Whatcom Dairy Speaker Series
The Whatcom Conservation District, Washington State University Extension, and the Washington Dairy Federation have partnered to bring Whatcom dairy farmers an informational Dairy Speaker Series. This free monthly meeting brings in university and industry experts to talk about production, management, and other topics of interest.
Whatcom Dairy Speaker Series
Third Thursday of Every Month, 12:00-1:30
Ten Mile Grange Hall
6985 Hannegan Rd in Lynden, WA 98264 (Map)
A free lunch is provided!
To assure we have enough food for everyone, an RSVP is apprecited (see event below), but not required.
Help us make this a successful series. Click here to take a quick 3 minute survey and give us your feedback on topics you want to hear about. You can also contact us direct at any time to offer additional feedback (360) 354-2035x126.
Speakers Coming Up Next
Thursday, July 18 (This will be an in-field workshop. Location TBA)
Chris Clark
Dairy Planner and Professional Engineer, Whatcom Conservation District
How to Identify and Fix Engineering Issues on Farm
Chris will lead an in-field workshop on identifying issues with lagoons, filter strips, silage bunkers, slabs, and other areas on farm. Knowing the potential issues that may be on your own farm can help you prevent them before they become a serious issue. Chris will also give guidance on how to fix problem areas and keep up with proper operation and maintaince to keep your farm running smoothly.
Thursday, August 15
Dr. Nichole Embertson
Nutrient Management Specialist, Whatom Conservation District
Customizing Fall Manure Application for Your Soil Type
Managing manure application throughout the year is important for crop growth and stewardship. Dr. Nichole Embertson will talk specifically about fall manure applications and what happens when you go from nutrient application to waste disposal. Learn which soils types should and shouldn’t be applied to after August and why that is important for optimal crop growth, winter survival, and yield. Nichole will present real world examples and data from local trials on optimal late season manure application strategies.
Previous Speaker Talks - Videos
Miss a talk? Below are links to videos of the past Speaker Series talks. Click on the title to access the video and link to slides.
May 20, 2013 - Dr. Craig Cogger, Soil Science Specialist, Washington State University Extension
Interpreting Your Soil Test for Better Crop Production
You are required to take soil tests every year, but are you getting your monies worth? Most people don’t know exactly what their soil test is telling them or how to fix excess/deficiencies in nutrients and other parameters for better crop production. For instance: When should you be applying lime? How does iron in soil effect nutrient availability and crop production? When is N most available throughout the year? Listen to Dr. Craig Cogger take the mystery out of your soil test and help you improve soil quality, crop production, and yields with a better understanding of your soil properties and how to work with them, rather than against them. You will be amazed how much great information you will take from this amazing talk targeted towards soil properties and implications for Whatcom County dairy crop production.
April 18, 2013 - Panel: NRCS, Whatcom CD, WSU Energy Auidtor, and Puget Sound Energy
Saving Money and Farm Better with Energy Conservation Programs
Did you know that on average dairy farms in Washington State can cut their energy bill by 30% by upgrading things like lights, pumps, coolers, etc.? And did you know that you can have all those upgrades paid for? The NRCS Energy Initiative Program is promoting energy audits and conservation as a way to save you money and increase your on-farm efficiency, and they, along with Puget Sound Energy (PSE), are willing to pay for all your upgrades. Listen to representatives from NRCS, Whatcom Conservation District, Washington State University, and Puget Sound Energy Come talk about the program, applicable practices, and how to conduct on-farm energy audits to see where you can save money. Getting paid to save money is a no brainer. See how you can enroll in the NRCS program or work with PSE direct today!
March 21, 2013 - Dr. Joe harrison, Nutrient Management Specialist, Washington State University
Feed Management: A Whole Farm Perspective
Feed management is the practice of feeding cows for maximum production, performance, and reproduction, while reducing the amount of excess nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorous, excreted in the manure by minimizing overfeeding of any one nutrient. Feed management can help reduce feed costs by feeding nutrients more efficiently and importing less feed onto a farm. In turn, the reduction of manure nutrient content can result in the need for less land to effectively meet ones nutrient balance. Hear Dr. Joe Harrison talk about dairy feed management from a whole farm perspective. In addition, he talks about NRCS cost share opportunities for those interested in developing and/or receiving funds to help implement a Feed Management Plan by looking at cow nutrition, feed, and crop indicators.
