking that heavier volume is being brought to the exchange as heavy milk flows and ramped-up cheese production are testing capacity levels and have pushed inventories into record territory.” Butter closed Friday at $2.1075 per pound, up a quarter-cent on the week and 5.75 cents above a year ago, with 43 train cars sold. Grade A nonfat dry milk closed at 84.5 cents per pound, down 2.25 cents but 7 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 April $15.22 $15.40 (current) May $15.35 $15.00 June $15.45 $15.20 July $16.00 $15.50 Aug. $16.40 $15.90 Sept. $16.70 $16.20 Oct. $16.70 $16.30 Nov. $16.65 $16.35 Lee Mielke, of Lynden, is editor of the Mielke Market Weekly. Whatcom County has about 100 dairy farms.
Wednesday, May 10, 2017 • lyndentribune.com • C5
Westergreen wins national tree farmer award He is the force behind annual ‘Woods Tour’ WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Tree Farm System in February recognized Tom Westergreen of Sumas as its 2017 National Outstanding Inspector of the Year. Westergreen was selected from among four regional winners for his exceptional on-theground work with family forest owners in Washington and commitment to the American Tree Farm System. The Outstanding Inspector of the Year award recognizes forest inspectors for exceptional sustainable forest management and exemplary work for ATFS. The award was presented Feb. 23 at the 2017 ATFS National Leadership Conference in Greenville, South Carolina. “Tom does what he loves most: talking to, sharing with and learning from his fellow tree farmers,” said Tom Martin, president and CEO of the American Forest Foundation, which manages ATFS. “He uses his personal story to help other landowners understand the importance of sustainable forest management and recognizes that his role as an inspector goes beyond assigned reviews.” Westergreen has a lifelong passion for tree farming and ATFS. He was raised on and cur-
rently manages his family tree farm, land on South Pass Road that has been sustainably managed by his family since 1888. It is one of the oldest tree farms in Washington, having been recognized by ATFS for decades. Tom became an ATFS inspector in the early 1980s and currently serves as a region inspection coordinator in Washington. Westergreen is an active member of the forestry community in Washington. For example, he has testified at state legislative committee hearings on topics and issues that are important to Washington’s landowners and forests. He is also responsible for developing and overseeing the Whatcom Women in Timber “Woods Tour,” a June event that for more than 30 years has taken the public out into Whatcom and Skagit county woods to see sustainable forestry management first-hand. Westergreen was nominated by the Washington Tree Farm Program. The other 2017 Regional Outstanding Inspectors of the Year, all with excellent accomplishments, were Derek Albers of Maryland, Michael Hughey of Mississippi and Christine Walroth of Wisconsin. The American Tree Farm System is a network of 82,000 family forest owners sustainable managing 24 million acres of forestland. ATFS is the largest and oldest sustainable woodland
Tom Westergreen, center, received his award at a conference in South Carolina in February. (Courtesy photo)
system in the United States, internationally recognized, meeting strict third-party certification standards. The American Tree Farm System is a program of the American Forest Foundation. About Inspectors Inspections are a great opportunity for you to reconnect with your forester, show off some of your recent activities on your land and ask any questions you might have. They are also an important part of maintaining the integrity of the American Tree Farm System. An inspecting forester has gone through specialized training on the ATFS standards of sustainability, in addition to his or her extensive experience and professional education. Volunteer inspecting foresters are dedicated to working with tree farmers and ensuring the sustainability of America’s forests.
Asphalt Paving RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL
Martin’s: No public comments so far Continued from C1 substantial development permit is sought from the city, since the proposed facility is close to Johnson Creek. The city expects to declare no significant environmental impacts, according to the legal notice. Plans call for construction of a 2,500-squarefoot loading dock, 12,000-square -foot storage building, 1,200-square-
Emergency FSA loans available for winter storm losses EVERSON — Farmers who suffered losses from winter storms, flooding or mudslides in Whatcom County may be eligible for low-interest emergency loans from the USDA Farm Service Agency. A Presidential Disaster Designation due to weather-related events between Jan. 30 and Feb. 22, 2017 triggers availability of the emergency loans in 13 primary counties and their adjacent counties in Wash-
foot truck scale and an access driveway. “As far as the impact in Sumas, I am hoping we get a solid, community-minded industrial operation, which should bring about 15 jobs to Sumas,” Hernandez said. Martin Ruiter started with one hay hauling truck in 1971, according to Martin’s website profile. In 1995, son Mark Ruiter took
over the operational management of the company. Incorporated in 1978, Martin’s Feed Inc. services over 100 clients nationally. The company operates 26 trucks in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and British Columbia, hauling and transloading bulk comodities of types including farm feed ingredients, silage, compost products, potatoes, fertilizer and pumice.
