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Producer Farm Flash E-News May 2010
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Agricultural Advocacy, Education & Awareness
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Calendar of
Upcoming Events
May 11 - County Council
May 14 - Farm Friends Board meeting
May 18 - Bellingham Herald Editorial Board Farm Tour
May 18 - North Lynden WID Meeting
May 19 - Shared Waters
May 20 - Energy Committee Mtg
June 1 - Bertrand WID Meeting
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Integrating water and land use planning at different scales is increasingly important as we strive to meet challenges related to growth, change and sustainability.
Land use impacts water demands, and water availability limits land use options.
Sound planning requires taking both into consideration. We cannot define and achieve sustainability without understanding the limits of our land and water resources and the present and future demands on those resources.
-Steve Jilk, Whatcom PUD#1
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Farmers Welcome at Shared Waters Cross-Border Meeting May 19
Watersheds don't pay mind to political boundaries. That's why the North Lynden (Fishtrap) and Bertrand WID's are engaging in conversations with our neighbors just across the border in Canada. Did you know that up to 80% of the flow in the Fishtrap watershed originates in Canada? Although there are no simple solutions for how we can work together, keeping the dialog open is critical.
The Border Policy Research Institute at WWU is facilitating a roundtable event in Aldergrove, BC on 5/19/2010 from 1pm-4pm. Whatcom County farmers are welcome to attend.
Read more details about the event
Please RSVP to Farm Friends
Henry Bierlink will present the topic Looking North and Wondering - Future of Flows in Bertrand and Fishtrap on behalf of the Bertrand and North Lynden (Fishtrap) WID's. Other presenters include the Department of Fish and Wildlife and a team of Canadian scientists studying the area.
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Sponsorship Opportunity: Wheelbarrow Gardens School Project
As part of the new Agriculture Adventure Center and Farming For Life exhibit at the Northwest Washington Fair in August, we are partnering up with local school students to grow display gardens in wheelbarrows. Farm Friends is seeking farm and business sponsors at the $250 and $150 levels for the container gardens. Read more details about sponsorship.One of our goals is to link the food on their plate back to the farm - where does food really come from? Students will be growing food in containers - wheelbarrows - and displaying their gardens at the fair. They will harvest their produce and prepare a meal as part of a Back to School Celebration the beginning of the school year. The students are ready to plant now and we are seeking sponsors. Please consider becoming one. The proposal includes Why we chose Gardens on Wheels, the students responsibilities and one teachers lesson plan and project outline.
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Franklin County Easterday Stockwater Case Update from
Jay Gordon
Whatcom County dairy farmers especially have been following the Easterday Farms stockwatering exemption case in Pasco, WA. Although this case involves a proposed feedlot, the outcome of the case could affect dairymen across the state. The judge recently dismissed the case on the basis that she felt the plaintiffs, three environmental groups, had no standing. In an unexpected twist both sides have asked for clarification of the ruling. Jay Gordon, the Executive Director of the Washington State Dairy Federation, explained their strategy last week: Their hope is to build the legal case supporting the exemption through the ruling. By ruling the challengers lacked standing the judge had avoided the heart of the issue. The Dairy Federation and other livestock advocates intend to use this case to strengthen their legal position.
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Farm Friends Now Eligible for Federal Grants
We've recently received our confirmation that our Central Contractor Registration was approved. This means that Farm Friends is now eligible to apply for federal grants. The application process is lengthy, but we're happy to report we've been accepted!
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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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 Goodbye to a Friend and Natural Resources Marketplace Takes Shape
The end of April was dominated by the loss of Lyle Rader. There is no question that he was a force to be reckoned with. The PNW berry industry is as strong as it is in large part to the brains and drive of Lyle Rader. Marty Maberry did a great job at his memorial reflecting on the contributions Lyle made to the regional berry industry and to Whatcom County ag. Both Lyle and his innovative ideas will be missed.
If there's one message that Farm Friends has championed with decision makers in the last few years it's that land and water policy must be integrated if we're going to be successful at keeping Agriculture in Whatcom County. That is not the case now, and we've worked diligently to bring the key players to the table to talk about how we might approach things differently in the future. We argue that economics, land use, and water policy all comes together on the farm.
The State of Washington sees merit in a new approach as well. A significant portion of our grant funding has been to support the development of a somewhat new concept called a Natural Resources Marketplace (NRM). This model considers land and water usage together, and monetizes use by assigning value to certain practices and resources.
In the last 10-15 years we've become more familiar with the concept of Carbon Credits and how they can be traded. NRM is a similar idea, but in the context of land and water use. Farm Friends and the Bertrand WID are taking a lead role in developing this idea to be implemented in Whatcom County in the not too distant future. As an example, in a NRM model landowners will potentially be able to receive access to legal water use by offering credits to the system. Examples may be: wetland mitigation, voluntary trades of development rights, or planting trees along riparian buffers and lowering water temperatures in streams.
