Farm Management Presentation
March 15, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Gig Harbor
March 30, 1 - 4 p.m., Puyallup
These classroom power point presentations will allow participants to get information on the three key components of small farm management: mud prevention, pasture management, and manure management. Find out what materials are being used to keep paddocks dry and how to install them correctly. Learn how to turn a mountain of manure into a useful soil amendment for your pastures. Also, learn how to turn that patch of weeds and bare soil into lush pasture to get the most grazing for your animals this coming summer. A class notebook will be provided to each participant.

Cougars, Coyote & Bears- Oh My!
Leaving Room for Your Furred and Feathered Neighbors
March 26, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Elk Plain Grange, Spanaway
Co-Sponsored by the Pierce CountyChapter of the Backcountry Horsemen
Are you concerned about predators in the woods where your kids play or where you trail ride? Do you worry about losing livestock and pets to wild predators and neighborhood dogs? Would you like to learn more about the biology and needs of these predators along with techniques to keep your family, livestock, and farm safe? For the answers to these questions and more, join speaker Tammy Schmidt, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Biologist, for this lecture as we learn about the predators native to Western Washington and how to live with them. The first ten registrants will receive a free copy of Living with Wildlife in the Pacific Northwest, by Russell Link.

Co-Existing and Managing Nuisance Wildlife
and Insects around the Home and Farm
April 10, 6 - 8 p.m.
Tacoma Nature Center
Join WSU Extension interim Commercial Agriculture and Community Horticulture agent Todd Murray for an entertaining and educational look at the critters that bug us on our livestock farms and rural properties. Todd has over ten years experience working with WSU and helping both gardeners and farmers with pest and nuisance wildlife problems found in western Washington. Learn about the problem insects that annoy us and our livestock. Find out who is a friend and who is a foe, and how to cut back on pesticide use. Wildlife can provide beauty and enjoyment, but can also drive you crazy or cause potentially serious problems for you, your family and your property. Learn how to discourage and control unwanted wildlife.

Pasture Recovery and Renovation
April 12, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Longbranch
Please join us at the Bryant farm in Longbranch to learn how to recover overgrown and weed filled pastures without the use of herbicides. We will also review the capabilities of soils and discuss fertilizer recommendations for various varieties. Finally, we will tour a field that was amended and overseeded the previous fall.

Purchasing a Farm
April 17, 6 - 8 p.m.
Location TBA
Learn some tips and pointers on what to look for and what to avoid, and how to make the most if purchasing a farm or raw land. Smart choices up front increase your chances of having a healthy farm.

Hay and Pasture Field Renovation
April 19, 9 - 11 a.m.
Eatonville
Please join us at the Schmidt cattle and horse farm to learn how to renovate fields to achieve high quality hay and pastures. The Schmidt’s renovated one of their fields in the summer and fall of 2007 and will explain the steps they went through to achieve their desired results. Also during this workshop, we will learn from Warwick Bryant of Kiwi Fencing Company how to properly assess soil quality and plant nutrient needs, weed identification and control, what factors to consider when choosing a seed variety, as well as the mechanics of machinery renovation versus no till pasture rejuvenation.

Land Conservation Options
April 26, 1 - 3 p.m.
Tacoma Nature Center
Are you a landowner in Pierce County seeking to protect and steward your property? Come learn about your options regarding: protection of habitat parcels important to salmon and other wildlife, conservation of open space, support of farming and forestry management practices, ownership retention of land, and financial benefits such as income, estate, and property tax reductions. Representatives from all the major organizations highlighted in the Land Conservation Options article in the fall edition of the Tahoma View will be on hand to discuss how they can help you use conservation tools to practice an ethic that values open space, wildlife habitat, and natural resource lands for current and long-term benefit and enjoyment. Additionally, a representative from Pierce County Planning and Land Services will be on hand to discuss the new Transfer of Development Rights program.

Electric Fencing 101
May 3, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Eatonville, Lunch provided
Electric fencing can be an inexpensive, yet highly effective way to divide pastures and create new ones for your livestock in order to implement a rotational grazing system. However, with all the parts at the hardware and feed store, setting up the fence correctly and safely can be confusing. Learn the basics of electric fencing from Animal Management Systems and Gallagher Power Fence as they go through all the steps from proper grounding to electrifying your existing fencing system. This is a hands-on workshop, so please wear the proper clothing and bring gloves.

Hands-on Paddock Footing Workshop
May 31, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Longbranch, Lunch provided
Tour one of Key Peninsula’s newest farms and learn how best management practices help keep efficiency maximized and waste at a minimum. We will discuss manure management, sacrifice areas, roof runoff, and pasture management. Then, get ready to get dirty. Workshop participants will practice learning by doing by preparing and installing a paddock with grid and rock for a lasting solution to the northwest’s muddy winters. With the information gained during this event, you can determine if this type of paddock system will work for your property.

Please call Erin or René at (253) 845-9770 or (253) 884-9474 to register for the classes and to receive directions.