With the help of NW SEED, Rawyley Johnson, owner/operator of Early Bird Farm, was recently awarded a Renewable Energy for America grant to install a large solar power system on his farm. Learn more about our Renewable Energy program here.

Cost Share Available to Implement Resource Improvement Projects
If you have been wanting to make improvements on your farm such as installing gutters on your barn and footing material in your livestock paddocks to eliminate mud in the winter, or constructing a manure storage structure in which to compost your livestock’s waste, or building cross fencing to facilitate a rotational grazing system, but need a little financial assistance in order to make those projects happen, the district can provide financial assistance in the form of cost share. Summer is a great time for construction projects, and we have money available to help, so give René or Sofia a call for more information on eligible practices so you can start improving your farm’s production while protecting natural resources.

Renewable Energy on Farms 
Wednesday, JULY 20, 6-8 p.m. Register Here. 
Northwest SEED and the Pierce Conservation District are working together to assist rural communities in Washington with renewable energy development and energy conservation. This workshop will go over current opportunities such as how to get assistance with grants, utility incentives, tax subsidies and financing support available to help farmers and rural small businesses purchase new energy-efficient equipment or install small-scale renewable energy systems.

Barnyard Drainage Workshop
Saturday, JULY 23, 3:30–5:00 p.m. Register for Exact Location
With farms in Pierce County reporting 54 inches of rain in a year there is no wonder why many farmers and landowners worry about drainage. Get ready for the next wet season by visiting a farm where drainage solutions were installed after the barn flooded in 2015. Hear from the landowners what they did and how it helped keep their barn dry. You are responsible to care for all the waterthat comes onto your land…but how? For more information, contact sofiag@piercecountycd.org.

Save the Date: Ag Plastics Recycling Day
Friday, NOVEMBER 4, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.Saturday, NOVEMBER 5, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Farmers, don’t throw away your leaky drip tape, nursery pots and trays, pesticide and herbicide containers (including drums), plastic buckets and lids, woven feed sacks, tarps, hay twine, plastic wrap (row covers, greenhouse film, haylage wrappers) this summer! Instead, recycle them at the district’s farm and garden plastic recycling event taking place Friday, November 4 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday, November 5 from 10 a.m-4 p.m at the district office. Materials must be dry and relatively clean, and pesticide and herbicide containers must be triple rinsed. Recycling will be provided by DM Disposal Inc. For more information, contact christinec@piercecountycd.org.