ington. Whatcom is one of the primary counties, and Skagit is eligible due to being contiguous, the Whatcom County Farm Service Agency announces. The contact is Josh Kosanke, USDA Loan Program technician, at 914 Citadel Drive, Suite C, off East Pole Road near Hinote’s Corner, phone number 318-8121. Emergency loans currently have a 3.75 percent percent rate. The maximum loan amount is $500,000. Loans may be used to restore or replace essential property, pay all or part of production costs associated with the disaster year, pay essential fam-
ily living expenses, reorganize a farming operation or refinance certain debts. Farmers have eight months from the date of the designation to apply for emergency loans. FSA will consider each loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability. The Farm Service Agency offers additional programs to help farmers recover from damages caused by natural disasters. More information is available at the Whatcom County FSA office 360-3188121 and online at: http:// www.fsa.usda.gov/wa.
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C6 • Wednesday, May 10, 2017 • lyndentribune.com
2017 Youth Fair winners listed   LYNDEN  — Manager Chris Paul reports these results from the 2017 Whatcom County Youth Fair that was held April 7-8 at the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds. The two days were filled with educational events for 650-plus youths ages 6-18 from 11 counties.
Rich Waldemar Sr. Inspirational Award — Rachel Redding of Blaine and Emily Kooiman of Bellingham. Bob Veenstra Inspirational Award — Emma Jardinski of Blaine and Justin Hutchings of Blaine. BF - (Special Division Awards) 4-H Livestock Judging winners — Senior, Ryder Bronkema of Everson, Cole Buys of Bellingham. Intermediate, Haley Biemold of Everson. Top Oral Reasons, Ryder Bronkema and Lindsay Eldred of Bellingham. Jay Paul Memorial Scholarships of $500 each — Riley Black of Ferndale, Ryder Bronkema of Everson, Travis Lenssen of Lynden and Catherine Karb of
Lynden for further education related to agriculture. Mark Stap Memorial Scholarships of $200 — Riley Lagerway of Ferndale, Riley Black of Ferndale, Ryder Bronkema of Everson, Catherine Karb of Lynden and Emily Kooiman of Bellingham. Mark Stap Project Animal Grants to help purchase animals — Morgan Lagerway of Ferndale and Alyssa Morrow of Bellingham. Non-animal grants — Amos Ramerman of Lynden, Rebekah McDonald and Leah McDonald of Bellingham. Trophies and Rosettes, by divisions: Beef — Champion and Reserve Advance, Samantha Ollis of Langley and Andrew Eldred of Bellingham. Champion and Reserve Intermediate, Maclay VanSoest of Everson and Wyatt Brink of Lynden. Champion and Reserve Novice, J.J. Kalsbeek of Maple Falls and Ava Strissel of Ferndale. Cats — Judging, Arienna Martin of Lynden and Lainie Spinelli of Lynden. Special, Hayle Howe of Lynden. Overall Fit/Show and Cage Decoration, Elizabeth Martin of Lynden. Novice Fit/ Show, Myca Andruscavage of
Custer. Intermediate Fit/Show, Elizabeth Johner of Blaine. Cavies — 1st place, Grace Jardinski of Lynden. 2nd place, Alyssa Boersma of Lynden. Chess — Sportsmanship, Asher Jakobitz of Lynden. Most Skilled, Christian Loen of Nooksack. Most Improved, Oliver Thames of Bellingham. Country Crafts & Horticulture — Top Teen Leader, Elizabeth Marten of Ferndale. Outstanding Participants, Josh Andres of Ferndale and Kyndell Jones of Ferndale. Dairy — Class 1, Renae Cox of Everson, Victoria Salagado of Lynden. Class 2, Rafael Yoc of Lynden, Alexis Neil of Bellingham. Class 3, Tyler Cuperus of Everson, Connor McKay of Monroe. Class 4, Megan Engelsma of Lynden, Tana Hoekema of Everson. Class 5, Colten Cuperus of Everson and Kai Wolfisberg of Lynden. Class 6, Rick Heslinga of Duvall and Rafe Wolfisberg of Lynden. Best of Show, Eaglemill Mogel 3084, shown by Addie DeJong of Lynden. Dogs — Brady Johnson of Lynden, Clark Johnson of Lynden, Gabe Jongema of Lynden, Rachel Gomez of Bellingham and Kensli Bruce of East Sound. Entrepreneurship — Overall
