The Farm Friends Board has set Wednesday, February 2nd as our Annual Meeting date.  We plan to combine a meeting of our Farmer Advisory Board into a meeting with the WFF Board and open it up to all Farm Friends members. A working lunch will be provided. 

WHEN: Wed, 2/2/2011 10am-Early Afternoon
WHERE:  Mount Baker Rotary Building, 1751 Front Street, Lynden 

The issue we have chosen to explore at this meeting is the relationship between Whatcom County farmers and Washington State University.  It is our impression that it has been far too many years since a meaningful discussion like this took place.  We expect to ask and discuss two key questions:

1. What do Whatcom farmers want and expect from WSU? (academic courses, research, extension)
2. What does WSU need from Whatcom farmers to meet these expectations? 

Dan Bernardo, the Dean of the College of Ag at WSU will join us for this discussion.  As will other key WSU personnel.  We intend to provide an open and yet productively structured conversation on these questions.  The Farm Advisory Board and the Farm Friends Board will be in the center of the discussion with opportunities for others to engage as well. We look forward to seeing you there!
 

WSU Whatcom County Extension will be hosting two seminars by candidates for the WSU Whatcom County Extension Agricultural Educator position.  Each candidate will be presenting the following topic: "Strengthening Agriculture Today and into the Future for Whatcom County and the Cascade Region:  Addressing Unique Issues and Challenges."  

Colleen Burrows will be presenting on January 24, 2011 at 9 a.m.  Chris Benedict will be presenting on January 25, 2011 at 9 a.m.  Both Colleen and Chris currently work for WSU Extension.   

Colleen is the Integrated Pest Management Coordinator for Whatcom County Extension and is the interim Agriculture Education lead.  She conducts field research in cooperation with area growers and has been very involved in encouraging new and small scale farmers.  She earned her Master's Degree in Horticulture.   

Chris is the Pierce County Extension Agriculture Educator.  His Master's Degree is in Plant and Soil Science.  He has been a pioneer in using distance education techniques.  He does field research in Western Washington, including some in Whatcom County, and has conducted education for small scale farmers.

Interested parties are invited to attend the seminars.  They will be one hour in length and include a question and answer segment.  It is suggested that interested folks make a commitment to attend both seminars if possible.

The seminars will be held in the Garden Conference room (former Hizzoner's Restaurant space) at 322 Commercial in Bellingham.  Parking is available at meters throughout the area or for free in the parking lot of the former DeWaard and Bode store on Cornwall, kitty corner from Bellingham High School.  

Contact Drew Betz, WSU Whatcom County Extension Director and Search Committee Chair at 360-676-6736 or betz@wsu.edu if you have any questions.

Todd Burgers

Todd Burgers, Tax Manager at Larson Gross CPA's, has joined the Farm Friends board of Directors.  We are delighted to have Todd's financial expertise and his farm background on our board.  Todd graduated from WWU in 2005 after spending  2 years at Whitworth College.  He spent his high school years at Lynden Christian and grew up in a family that was closely connected to the dairy industry as his father is a software consultant specializing in dairy management.  Todd plans to be married this summer. 

Todd replaces Marv Tjoelker as our board treasurer.  Thanks to Marv and to John Vander Veen who both retired from board membership at the end of 2010.  Your wise counsel and dedication to serving the interests of the farm community have been much appreciated!