by René Skaggs
Funding provided by the WA State Conservation Commission’s Sustainable Farms and Fields (SFF) Program to directly purchase and distribute seed and $20,000 in cost-share assistance provided by Pierce Conservation District led to almost 224 acres of planted crop ground, hay fields, and pastures this fall on 24 farms in Pierce County.
A field of rye vetch makes all the difference for Mark Green at Wild Hair Organic Farm.
What is Sustainable Farms and Fields?
The SFF program was launched in 2023 to assist producers in implementing climate-smart practices and projects that increase carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Along with free pasture and cover crop seed, the program can provide funding for free native plants to implement hedgerows, silvopasture, and riparian or upland plantings, free compost or manure for land application, and cost-share funding for such things as temporary or permanent cross fencing to implement rotational grazing, biochar kilns, manure spreaders, no-till seed drills, and tractor GPS precision guidance systems. The next time the Pierce Conservation District Farm Team can apply for this funding is March of 2025. If you think this program may be something you are interested in learning more about, please contact us!
Learn more about SFF and other assistance we provide farmers on our Farm and Landowner Assistance page.