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Farm Flash E-News February 2010
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Agricultural Advocacy, Education & Awareness
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Local Dairy Farmer Appointed to Federal Committee
Larry DeHaan joins USDA's Farm Service Agency for WA State
In mid December the USDA announced the individuals who will serve on the Washington Farm Service Agency State Committee. Among them are Larry DeHaan, a Whatcom County dairy farmer with over 30 years experience. From 1989 to 1994, DeHaan served in his home town's FSA County Committee. DeHaan has also won numerous awards, including the Whatcom Conservation Farmer of the Year in 1999.
The State Committee members will oversee the activities of the agency to include carrying out the state agricultural conservation programs, resolving appeals from the agriculture community and helping to keep producers informed about FSA programs.
"These individuals will work with USDA to help farmers and ranchers build and maintain successful operations that produce the safe, nutritious food supply that America needs while spurring economic development in our nation's rural communities," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "They bring the experience and passion necessary to help continue the Obama Administration's efforts to rebuild and revitalize rural America."
Read the full USDA Public Service Announcement
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| Current Crop Report
Dairy- The fourth quarter of 2009 saw improvement in milk prices per cwt (hundred weight). Relative to other dairy products, total cheese production and butter production nationally was down and so was production of nonfat dry milk powder, due primarily to the significant reduction of U.S. exports. Farmers' input costs have shown a significant drop from 2008. That's good news! The average price for hay and alfalfa in the fourth quarter of 2009 was $136 and $120 per ton respectively. (2008 was $231 and $233 per ton correspondingly.) The reduced cost of feed and supplies, including fuel and oil, translates to improved margins and, inevitably, profitability for the dairy farmers.
Darrell Visser, The Bank of the Pacific
Raspberries - Pruning and tying was mostly completed late last fall. So far there doesn't appear to be any winter damage of note. "But there is concern about damage to come because of the high January temperatures. Since plants have been dormant since early this fall, leaves are already out on some plants. That's not good, as we are not through winter yet and we could still get hit by some freezing temperatures. Red Raspberry Commission
Blueberries - Pruning is well underway. Fields that didn't get copper applications are starting to show signs of disease with the warm (55+) weather we've been having. The Mice have been actively chewing on roots. Starlings are nesting with their first clutch (usually doesn't happen until May!) and flowers are coming on. Overall, we are about three weeks ahead of last year right now. As with Raspberries, the last thing we need is a cold snap after all this mild weather.
Brian Cieslar
Seed Potatoes - Farmers will begin shipping seed potatoes locally within Washington by the end of February. The weather is warmer than what the farmers would like for cold storage but because potatoes went in at a good quality, they are holding up well. Planting will begin the end of April. Melissa Bedlington-Kleindel
Apples - It's a quiet time of year for apples and the trees are still dormant despite the warm weather. Pruning and winter maintenance are underway.
Cheryl Thornton
Greenhouse/Nursery -
Primroses are ready, full of color and the promise of spring. Pansies, cyclamen, carnations and English daisies are also blooming and color bowls are ready for decks and patios. Van Wingerden Garden Center
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 Participate in the 2010 Food & Farm Finder
The deadline for participating in Food & Farm Finder listings and advertisements is coming soon: February 12th.
Farm Friends & Sustainable Connections members receive a special $65 rate for listings.
Sponsorships are available at the $1000 level. Sponsor's logos are displayed on the back cover in full color and remember, 30,000 copies of this publication are distributed throughout Whatcom County and beyond.
Read more details and apply to participate with a listing, ad, or sponsorship.
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WFF Producers and WFF
Community Education
Did you know that Farm Friends is actually 2 separate non-profit organizations that operate under one board of directors?
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Upcoming Events
Follow the links to learn more. . .
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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.
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Thanks are Due!
Whatcom Farm Friends would like warmly thank the Rotary Club of Bellingham Foundation for awarding $500 to our Community Education fund. This money allowed us to put 20 copies of Food for the Body, Mind and Soul: Whatcom County Agriculture into public school libraries across the county.
Many thanks also to Whatcom Educational Credit Union for purchasing 100 books at holiday time to use as gifts!
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Bits & Bytes
Soil, like faith, is the substance of things hoped for,
the evidence of things not seen.
