GROWING AND FEEDING ALTERNATIVE FODDERS
March 10, 2020 6:00 - 8:00pm
Pierce Conservation District office, Puyallup
RSVP HERE

Have you considered growing and feeding alternative forage and fodder, such as beets, rutabagas, turnips, carrots, and brassicas, but didn’t know where to start? Then this is the class for you! There is a growing interest among farmers in western Washington and elsewhere to raise forage and fodder crops for local small-scale livestock production. Increased costs of feed and the desire to enhance on-farm livestock feed production have created a need for alternative fodder and forage crops. Newly developed vegetable forage varieties with improved productivity and livestock nutritional factors have the potential to fit into such a system. Joe Harrison and Chris Benedict, WSU Extension, did research trials on the subject in 2011 and 2012 to evaluate the production potential, nutritional value, and agro-economic potential for producing these crops as feedstock. We will also hear from Cody Wood, a sheep producer in Oregon who is growing fodder beets and kale for his sheep. Come hear what they all have learned to help you decide whether growing and feeding alternative fodder is for you.

COMMERCIAL KITCHEN OPEN HOUSE
March 21, 2020 10:00am - 12:00pm
Buckley Xpress Kitchen Rentals 28120 State Route 410 E, Suite A4 in Buckley
RSVP HERE

Tour a newly opened licensed commercial kitchen built to service farmers and farmers market vendors looking for a place to produce their value added products. The facility is fully equipped for food preparation, cooking and storage and is available for rent from 4 hours up to six months. On-hand at the open house will be representatives from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and the WA State Department of Agriculture to answer any licensing questions you may have.

2nd ANNUAL COVER CROP ROUNDTABLE
March 26, 2020 9am - 2:30pm
WSU Puyallup Research and Extension Center 2606 West Pioneer in Puyallup
RSVP HERE

Please join us for this annual gathering to network regional growers and researchers, share information on local cover crop successes and coordinate research interests and needs. We will hear from WSU and OSU researchers and one regional farmer on the cover crop work each are doing, and feature a roundtable format discussion to receive farmer input for upcoming on farm trials. Join us to share, learn, and find inspiration for using cover crops for the 2020 season!

WSDA SPANISH LANGUAGE PRIVATE PESTICIDE APPLICATOR COURSE
April 14, 15, 16, 2020 8:00am - 5:00pm 
Pierce Conservation District Office 
RSVP HERE

This course offers assistance to those applying for a Private Applicator Pesticide license. This pre-license course includes several hours (up to 20 hours). Classes are only offered in Spanish. The Private Applicator exam is offered at the end of the training. Please note that this class does not issue pesticide credits or WPS Handler Cards. WSU Private Applicator Study manual is required. For more information, visit the Washington Department of Agriculture’s website at: https://agr.wa.gov/services/education-andtraining/pesticide-technical-assistance-and-education/spanish-privateapplicator.

CLASE PARA LA LICENCIA DE APLICADOR PRIVADO 
Abril 14, 15, 16 del 2020 8:00am – 5:00pm 
Donde: Pierce Conservation District Office Estas clases son gratis, ofrecidas solo en español. 
RSVP HERE

Todos son bienvenidos. El examen de aplicador privado se administra la signuiente semana después de la clase. No se ofrecen créditos de recertificiacion o tarjetas WPS. Se require: traer el manual de WSU para aplicador privado, inscription previa, y puntualidada, la clases comienza a las 8:00am. 

Para inscribirse, favor de llamar a Robin Buckingham, (253) 845-9770, o rbuckingham@piercecd.org.

Interpretación en español en los talleres disponibles bajo petición.

HAY FIELD REJUVENATION TOUR & NO-TILL DRILL TRAINING 
April 20, 2020 3:00pm - 6:00pm 
With optional drill training from 6:00pm - 7:00pm 
3 farms in Spanaway and Roy 
RSVP HERE

This tour will provide useful information and tools to the hay grower looking to improve their fields. Walk fields on three farms with Marty Chaney, Agronomist with the USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service, Gudrun Mahrt, a sales representative from Columbia River Carbonates, and Warwick Bryant, a custom farmer and hay grower from the Key Peninsula to review the importance of soil analysis, addressing drainage or irrigation considerations, and to discuss the connection between healthy forage growth and weed competition. Learn how to correctly assess existing production levels, identify common weed species and control methods, accurately determine nutrient application rates, and maximize forage outputs. At the last farm, a demonstration of and training on using PCD’s no-till drill will be available after the tour. Carpooling will be available.Register for exact location and for carpooling options. Prior training is a pre-requisite for renting the drill. 

ONE DAY IRRIGATION INTENSIVE
April 23, 2020 9:00am - 4:00pm
WSU Puyallup Research and Extension Center, 2606 West Pioneer in Puyallup, Allmendinger Hall
RSVP HERE

Looking to upgrade your irrigation system? Interested in making better use your water rights or reducing the time, energy, and money you spend on irrigation? Join Pierce CD, WSU and several west side farmers for an afternoon of looking at your options. Irrigation water management principles will be explored with a spotlight on “new” technologies. Information about ways to fund your irrigation upgrade will also be on hand.