ff-n-tb.jpg

ff-n-tb.jpg

Farm Friends Logo
Farm Flash E-News  April 2011 
Agricultural Advocacy, Education & Awareness

In This Issue
WSU Dairy Listening Session
Downloadable WFF Presentation
Upcoming Events
WFF 2010 Accomplishments
Henry's Message - WSU
Farm Friends Hires New Administrator
Bio-Gas Digester Study
Lower Fishtrap Open House Review
Immigration Forum Report
Meet our Members
 

Did you get this newsletter from a friend?

Join Our Mailing List!
 

DairyListeningSessionNW Washington Dairy and Livestock Industry Listening Session, April 21 

 

Washington State University is considering a plan to hire a new Dairy and Livestock Extension Specialist for Northwest Washington, and seeks input from producers and interested stakeholders to identify major issues and concerns that should guide the decision to invest in this proposed position.

Dairy and Livestock Producers as well as all interested stakeholders are invited to attend either of two Washington State University listening sessions April 20th and 21st in Mount Vernon and Lynden respectively, focusing on issues and needs of the dairy and livestock industries in Northwest Washington. The goal of these sessions is to collect information on major concerns and issues impacting dairy and livestock production across the region, and to frame how the proposed position could be relevant to those issues.

 

Input received will be comprehensively documented and used to inform and guide decisions on this potential WSU Extension Specialist position for the region.  

 

April 21, 2011 10:00 AM to Noon

Location: Whatcom Farm Friends Office

1796 Front Street



WFF Provides Quality Information about Local Farming  
 


One of Farm Friends services is to be a reservoir of information concerning the local farm community.  We provide support for farmers who are speaking to audiences about farming in general as well as make presentations to various groups by our board and staff. 

View one of our recent presentations of general information about local farming

If you would like to use the information in our presentation, or would like more background on it, we can help.

Spring Rasperry Canes

Spring Raspberry Canes

Upcoming Events

WFF 2010 Accomplishments  
 


Farm Friends has identified our key goals and objectives for our work.

Read our accomplishments in 2010 in relation to
these goals.
 
   

Farm Friends Logo

Whatcom County's rich farmland has sustained families and communities for thousands of years. Today it is more productive than ever, providing thousands of people around the world with valuable food products.

But farming in Whatcom County provides more than just healthy food. Well managed farms and farmlands means preservation of our rural vistas, our natural resources, and the sense of place we call Whatcom County. As such, all citizens of Whatcom have a stake in leaving a healthy legacy for our children and grandchildren.
 

Our Friends and Partners


Farm Friends Homepage
Bertrand WID
North Lynden WID
WA Red Raspberry Commission
WA Seed Potato Comission
Dairy Farmers of WA
Whatcom County Government
Whatcom Conservation District
Department of Ecology
WSU Cooperative Extension

Henry Bierlink, WFF Executive Director
Henry Bierlink, WFF Executive Director
Opportunity For WSU/Dairy Farmers 

In light of the upcoming meeting with WSU several dairy farmers have questioned if the model of an Extension Agent who delivers relevant information to farmers is a relic of the past.  There are so many resources where farmers can access information today.  Do we need to apply dwindling public funds to this position?  Wouldn't more funds in research be more welcomed?

 

Two points cause me to believe that dairy farmers should not just accept the current state of affairs and give up on WSU.  First is my experience with the berry industry and WSU.  It is less than a perfect relationship but it is very strong.  We receive substantial support in plant breeding, entomology, weed science, pathology, and more.  The berry commissions pony up some funds (over $200,000 annually) to support the programs but the vast bulk of the support flows from WSU (a mixture of state and federal funds).  The pesticides we use, the varieties developed, and the improved practices we adopt can all be traced to WSU research or one of the other research institutions.  

 

WSU, as a land grant institution, has a responsibility to use the funds provided to them to address community (farm) priorities.  Does dairy really want to give up on a relationship with an institution with this charge?  There are already numerous ways that dairy farmers benefit from objective university research, most notably in veterinary science and animal nutrition.  The service providers that serve the industry so well usually are selling products and services that have their fundamental roots in a university project. 