It is the starting point for
all living things
that inhabit the earth.
Firman E. Bear
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Farm Friends Annual Member Meeting,
Friday February 26th
You are invited to join us for our annual member meeting: Friday 2/26, 1pm-4pm
EXPO Building, Northwest WA Fairgrounds
1775 Front St, Lynden, WA Our theme is Information Technology Tools for Farmers. Join us to hear presentations about banking & accounting, mobile communications, and IT infrastructure for farmers. Presenters from People's Bank, Larson Gross, Communication 2000, and Lynden IT. We will also have a presentation from Brad Smith, WFF Board member, and a panel of current and former board members who will discuss Farm Friends' goals and objectives for 2010. Read more about the Annual MeetingRead our 2010 Goals and Objectives
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 My View
By Henry Bierlink
Farm Friends Goals & Objectives for 2010
Every few years Farm Friends engages in an important discussion with local farmers about what our organization should stand for and how we should convey this message. This is an important discussion that our board and staff take very seriously. All vibrant organizations go through this and, if done productively, they come out stronger and more connected to the people they serve.
It should be no surprise that in an environment where critical area protections are being increasingly enforced, septic tank inspections required, down zoning of isolated pockets of rural lands are being considered, accessability to sufficient and reliable water remains a worry, and urban growth boundaries are being debated that some rural landowners are wondering how Farm Friends is helping them with their concerns.
Farm Friends welcomes the opportunity to hear feedback from our members, and to restate our positions and the strategies we are taking to accomplish them. We also welcome challenges to these positions and strategies and we promise to carefully reexamine our assumptions and adjust our positions if merited.
To this end, the board met in January to review our mission statement, goals, and objectives in light of member feedback we have received recently. Below you can read the 2010 goals and objectives, and we encourage you to attend our
Annual Member Meeting on 2/26 to hear more about our plans for the year.
Farm Friends Mission
To preserve and enhance agriculture as an important industry and to be a good steward of our natural environment through policy management, advocacy, business improvement, education and outreach.
Goal 1 Foster fair and fact based public policies for the ag industry with respect to land, water, and labor.
Objectives
- Ensure that all farmland has adequate access to legal water.
- Ensure that all farmland has proper drainage, erosion control, and flood protection.
- Educate policymakers to ensure well reasoned agricultural policies that minimize the negative impact of regulations on farmers.
- Preserve the necessary land base (100K acres) of productive farmland, while protecting the economic value to the farmer and ensuring a sustainable agriculture industry in Whatcom County.
Goal 2 Improve the economics of farm operations to assure sustainability and prosperity.
Objectives
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- Facilitate the creation of new profit opportunities for local farmers.
- Provide a structure for direct service programs to farmers.
- Facilitate the development of succession plans with farmers, and programs that assure the continuance of farming and farmland.
Goal 3 Build county-wide communities of support for agriculture.
Objectives
- Develop positive, productive relationships and partnerships with other agencies and groups such as other ag partners, environmental groups, economic development groups, and higher education.
- Educate the general community about:
- Where our food comes from.
- Common misconceptions about farming.
- Farmers' role as environmental stewards.
- The value of Ag in our local economy.
- How agriculture contributes to our quality of life.
- Advocate for the role of all Whatcom farms, large and small, in effectively and efficiently feeding the world.
- Build relationships between farmers and the general community.
- Educate the farm community about what the broader community expects of farmers.
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Ag Day Essay Contest
Celebrate National Ag Day-March 20, 2010
Ag Day Essay Contest sponsored by Whatcom Farm Friends, Whatcom County Farm Bureau, the Lynden Tribune and Country Financial.
WHAT: Local Whatcom County 2010 Ag Day Essay Contest
in recognition of National Ag Week March 14-20, 2010
THEME: "American Agriculture: Abundant, Affordable. AMAZING."
WHO: Whatcom County Students
Grades 7-9 - maximum 300 words - 1st prize $100, Runner-up $25
Grades 10-12 - maximum 450 words - 1st prize $100, Runner-up $25
Adult - maximum 500 words - 1st prize $100, Runner-up $25
*One grand prize winner will be selected, and will receive an additional
$25 prize.
