The following section provides information on nutrient management and details on how to apply and maintain each practice for optimal performance.
Financial Resources
Financial Assistance for Farms
Small Grants Program
Now Accepting Applications for 2023
The Whatcom CD and Whatcom County Public Works have partnered together to bring a funding opportunity to manure producers in priority water quality watersheds of Whatcom County. Small grants up to $3000 are available for eligible Best Management Practices on farms who have completed a site assessment and have developed a Farm Plan with Whatcom CD farm planning staff. If you are interested in learning more, please contact us: 360-526-2381 or ccheever@whatcomcd.org.
Eligible Best Management Practices Include:
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Heavy Use Area Protection
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Manure Storage
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Roof Runoff Structures
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Fencing
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Underground Outlets
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Access Lanes
Small Farm Rebate Program
Whatcom County Public Works is currently offering up to $200 rebates for heavy use area footing materials, fencing, gutters and outlets! Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to apply or contact a Farm Planner at Whatcom Conservation District (Whatcom CD) to see how you can qualify: 360-526-2381 or ccheever@whatcomcd.org. Visit Whatcom County Public Works' website for more information: www.whatcomcounty.us/2909/Small-Farm-Improvement-Rebates.
**This project has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under assistance agreement PC-01J18001 through the Washington State Department of Health. The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Environmental Protection Agency or the Washington State Department of Health, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.**
Tarps to Cover Manure Piles
If you have farm animals, manure happens. Covering your manure pile can increase the internal temperature speeding up the break down process of the material, killing parasites and retain your nutrients in the pile instead of the rains transporting them away. If you are interested in a free tarp to cover your manure pile, please contact us: 360-526-2384 or tgearhart@whatcomcd.org.
Borrow our Manure Spreader or Poultry Processing Equipment
Whatcom CD has a 2.5 cubic yard compost spreader available for loan to landowners in the District's service area.
Whatcom CD also has equipment for small-scale producers to safely process poultry for home consumption, or to slaughter poultry for direct marketing with a WSDA permit.
Learn more on our Equipment Share Program.
Soil Testing for Pastures, Haylands and Croplands
Get a jumpstart on your nutrient management and learn more about your soil. Soil testing is a great way to find out how last years nutrient application lined up with what the crop needed to grow. A fall soil test can also help the planning process for what to apply next growing season. If you are interested in learning more, please contact us: 360-526-2384 or tgearhart@whatcomcd.org.
Sound Horsekeeping
Whether horses are you passion or your business, you no doubt want to keep them healthy and happy! The Sound Horsekeeping program launched in Summer 2018 and recognizes horse owners in Whatcom County who have taken actions to improve pastures, reduce mud, manage manure and provide wildlife habitat on their property. If you're managing your property in a way that protects horse health and the environment , you are probably eligible to earn our Sound Horsekeeping sign. Please review this checklist and give us a call to review your eligibility: 360-526-2381 or ccheever@whatcomcd.org.