 

I hope dairy thinks about what would really help fill some holes rather than seeing this position through the lenses of the past.  I see some possibilities in addressing how we can maximize local forage production, explore energy production and conservation on farms, provide solid science to inform the drainage and flood debates, etc. 

 

Farm Friends believes this opportunity should be honestly explored.  The opportunity to build a new and productive relationship is in front of you.  These opportunities come around every 20-30 years.  Do you want to pass on it without some thought and effort?  

 

Henry Bierlink


 

Rachel Soto fills Office Administrator Position

Rachel Soto
Rachel Soto, Office Administrator

 

Rachel Soto joined the Farm Friends staff as Office Administrator on March 23rd. She and her family moved to Lynden last summer from Montana where she worked with the Montana State University Extension service. She was raised on a dryland wheat farm in Eastern Washington and studied agriculture both at Cal Poly and UC Davis. Rachel is glad to be continuing a career working with farmers and learning about agriculture in Whatcom County through her job with Farm Friends.


North County Bio-gas Team Prepares to Commission Digester Study


The Port of Bellingham, City of Lynden and Public Utility District No. 1 of Whatcom County, along with other stakeholders and parties of interest working collectively as the North County Bio Gas Team, are prepared to commission a feasibility study to determine:

 

  1. The benefits of constructing a "community" digester system that will utilize different organic wastes to feed an anaerobic digester to generate methane gas.
  2. The best and highest use of the methane produced in the digestion process. Some alternative uses could be to burn and generate electricity, refine and use as a vehicle fuel or replacement for natural gas and sold as such or used as a heat source for central heating systems or all the above.
  3. The best mix of organic wastes to utilize in the digestion process.  Some of the wastes to consider are: animal waste, solid waste from residential, institutional and commercial collection, solid waste from municipal wastewater treatment plants, waste from milk drying process, and crop residue.
  4. The benefits of constructing a larger, centralized digester and delivery of waste to that central location or the construction of several smaller, on the farm digesters with the delivery of waste to those farms and the delivery of gas to a central processing and refining location.
  5. What biogas conversion technologies are available, proven and or in design/testing stage that should be considered for this project/location/waste supply and matched to the chosen use for the methane.
  6. The economic value of the chosen technology, waste stream(s) utilized, use of methane and the use of other by products produced in the digestion process.
  7. The environmental attributes of the project considering at a minimum GHG reduction, water quality improvements and other air quality and soil quality improvements.

 

Farm Friends hosts the meetings of the Team and will ensure that the project accurately weighs the potential contributions and benefits that farms can make to the project.  We are hoping the feasibility study will be completed by the end of the year. 

 


LowerFishtrapOpenHouseLower Fishtrap Open House Gathers Farmers' Opinions 

 

Farm Friends is hosting an Open House Review and Discussion for property owners in the lower Fishtrap Creek area. The Open House is on Monday, April 25th , from 2-5:00pm at the Farm Friends office. 

The Open House is designed to allow property owners to review, comment and help determine the wisdom of redesigning the levee system on Fishtrap Creek with three purposes in mind:

1.    Alleviate the impact on property during flood events
2.    Enhance fish habitat
3.    Facilitate ag drainage during the growing season 

James Lee of Whatcom County's River and Flood Division and Steve Seymour of the Dept. of Fish and Wildlife will be at our office with maps and tentative ideas for review.  They welcome and need producer input and cooperation for any plans to move forward.  We believe there is the potential for a net gain for both farmers, fish, and flood management if this plan is constructed with farmer input.  


Immigration Forum Report

 

A March 19th Forum on Immigration and Border Policy sponsored by the Bellingham chapter of the League of Women Voters provided Farm Friends an opportunity to make a clear and impassioned argument for addressing our current labor concerns in a much more humane and respectful manner.   Marty Maberry and Henry Bierlink participated on the panel along with Rosalinda Guillen, representing Community to Community, Ken Oplinger of the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce, and Tim Yeomans, Meridian School District Superintendent. 

