On Wednesday, Sept. 16, the public is invited to join WSU wheat breeders Steve Jones and Kevin Murphy and independent plant breeder and farmer O. J. Lougheed to learn about technology and techniques for grain harvesting and varieties for winter planting.
Washington State Extension and Skagit Valley College bring the classes to San Juan Island Sept. 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and on Waldron Island Sept. 17.)
The Sept. 16 workshop will cover crop management, winter planting, and possible winter varieties to try in the San Juan Islands. Class participants will visit Fir Oak Farm (in San Juan Valley) to thresh their farro using a simple, mechanized thresher. Samples of several varieties of winter grain will be available to purchase for a small fee.
The next day, Thursday, September 17, participants will visit Nootka Rose Farm on Waldron Island to process grain with a foot-powered thresher and a hand-crank winnower and to talk with farmer Steve Bensel about his experience growing grain. The maximum number of participants is 10, and they are asked to bring a potluck dish to share. Drinks and breakfast goodies will be provided both days.
The cost is $25 per farm or family per day (attend one or both days).
For more info., contact Candace at 360.370.7664 or candace_jagel@wsu.edu.