As it stands now regulations require a certain buffer around streams, but there is little *incentive* for farmers to go beyond those requirements and give up valuable cropland to improve those buffers for water quality purposes. In an NRM, the farmer could be compensated for these things. Simply put, "you can catch more flies with honey. . ."
Farm Friends and the Bertrand WID will have a lot more to say about NRM in the coming weeks and months, but we wanted to give you a little taste for now. This is a collaborative effort involving many local agencies, and there is a lot more work to do. But we are very pleased to have been funded again through June 2011 by our Department of Ecology grants. That's saying something with the difficult state budgets.
I'll be making a presentation to the County Council Natural Resources Committee on May 11. I invite you to take a look at the presentation I'll be making that day (.pdf), and I welcome your questions and feedback about NRM. It is Farm Friends' passionate goal to secure a viable economic future for Agriculture through comprehensive and effective policy.
Henry Bierlink
Executive Director
Whatcom Farm Friends
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Starling Program Funds Matched by County
Whatcom County Council recently approved Farm Friends' $15,000 funding request to support the starling control program for 2010-2011. The program costs a little over $30,000 each year and primarily benefits dairy and berry farmers. The County has a variable history of supporting the program. We are thankful for this year's funding which indicates this Council's strong support for farmers. Farmers' voluntary contributions make up the remainder of the program budget.
To date about a dozen farmers have sent their contributions, but fund raising is still in progress. About $7,000 is still needed to cover the program for the year. Other news for the program this year is that several new longer lasting metal traps have been built for us courtesy Enfield Farms.
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April 15 Dairy Supply Management Meeting
Summary & Analysis
A special dairy supply meeting was sponsored by Farm Friends and the WA Dairy Federation on April 15. Rob Vandeneuvel, CEO,Milk Producers Council of California, presented a program to reduce price volatility in the milk market. Underpinning his presentation was work done by the "Cornell Program on Dairy Markets and Policy" http://www.dairy.cornell.edu/ by Mark Stephenson and Chuck Nicholson.
Andy Novakovic head of the Cornell program shared with Farm Friends the *analytical review of the plan Vandeneuvel presented. Intuitively Novakovic thinks it is likely that price smoothing will reduce our opportunity for exporting dairy commodities on the down market, and limit our exposure to imports on the up market. On the other hand he thinks we may be more competitive with value added products whose market development benefits from relatively stable prices.
Farm Friends has not traditionally been involved in dairy pricing issues as they transcend our mission which has a Whatcom County focus. But presenting information that will lead to informed perspectives on such significant issues to our dairy farmers and entire ag community is something we are pleased to help with.
Sherm Polinder, Farm Friends board president, and the local Dairy Federation helped us organize and and offer Rob Vandenheuvel's presentation last week. Farm Friends is not advocating for a particular solution to the dairy price dilemma. But we regularly communicate with Rep. Larsen and pass on our perceptions of what the local dairy community is dealing with and what their hopes are. We sense there is a strong majority that are willing to give the ideas outlined by Vandenheuvel, and contained in a bill about to be introduced to Congress by Rep. Costa, a chance.
No one believes that will be the end of the discussion, nor should it be. Rep. Costa has not yet introduced the bill as he believes he needs more sponsoring support from Midwest reps.
Download a copy of the 4/15 Presentation (.pdf)
*Please contact Farm Friends if you'd like a copy of the review.
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Farm Friends Memberships & Sponsors
May 2009-May 2010
Many thanks 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 Fruit & Vegetable
Cieslar, Brian
Dickinson, John, Riverland Farms Inc.
Ehlers, Darryl
Enfield Farms
Honcoop, Rancy
Hoyt, Gretchen, Alm Hill Gardens
Jackson, B.C. & Cheryl, Jackson's Bluberry Farm
Korthuis, Ken
Koskela, Carl & Peggy, Koskela Blueberry Farm
Kraght, Barbara, Barbie's Berries
Maberry, Marty
Maberry, Matt
Radar, Brad, Radar Farms
Samson Farms, Inc.
Sterk, Truman & Eileen
Shumway, Ladd & Paige, Shumway's Berries
Vanderveen, John, T.J. Veenacres Farm Inc.
Van Diest, Stan & Kay, Van Diest Farm
Van Dyken, Bob
Williams, Harry, Williams Farms
DAIRY PRODUCERS
Appel Bros. Dairy, LLC
Blok, Roger & Jackie, Blok's Evergreen Dairy, Inc
Bouma, Louis, Bouma Farm
De Boer, Albert
De Hoog, Jake
De Jager, Pete, Doubly Good Dairy
De Jong, Rod & Carol, Eaglemill Farms
Feddema, Ted & Arnie, Feddema Dairy LLC
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
Smit, Greg and Jan
Smit, Robert & Debbie, Smit Dairy
Stap, Larry & Debbie, Twin Brook Creamery
Sterk, John, Alice, Kevin & Debbie, Sterk Dairy of Whatcom County, Inc.