 

Henry reflected on a few pertinent facts about ag, labor and immigration in Whatcom County:

 

  • Farms produce $350 million of raw products each year in Whatcom County
  • Processing and support services magnify this number leading local economists to estimate 15-20% of Whatcom's economy is ag based
  • Like all businesses there are areas of vulnerability where farmers have critical concerns about their future
  • Labor is one of these top concerns
  • NW berry industry needs 4,000+ seasonal workers
  • Dairy needs an additional 700 year round
  • The nature of farm work is immediate. When the berries are ready to harvest or the cows ready to be milked you can't put it off until workers are ready. 

 

Marty followed by citing his personal experiences with seasonal labor.  He grew up with migrant workers, worked along with them for many years, and now has a business that depends on them.  Most understand that a new system of Electronic Verification (E-Verify) of documents presented by worker applicants will be in place in the next two years.  This will change the decades old practice of hiring workers with questionable documentation because there are no grounds to question their papers.  It will also create a need for a workable and fair (to both workers and employers) system to legally contract with foreign workers to provide a significant part of our seasonal farmworker needs.

 

Farm Friends advocates for a reasoned and law-respecting set of policies regarding labor and immigration.    

 

See more on Farm Friends Water, Land & Labor Policies 

 


Memberships March 2010-March 2011  
 Many thanks you to all of our supporters! By becoming a member of Farm Friends, you can support a healthy agriculture base in our county.
Become a Member Now.


PRODUCERS
Farmers actively involved in agriculture

BERRY PRODUCERS
Allison, Carol  Cleaarian Berry Farm
Bathe, Raj  Bathe Farms, Inc.
Bjornstad, Jim  Bjornstad Farms
Boxx, Roger & Vonda  Boxx Fruit & Vegetable
Cieslar, Brian
Dickinson, John  Riverland Farms, Inc.
Ehlers, Darryl  Ehlers Farm, LLC
Enfield, Marv  Enfield Farms
Honcoop, Randy
Hoyt, Gretchen  Alm Hill Gardens
Jackson, B.C. & Cheryl  Jackson's BlueBerry Farm
Kraght, Barb & Randy  Barbie's Berries
Korthuis, Ken
Koskela, Carl & Peggy  Koskela Blueberry Farm
Maberry, Matt  Curt Maberry Farm, Inc.
Maberry, Marty  Maberry Packing, LLC
Neulicht, Lisa
Rader, Brad  Rader Farms
Samson Farms, Inc
Sterk Berries, LLC
Shumway, Ladd & Paige  Shumway Berries
Vander Veen, John  T.J. Veen Acre Farms, Inc.
Van Diest, Stan & Kay  Van Diest Farm
Van Dyken, Bob  Pangborn Farms
Williams, Harry   Williams Farms

DAIRY PRODUCERS
Appel Bros. Dairy, LLC
Blankers, Lance  Lazy Daisy Dairy
Bouma, Patrick  Bouma Farm
De Boer, Albert
De Hoog, Jake
De Jager, Pete  Doubly Good Dairy
De Jong, Rod, Jon, Jeff & Mark  Eagelmill Farms
Feddema, Ted & Arnie  Feddema Dairy, LLC
Kalsbeek, Elvin & Sandra  Kalsbeek Farms
Langley, Shawn & Clarissa  Fresh Breeze Organic Dairy, Inc.
Larsen, Jim & Chris  Aldergrove Farms
Noteboom, Dan
Paul, C L  The Paul Dairy, Inc.
Polinder, Sherm & Phyllis  Ronelee Farm
Tjoelker, Rod & Sharon  RTJ Farm
Smit, Greg and Jan 
Smit, Robert & Debbie  Smit Dairy
Stap, Larry & Debbie  Twin Brook Creamery
Steensma, John & Karen  Steensma Dairy
Sterk, John, Alice, Kevin & Debbie  Sterk Dairy of Whatcom County, Inc.
Van Berkum, Harold  Van Berkum & Sons, LLC
Van Dellen, Jerry  Van Dellen Farm
Van Ingen, Ben  Van Ingen Dairy, LLC 
Van Mersbergen, Mark  Markwell Holsteiins
Van Middendorp, John  OK Dairy, LLC
Vande Hoef, Rod & Joan  Vande Hoef Dairy, LLC
Vander Veen, Jason & Debbie  Veen Huizen Farms

