EVERETT, Wash. – From wheel hoes, seeders and cultivators to binders, thrashers, walk-behinds and spaders, the tools available to modern farmers can be overwhelming. The workshop “Tools, Equipment and Horsepower for the Small Farm: a Practical Look at What Works” will help participants gain knowledge to make the most of equipment purchases.
Presentations will cover hand-, tractor- and horse-powered equipment, including how to determine the best match between farm, farmer and tool. Those considering using draft horses will get to work hands-on with an experienced team and teamsters.
The Washington State University Snohomish County Extension workshop will be 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at the Klesick Family Farm Distribution Center, 18826 Marine Dr., Warm Beach, Wash. After lunch, participants will drive to the nearby Klesick Family Farm.
Cost for the workshop is $50 and includes a box lunch. No registrations will be taken at the farm. Pre-register by April 24 at http://Tools.BrownPaperTickets.com or download the form at http://snohomish.wsu.edu/tools and mail with a check.
For registration information, contact Karie Christensen at 425-357-6039 or christensen4@wsu.edu.
About the instructors
Tristan Klesick and family have been farming in Snohomish County for almost 20 years. He is well-versed in human-, horse- and gas/diesel- powered equipment.
Ray de Vries farms over 100 certified organic acres just outside Mount Vernon, selling to wholesale markets across the U.S. He uses a number of tools and techniques to grow vegetables and manage weeds organically.
Andy Bary, soil scientist with the WSU Puyallup Research Center, helps farmers develop fertility management systems and techniques to improve crop production. His presentation will focus on the specialized equipment and tools used by small market gardeners across the U.S. and Europe.
Anita, Alastair, Sven and Ole Stone have been working together as a team for over 12 years as Anita and Alastair trained Sven and Ole (Norwegian fjord horses) to pull wagons, farm implements and logs.
For more information on the workshop, contact Andrew Corbin, corbina@wsu.edu or 425-357-6012.
Contacts:
Andrew Corbin, WSU Snohomish County Extension, 425-357-6012, corbina@wsu.edu
Kate Halstead, WSU Snohomish County Extension, 360-794-6081, khalstead@wsu.edu