WHEN: All entries must be received by 10:00 a.m. Tuesday March 2, 2010
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Announci ng Farm Friends 2nd Annual Photo Contest
Deadline for Submissions is
July 23, 2010
Last year's community photo contest was such a success that we're making it an annual event! Join us for the 2nd annual Harvesting Agriculture's Aesthetics event. Now is the time to begin planning for your photographic entries for this juried photographic exhibition highlighting Whatcom County's rural people, crops and product diversity, livestock, ag machinery and rural vistas. It may be tilling, growing, harvesting, daily chores, or relaxing - something special, somewhere special, someone special - capturing rural farm life.
This year's theme is "Faces of Ag". Categories for photos this year will be:
- Meet the Farmer [Farm Families]
- Barns with Character
- Farm Families at Work
- Weathered Faces [people, buildings, equipment, landscape.....]
- Farm Animals
- Real Working Machines and Equipment
- 4-H and FFA Youth Agricultural Projects
- Rural Beauty and Uniqueness
Download the full call for artists prospectus, (out of date .pdf) which provides details about how to submit entries. Read the full press release.
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Memberships February 2009 - February 2010
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
DAIRY PRODUCERS
Blankers, Lance, Lazy Daisy Dairy
Blok, Roger & Jackie
Blok's Evergreen Dairy, Inc
De Hoog, Jake
De Jager, Pete, Doubly Good Dairy
De Jong, Rod & Carol, Eaglemill Farms
DeBoer, Albert
Kalsbeek, Elvin & Sandra, Kalsbeek Farms
Langley, Shawn & Clarissa, Fresh Breeze Organic Dairy Inc.
Larsen, Jim & Chris, Aldergrove Farms
Mans, Lawrence H., Mansville Farms
Polinder, Sherm & Phyllis, Ronelee Farm
Smit, Greg and Jan
Smit, Robert & Debbie, Smit Dairy
Steensma, John & Karen, Steensma Dairy
Sterk, John, Alice, Kevin, & Debbie, Sterk Dairy of Whatcom County
Van Berkum, Harold
Van Dellen, Jerry
Van Ingen, Ben, Van Ingen Dairy, LLC
Van Mersbergen, Don & Natalie, Will O West Farms
Van Mersbergen, Mark, Markwell Holsteins
Wolfisberg, Hans & Colleen, Edelweiss Dairy
BERRY PRODUCERS
Allison, Carol, Cleaarian Berry Farm
Bathe, Raj, Bathe Farms Inc.
Bjornstad, Jim, Bjornstad Farms
Boxx Fruit & Vegetable
Ehlers, Darryl
Enfield Farms
Honcoop, Randy
Hoyt, Gretchen, Alm Hill Gardens
Korthuis, Ken
Kraght, Barbara, Barbie's Berries
Maberry, Marty
Maberry, Matt
Neulicht, Lisa, Piper Road Neighborhood
Rader, Brad, Rader Farms
Samson Farms
Sterk, Truman & Eileen
Van Diest, Stan, Van Diest Farm
Van Dyken, Bob
Williams, Harry, Williams Farms
CATTLE PRODUCERS
Beyer, Robert & Beth
Chudek, Paul
Deming, Walter
Kirkman, Joe
Starr, Donn
W.C. Cattlemen's Association
Quanz, John
NURSERY / GREENHOUSE
Jones, Todd, Fourth Corner Nursery
Van Wingerden, Mike, Van Wingerden Greenhouse
SEED POTATO
Bedlington, Dale, Cascade Farms Inc.
Ebe, Greg & Mary
TREE FRUIT
Belisle, Dorie & John, BelleWood Acres (Tree Fruit)
Gavette, Derek & Debie Stoney Ridge Farm (Tree Fruit)
Holmquist, G. B. R. (Tree Fruit)
ORGANICS
Antholt, Chuck & Sharron, Three Pheasant Farm (Organic)
Harrison, Brent, The Growing Garden (Organic)
Powers, Steve & Karen, Big Sky Garden (Organic)
HEIFER
Buys, Dave & Kathy, Boulder Ridge Ent (Heifer)
Heeringa, Ted & Freda (Heifer)
Derr, Vernon & Elaine, Fern View Farm (Heifer)
OTHER PRODUCERS
Barron, Leonard & Gwen (Poultry)
Dykstra, Pete & Dorene (Row Crop)
WC Farm Forestry Association (Farm Forestry)
Berardi, Gigi (Small Farm)
Boon, Keith, Professional Turf Growers, LLC (Turf)
Noteboom, Dan, Whatcom County Farm Bureau
Stremler, Ken, Alpine Meadows Tree Farm
AG BUSINESS
Agriculture related businesses who support Producers
PLATINUM ($1,000 TO $4,999)
Cargill Incorporated
North Washington Implement Co.
