PUYALLUP – Participants will learn new techniques for maintaining a healthy farm on July 21, at the WSU Puyallup campus Field Day.
The Field Day is from noon to 3 p.m. at the WSU Puyallup Campus located at 7612 Pioneer Way East. Directional signs to the north side of the farm will be posted.
Food and beverages will be provided. The event is free to the public and is open to farmers, community members or anyone interested in learning more about current trends in small acreage farming.
Discussion topics inlude
Karen Killinger, WSU consumer food safety specialist, will examine alternatives to chlorine for dipping chickens after slaughter and processing. A portable chicken slaughter unit will be on display.
WSU soil scientist Andy Bary will discuss how to construct and use chicken tractors to pasture poultry. Results of chicken breed trials will also be available.
Doug Collins, WSU Small Farms educator, will explain how the inclusion of pasture in crop rotations affects soil fertility, compaction and food webs. The rotations are part of WSU Puyallup’s Long-Term Organic Farming Systems Research and Demonstration Site.
WSU weed scientist Tim Miller will present an overview of organic canola trials.
WSU soil scientist Craig Cogger will discuss how to test compost for stability. Participants will discover how to produce compost, and to address food safety concerns from compost application. An aerated compost pile will be on display.