Business “Sweet Treats,� Kalie VanBeek of Custer, Emily Kuljis of Ferndale. Horses — Herdsmanship, Dausha Leghorn of Blaine, Jadya Leghorn of Blaine, Raina Foster of Blaine, 2nd place, Amelia Lustick of Bellingham, Makayla Seigman of Blaine, Mattie Postma of Blaine and Lucy Stewart of Belllingham. Horse Team “Ed� Elaina Showmanship, tie between Josiah Erickson of Lynden and Miette Woolworth of Eastsound. Kids Showmanship, tie between Olivia LaCount of Bow and Elaina LaCount of Bow. Knitting — Josie Hendricks of Lynden. Lawn Mower Pulling — Jay Paul Inspirational Trophy, Amos Ramerman of Lynden. Photography — Issac Gomes of Bellingham, Judah Berdan of Ferndale, Samuel Martens of Ferndale. Posters and Educational Displays — Heidi Greenwood of Blaine, Becky Thompson of Lynden, Abigail Thompson of Lynden. Poultry — Best in Show Bantam, Daisy Brand of Ferndale, Emily MacKay of Bellingham. Best in Show Standard, Soren Randall of Port Townsend, Cora Floyd of Ferndale. Fitting and
Showing Primary, Daisy Brand of Ferndale, Nathan Hurlburtt of Sedro-Woolley. Senior Fitting and Showing, Galia Roman of Port Townsend and Sidney Zanstra of Ferndale. Special Awards, Elijah Reed of Ferndale, Zeke Banks of Port Townsend, Ruby Pemberton of Ferndale, Phoebe Stokes of Bellingham, Joshua Baron of Lynden. Rabbits — Kalea Wilgress of Bellingham, Abigail Mangum of Bellingham, Dakota Lahr of Ferndale, Kimber Jones of Sedro-Woolley. Rodeo — Champion buckle winner, Dylan VanWeerdhuizen of Lynden. Round Robin — Overall Winner, Emily Wilbur of Battle
Ground. Sheep — Elizabeth and Isabella Placzek of Sunnyside, Joshua Kramer of Lopez Island, Ben Barrett of Everson. Swine — Class 1, Jacob Amundson of Ferndale, Class 2, Aiden Seigman of Blaine, Class 3, Gunner DeKoster of Lynden, Class 4, Emily Hurlbutt of Sedro-Woolley, Class 5, Abigail Thompson of Lynden, Class 6, Rylee Connors of Arlington. Overall Grand, Jacob Amundson. Reserve, Rylee Connors. Woolcrafts — Rosette winners, Reese Philips of Bellingham, Ester Bender of Ferndale, Rachelle Yates of Ferndale, Maria Cronk of Deming, Olivia Kramer of Lopez Island.
Whether it is healthy eating, sustainable businesses, or organic farming, there are so many ways to embrace the green lifestyle in north Whatcom County.
UT
IT O K C E H C
• Raised beds and plastic mulch can help increase the soil temperature faster for strong, early growth of heat-love plants like peppers, cucumbers, and melons. • Wait until the last frost-date this month to put out fuchsia baskets and plant frost-sensitive vegetables and flowers like tomatoes, basil, and impatiens. • Cut off the dead flowers on spring-blooming bulbs, but not the leaves, which feed the bulbs for blooms next year.
Cascade Blueberry Farm
Clean Green Solutions • Yard waste recycling by composting (grass clippings, brush & stumps)
Agritourism • Farmers Market • Farm Stand • Phone Orders • Wholesale
• Compost & soil material sales
774 Meadowlark Road, Lynden
Meadowlark Rd.
360-354-4936
Pole Rd.
Hannegan
Green Earth Technology
Farm stand open 10am to 6pm, seven days a week, - May 1st to October 1st Vegetable starts, hanging baskets, vegetables and blueberries available in season. (Blueberries avail. Aug. 1st) Kevin & Bianca Maddux - kamaddux@hotmail.com
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2667 Willeys Lake Rd., Custer • 360-366-5188
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