SNOHOMISH, Wash. – Raising organic barley and grain in Western Washington will be the focus of an Aug. 17 Farmer2Farmer program hosted by Washington State University Extension in Snohomish.
The program will begin with a tour of SnoValley Farms, located at 7303 Marsh Rd. in Snohomish. The farm, operated by Dan Bartelheimer and his son Peter, is in its third year of raising organic barley.
Participants will travel a short distance to view SnoValley’s farming equipment, grain drying and storage facilities, and the new storage facility being built to ensure that grain will maintain its highest quality over extended periods and varying weather conditions.
In addition, Brigid Meints from the WSU Bread Lab Plant Breeding Program will talk about breeding and trialing barley at the Mt. Vernon Research Station.
“I waited 40 years before trying organic farming,” said Dan Bartelheimer, “because I didn’t think it would be possible to control the weeds.” He said he is thrilled to have been proven wrong in such a short amount of time.
Cost for the Farmer2Farmer event is $10 per person. Due to limited space, participants are asked to pre-register online by Aug. 16 at Barley.eventbrite.com.
For more information on the event, visit snohomish.wsu.edu/OrganicBarley or contact Kate Ryan, kate.ryan@wsu.edu, (425) 357-6024.
Extension programs and policies are consistent with federal and state laws and regulations on nondiscrimination regarding race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability and sexual orientation. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension Office. Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and special needs who contact Karie Christensen at 600 128th St SE, Everett, Wash., 425-357-6039 christensen4@wsu.edu at least two weeks prior to the event.
Media Contact:
- Kate Ryan, agriculture program coordinator, WSU Snohomish County Extension, 360-794-6081, ryan@wsu.edu