Vande Hoef, Rod & Joan, Vande Hoef Dairy LLC
VanderVeen, Tim & Mindy, VanderVeen Dairy LLC
Van Berkum, Harold, Van Berkum & Sons LLC.
Van Dellen, Jerry
Van Ingen, Ben, Van Ingen Dairy, LLC
Van Mersbergen, Mark, Markwell Holsteiins
Van Middendorp, John, OK 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
Kirkman, Joe
W.C. Cattlemen's Association
Quanz, John
NURSERY / GREENHOUSE
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
TREE FRUIT
Belisle, Dorie & John, BelleWood Acres
Gavette, Derek & Debi, Stoney Ridge Farm
Gmeiner, Lawrence, Flying B Ranch
ORGANICS
Antholt, Chuck & Sharon, Three Pheasant Farm
Finger, Mike & Kimberly
Harrison, Brent, The Growing Garden
Powers, Steve & Karen, Big Sky Garden
Wagner, Les & Ginny, Third Thyme Farm
OTHER PRODUCERS
Ebe, Greg & Mary (Seed Potato)
Derr, Vernon & Elaine, Fern View Farm (Heifer)
VanDe Garde, Vern (Heifer)
Barron, Leonard & Gwen (Poultry)
Johnson, Keith, Keith Johnson Fish
Noteboom, Dan, WC Farm Bureau
WC Farm Forestry Association (Farm Forestry)
Stremler, Ken, Alpine Meadows Tree Farm
Berardi, Gigi (Small Farm)
Boon, Keith, Professional Turf Growers, LLC
AG BUSINESS
Agriculture related businesses who support Producers
PLATINUM ($1,000 TO $5,000)North Washington Implement Co. Peoples Bank - Lynden Larson Gross PLLC Sterling Bank - Lynden Whatcom Farmers Coop Versacold Cascade, Inc. GOLD ($500 TO $999)Farmers Equipment Company Northwest Farm Credit Services Darigold Daritech Northwest Liquid Transport Northwest Plant Co. Andgar Corporation SILVER ($250 TO $499)Delaval Direct Mt Baker Vet Kulshan Veterinary Hospital PLLC N3 Consulting Northwest Propane LLC Pea Pod Industries Reisner Distributor, Inc. Pacific Pumping BRONZE ($100 TO $249)Bogaard Hay Company Custom Dairy Services Littau Harvester Northwest Farms & Food Northwest Lime Company Northwest Propane LLC Oxbo International Corp. Watertec, Inc. Whatcom Manufacturing, Inc. Dairyline Communications
COMMUNITY EDUCATION
All who support Ag Education, Awareness & Promotion
RANCHER ($1,000 TO $4,999)
ConocoPhillips Company, Ferndale Refinery
Land O' Lakes Foundation
L.T.I. Inc.
Peoples Bank, Lynden
HARVESTER ($250 TO $999)
Eckert, Dr. Thomas
Port Of Bellingham
Timblin, Chuck
Vlas, Peter & Kim
CULTIVATOR ($100 TO $249)
Antholt, Chuck &Sharron, Three Pheasant Farm
De Waard, Dave, DariTech
Debruin, Pete & Terry, Everson Auction Market
Gillies, John & Marie
Goodman, Merideth
Grey, Paul
Hinman, Holly & Patrick Baker
Jennings, William
Jones, Todd & Allison, Fourth Corner Nurseries
Laird, Glen & Jean, Laird's Livestock Hauling
Lecocq, Irwin & Frances
Lewis Publishing Co., Inc.
Morse, D. C. Jr
Ormiston, Jim, Ag Appraisal Services
Peterson, David & Susan
Powers, Ed, Pea Pod Industries
Settlemeyer, Earl H.
Shumway, Ladd & Paige, Shumway's Berries
GARDNER ($25 TO $99)
Bierlink, Henry & Evonne
Booth, Terri & Ken
Bratt, Calvin
Burdge, Rabel & Joyce
Eastside Market & Deli
Finger, Mike & Kimberly, Cedarville Farm
Grover, Patrick
Haase, Adrianne
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
Kraght, Randy & Barb, Barbie's Berries
Kuelz, Russell & Nancy
Laidlaw. Marge
Long, Michelle & Derek
Monjure, Joy
Neulicht, Lisa
Otto, Patricia
Raas, Daniel & Deborah
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 |
John Vanderveen - Dairy / Berries |
Mark DeJong - Dairy |
| Tom Eckert - BTC |
Debi Gavette - Agritourism |
Paul Grey - Technology |
| Marty Maberry - Berries |
Brad Smith - WWU |
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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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Farm Friends Contractors |
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| John Gillies, N Lynden WID |
Heather MacKay, Natural Resource Market |
John Quanz, Wildlife Control |
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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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