Peoples Bank - Lynden
Sterling Bank
Versacold Cascade, Inc.
Whatcom Farmers Coop
GOLD ($500 TO $999)
Andgar
Daritech
Farmers Equipment Company
Northwest Farm Credit Services
Northwest Plant Company
SILVER ($250 TO $499)
Kulshan Veterinary Hospital PLLC
Mt Baker Vet
Northwest Propane LLC
Pacific Pumping
PeaPod Industries
Reisner Distributor Inc.
Whatcom Refrigeration Inc.
BRONZE ($100 TO $250)
Bogaard Hay Company
Custom Dairy Services
DeLaval Direct Distribution
Northwest Lime Company
Whatcom Manufacturing, Inc.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION
All who support Ag Education, Awareness & Promotion
BARN RAISER ($5,000+) Your name here
RANCHER ($1,000 TO $4,999)
Conoco Phillips Company - Ferndale Refinery
Land O'Lakes Foundation
Larson Gross PLLC
Peoples Bank, Lynden
Whatcom Community Foundation
HARVESTER ($250 TO $999)
Ahrenholz, Dave
Blair, David & Cheryl
Cargill Incorporated
North Washington Implement
Port Of Bellingham
Riverstyx Foundation
Skagit State Bank
Timblin, Chuck
Vlas, Kim & Peter
CULTIVATOR ($100 TO $249)
Antholt, Chuck & Sharron, Three Pheasant Farm
Cascade Cuts
D. C. Morse JR
De Waard, Dave, DariTech
Debruin, Pete & Terry, Everson Auction Market
Fairway Drug. Inc.
Gillies, John & Marie
Goodman, Merideth
Grey, Paul
Jennings, William
Laird, Glen & Jean, Laird's Livestock Hauling
Lecocq, Irwin & Frances
Lewis Publishing Co, Inc.
Northwest Farm Credit Services
Ormiston, Jim, Ag Appraisal Services
Petersen, David & Susan
Powers, Ed
Shumway, Ladd & Paige
GARDNER ($25 TO $99)
Bierlink, Henry & Evonne
Booth, Terri & Ken
Bratt, Calvin
Brown, Jeremy
Burdge, Rabel & Joyce
Eastside Market & Deli
Haase, Adrianne
Hanowell, Kathryn S.
Heinrick, Elsie
Hogan, Bill
Holden, Richard F. & Berdell
Hostetler, Tim
Hovde Tree Farm
Howard, Immy
Hubbard, Bill
Jordan, Nancy & Travis
Koskela, Carl & Peggy Koskela Blueberry Farm
Kuelz, Russell & Nancy
Kraght, Randy & Barb
Long, Michelle & Derek
Mosher, Bob
Otto, Patricia
Raas, Daniel & Deborah
Settlemyer, Earl, H.
Spanel, Harriett
Stark, Elizabeth
Telgenhoff & Oetgen P.S.
VanDalen, Barbara
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
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| Farm Friends Board of Directors |
| Sherm Polinder, President - Dairy |
Chuck Antholt, Vice President - Produce / WWU |
Dorie Belisle, Secretary - Tree Fruit |
| Marv Tjoelker, Treasurer - Larson Gross CPA |
Debi Gavette - Agritourism |
Mark DeJong - Dairy |
| Tom Eckert - BTC |
Brad Smith - WWU |
Paul Grey - Technology |
| Marty Maberry - Berries |
John Vanderveen - Dairy / Berries |
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| Farm Friends Staff |
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Henry Bierlink, Executive Director |
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| Holly Hinman, Administrator |
Cheryl DeHaan, Community Ed Program Mgr |
Cathy Kellett, Office Manager |
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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.
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