February 21, 2013 - Chris Benedict, Crop Specialist, Washington State University Extension
Increasing Crop Diversity and Production
WSU Extension Agent Chris Benedict discusses new crop rotation ideas, maximizing yields, getting more value from your crops, and the benefits of a diverse crop rotation. Chris also addresses the best varieties and methods of cover cropping to make harvest easier and reduce costs by increasing your overall feed production. Crops are a large part of the dairy business and in current economic times, increasing yields and reducing imports is key to success.
January 17, 2013 - Dr. Bill Wavrin, Large Animal Verterinarian, Dairy Nutritionalist, Dairy Farmer in Whatcom and Yakima Counties
Revisiting the Link Between Land and Cattle in the Current Economy: Making Milk from Sunlight, CO2, Water and Cow Manure
Dr. Bill Wavrin gives a unique perspective on animal, crop, and farm management from the perspective of a veterinarian, nutritionist, and dairy producer. In the current economy, new ideas and practices are vital for survival. Can you change your feed ration and actually make more milk? Can you reduce inputs into your crops and make more money with less yield? Listen to Bill talk about alternative ideas and how they can increase your overall production and economics.
December 20, 2012 - Dr. Nichole Embertson, Nutrient Management Specialist, Whatcom Conservation District
Manure Application Risk Management Practices and Tools
Want to make better manure applications throughout the year, increase yields, and limit your nutrient losses? Ever wonder if you could apply manure in January, and what happens to nutrients applied in October? Dr. Nichole Embertson talks about the tools and guidance available to help dairy producers in Whatcom County make better decisions about manure application timing, particularly in the late winter and early fall, and what the risks are with application at different times of the year. Learn about the new Application Risk Management system, Manure Spreading Advisory, Manure Application Setbacks, and other tools now available to provide flexibility and apply manure when it’s right for your crop and field conditions.
November 15, 2012 - Dr. Shabai Bittman, Research Scientist, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Phosporous and Nitrogen Management on Dairy Farms
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Crop Research Scientist and Founder of Farm West, Dr. Shabtai Bittman, gives a summary of the latest research and advances in manure phosphorous management including ways to optimize manure application for crop production. Phosphorus is a vital crop nutrient and a significant contaminant of fresh water. Because of its finite availability, P fertilizer is a diminishing resource and improved practices are needed, especially on livestock farms, to conserve P and minimize pollution. Manure application at nitrogen levels can contribute to an increase of P loading of soils, and it is suggested that solid liquid separation produces two products that can be managed more effectively than whole manure. Hear Dr. Bittman talk about ways that you can manage your on-farm P better while also increasing crop yields!
October 19, 2012 - Steve Fransen, Washington State University Extension Crop Specialist
Principles of Producing High Quality Grass Forage
Washington State University forage crop extension specialist Steve Fransen gives a hands-on lesson on cool season forage production and how to maximize yields by understanding when growth starts, when it changes, when it stops, and what happens during each of these transition times. He discusses the nutrient needs of grass throughout the year so that you can optimize manure application, and how to judge quality to save money and determine next year’s production based on your forage quality now.
September 20, 2012 - Chris Clark, Engineer and Dairy Planner at Whatcom Conservation District
Troubleshooting for Manure Storage Structures
Agriculture engineer Chris Clark from the Whatcom Conservation District helps you understand what things like slope, storage volume, and dike condition mean, and gives tips on how to address lagoon issues you may have and/or prevent them from happening. Chris also tells you how prepare for your seasonal WSDA inspection and what to do if your pond doesn’t meet criteria. Looking to add more storage? Listen to Chris talk about what your best options are.
Future topics include: Crop Rotations, Animal Production/Welfare, Manure Application Risk Management, Dairy Nutrition, Cover and Relay Crops, Using Technology in the Field, Silage Production, Manure Solids Management, Soil Quality and Assessment, Mortality Management and Composting, Disease and Pathogens, Irrigation Efficiency, and more!!!
Want to hear about something not on the list? Click here to give us your feedback.
Check in monthy for new information!
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