VanderVeen, Tim & Mindy  VanderVeen Dairy, LLC

Vlas, Pete & Kim
Vreugdenhil, Marv  Hillview Dairy, LLC
Wolfisberg, Hans & Colleen  Edelweiss Dairy
Zylstra, Kenneth

CATTLE PRODUCERS
Beyer,Robert & Beth
Chudek, Paul  Second Wind Farms
Deming, Walter
Holden, Dick & Berdell  Har-Hethlon Farms
Kirkman, Joe
Quanz, John
Whatcom Co. Cattlemen's Association

NURSERY / GREENHOUSE
DeWilde's Whole Sale Nursery
Fast, Marvin & Lynn  Red Barn Lavender
Harrison, Brent  The Growing Garden
Jones, Todd  Fourth Corner Nursery
Pike, Gary & Christina  Tuxedo Garden
Van Wingerden, Mike; Van Wingerden Garden Center
Troutman, Paul Cascade Cuts

SEED POTATO
Ebe, Greg & Mary

TREE FRUIT
Belisle, Dorie & John; BelleWood Acres
Gavette, Derek & Debi;  Stoney Ridge Farm
Gmeiner, Lawrence  Flying B Ranch
Holmquist, Richard Holmquist Hazelnut Orchards, LLC

ORGANICS
Antholt, Chuck & Sharron  Three Pheasants Farm
Dykstra, Pete & Dorene  Hopewell Farm
Finger, Mike & Kimberly  Cedarville Farm
Harrison, Brent  The Growing Garden
Wagner, Les & Ginny  Third Thyme Farm

HEIFER 
Derr, Vernon & Elaine  Fern View Farm
VanDe Garde, Vern

OTHER PRODUCERS
Barron, Leonard & Gwen (Poultry)
Johnson, Keith  Keith Johnson Fish
WC Farm Forestry Association   Mel Reasoner
Stremler, Ken  Alpine Meadows Tree Farm
Boon, Keith  Professional Turf Growers, LLC
Starr, Don and Donna
 
AG BUSINESS
Agriculture related businesses who support Producers

PLATINUM ($1,000 TO $5,000)
Peoples Bank - Lynden
Larson Gross, PLLC - Bellingham
Whatcom Farmers Coop
Versacold Cascade, Inc.

GOLD ($500 TO $999)
Daritech
Farmers Equipment Company
Northwest Dairy Association
Northwest Liquid Transport
Northwest Plant Co.
Washington Tractor

SILVER ($250 TO $499)
Delaval Direct
Kulshan Veterinary Hospital PLLC
N3 Consulting
Northwest Farm Credit Services
Northwest Propane LLC
Pacific Pumping
Pea Pod Industries
Reisner Distributor, Inc.
Skagit State Bank
Whatcom Refrigeration Inc

BRONZE ($100 TO $249)
Andgar Corporation
Bogaard Hay Company
Littau Harvester
Lynden Sheet Metal
Northwest Farms & Food
Oxbo International Corp.
Bank of the Pacific, Lynden
Watertec, Inc.
Whatcom Manufacturing, Inc.
Zylstra Tire

OTHER AG BUSINESS
Dairyline Communications
Professional Turfgrowers, LLC

COMMUNITY EDUCATION
All who support Ag Education, Awareness & Promotion

BARN RAISER ($5,000+)
L.T.I. Inc.

