Local Action for a Sustainable Tomorrow

Tools and Equipment for Today’s Small Farm: a Practical Look at What WorksLearn about the implements, tools, and modes of horsepower successful small farms are using to save time and increase the bottom line.

From wheel hoes, seeders, and cultivators to binders, thrashers, walk-behinds, and spaders, the tools available to modern farmers can be overwhelming. What do you need? What size? Is that rusting cultivator behind the barn worth refurbishing? What about hay-fueled horsepower?

Focusing on smaller-scale farms, presentations will cover currently available hand-, tractor-, and horse-powered equipment, including how to determine the most appropriate match between farm, farming style, and implement. Hands-on practice provides attendees with the knowledge to make the most of future equipment purchases. Special focus centers on the use of horses as a power-source.

About the instructors:

Tristan Klesick and his family have been farming in Snohomish County for over ten years. A great believer in fitting the tool to the job, Tristan has been using draft horses as motive power for the last two years in addition to a variety of two- and four-wheeled tractors, as well as a broad variety of hand tools.

Ray De Vries, aka the Leek King, organically farms over 100 acres in the Skagit Valley, selling into wholesale markets across the U.S. Primarily focusing on crops such as leeks, carrots, potatoes, beets, and kale, Ray uses a number of tools and techniques, including flame-weeders, to help his crops thrive.

Andy Bary, soil scientist with the WSU Puyallup Research Center helps farmers develop fertility management systems and techniques to improve crop production. Co-inventor of the research-based Supercow Liquid Manure Applicator, Andy has a special passion for the tools and equipment farmers need to work more efficiently and profitably. His presentation focuses on the specialized equipment and tools used by small market gardeners across Europe and other parts of the U.S., many of which are now becoming available here on the West Coast.

When: Saturday, April 26, 9:00a.m.-3:30p.m.

Where: Klesick Family Farm, 24101 Miller Rd., Stanwood, WA

Cost: $55, includes lunch

Register: Pre-registration required by 4/22. No registrations taken at the farm. Space is limited. Download the form at http://snohomish.wsu.edu/ag workshops/winterworkshops07.htm and mail with your check, or call Karie Christensen at (425) 338-2400, email klchristen@cahnrs.wsu.edu.

For more information, contact Kate Halstead, khalstead@wsu.edu, (425) 357-6024.

Extension programs and policies are consistent with federal and state laws and regulations on nondiscrimination regarding race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, and sexual orientation. Evidence of non-compliance may be reported though your local Extension Office. Persons with a disability requiring special accommodation can request accommodation 21 days before training at (425) 338.2400. If accommodation is not requested in advance, we cannot guarantee availability on-site.
Kate Halstead
Workshop Coordinator
WSU Snohomish County Extension
600 128th St SE
Everett, WA 98208-6353
425.357.6024
khalstead@wsu.edu
http://snohomish.wsu.edu/