RANCHER ($1,000 TO $4,999)
ConocoPhillips Company  Ferndale Refinery
Land O' Lakes Foundation
Peoples Bank, Lynden

HARVESTER ($250 TO $999)
DeYoung & Roosma Construction
Port Of Bellingham
Reisner Distributor, Inc.
Vlas, Peter & Kim

CULTIVATOR ($100 TO $249)
Antholt, Chuck & Sharron  Three Pheasants Farm
Bellingham Cold Storage
Bellingham Farmers Market Association
De Waard, Dave;  DariTech
Debruin, Pete & Terry; Everson Auction Market
Fairway Drug
John Gillies
Goodman, Merideth
Grey, Paul
Hinman, Holly & Patrick Baker
Hinton Chevrolet-Buick, Inc.
Hertz, Kenneth & Kathryn
Jennings, William
Joe's Garden
Jones, Todd & Allison Fourth Corner Nurseries
Ormiston, Jim  Ag Appraisal Services
Peterson, David & Susan
Settlemeyer, Earl H.
Shumway, Ladd & Paige Shumway's Berries
Smit, Nathan Smit Dairy Compost
Timblin, Chuck


GARDENER ($25 TO $99)
Betz, Drew
Bierlink, Aaron
Bierlink, Henry & Evonne
Brandt, Kim
Bratt, Cal & Melinda
Burdge, Rabel & Joyce
Daniels-Zeller, Debra & Tom
Finger, Mike & Kimberly Cedarville Farm
Grover, Patrick
Heinrick, Elsie
Hogan, Bill
Hostetler, Tim
Howard, Immy 
Hubbard, Bill 
Jordan, Nancy & Travis 
Kraght, Randy & Barb  Barbie's Berries
Kuelz, Russell & Nancy
Laidlaw. Marge
Long, Michelle & Derek
Marshall, Elizabeth & Mark Full Bloom Farm
Miller-Davis, Charm
Monjure, Joy
Neulicht, Lisa
Otto, Patricia
Polinder, Ronald & Colleen
Raas, Daniel & Deborah
Telgenhoff & Oetgen P.S. 
VanDalen, Barbara
Voltz, Jeff & Nita
Warner, Daniel 
Whitney, Glenn & Holly 
Zylstra, Jerry; Zylstra Tire Center

IN-KIND MEMBERSHIP TRADES
Bellingham Chamber of Commerce
Lynden Pioneer Museum
Lynden Chamber of Commerce
Sustainable Connections   

FARMING FOR LIFE 2010 SPONSORS

FOUNDATIONAL SPONSORS $5,000
Eleanor and Henry Jansen Foundation
Whatcom Community Foundation
    
SILVER $1000
Darigold Inc., Seattle
Washington Red Raspberry Commission
Washington State Dairy Products Commission
Whatcom County Dairywomen
    
BRONZE $500
Bogaard Hay Company
Community Food Co-Op
Northwest Farm Credit Services
Daritech, Inc.
Whatcom County Farm Bureau
Flora, Inc.
    
OTHER SPONSORS
Elanco Animal Health
Mt Baker Vet & Embryo Trans Service, Inc.
Pfizer Animal Health, Michael Ferrerira
Whatcom Manufacturing
Holmquist Hazelnut Orchards
WA State Seed Potato Comission 
  

Whatcom Farm Friends Board  

  
Nathan Smit, President -
Dairy
  
Marty Maberry, Vice President - Berry   Dorie Belisle, Secretary -
Tree Fruit
  
Todd Burgers, Treasurer - Larson Gross CPA   Debi Gavette - Agritourism   Mark DeJong - Dairy  
Sherm Polinder - Dairy   Brad Smith - WWU   Paul Grey - Technology  
Chuck Antholt - Produce / WWU  


Aaron Bagwell - Farmers Co-op   

Landon Van Dyk - Dairy / Berries  
   Whatcom Farm Friends Staff      
  

Henry Bierlink, Executive Director                                                   Rachel Soto, Office Administrator 

  
   Whatcom Farm Friends Contractors   
John Gillies,
North Lynden WID
Heather MacKay,
Natural Resources Marketplace
Marv Streubel,
Wildlife Control
        

Thank you for supporting Farm Friends!
The future of Agriculture in Whatcom County depends on many partners. You are one of them! Become a member.
 
voice: (360) 354-1337
fax: (360) 354-0948
1796 Front Street
Lynden, WA
farmfriends@wcfarmfriends.com

Printer Friendly Versionprinter friendly

Powered by the PIER System