Celebrating A Decade of Growing Together: Thank You For An Egg-Cellent 2026 Whatcom Farm Expo

“There are so many wonderful resources at this event. The information we got was great! We learned so much!” – Attendee Feedback

Thank you to the 700 attendees who flocked to the 10^th Annual Whatcom Farm Expo!

Every year the team behind the Whatcom Farm Expo works to improve the event for local farmers, and this anniversary year was no exception. Record attendees, a larger venue, additional workshops, over fifty exhibitors, an equipment showcase, and a variety of animals distinguish the 10^th Annual Whatcom Farm Expo from previous years. Over 700 people of all ages flocked to the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds on a warm, sunny Saturday for the event!

“This year’s layout was amazing. It was way bigger than four years ago and much improved.” -Attendee Feedback

Attendees explored the equipment showcase put on by Brim Tractor

The Whatcom Farm Expo connects farmers and homesteaders with people, tools, organizations, and ideas that can help their businesses, fields, pastures, barns, and gardens. The 10^th annual event focused on growing a living in Whatcom County. Whether someone grows food to feed a family or is a career farmer, success takes more than a strong back and good soil. It’s about balancing the daily work with business planning, marketing, water access, processing, and adapting land for the future.

“We grow and process meat and will use the information we learned today about chickens, beef, pork, and caring for the land.” -Attendee Feedback

Over 50 exhibitors showcased their farms or resources for farmers.

A mini zebu was one of the several animals eager to meet new friends.

To help support local farmers, the Whatcom Farm Expo featured workshops throughout the day with three main focuses, agricultural viability, youth in agriculture, and local meat production. Caroline Vandenberghe, owner and operator of Fog & Fleece Sheepery, shared how she takes fiber byproducts and turns them into additional products for sale. Marie Hegarty, owner and operator of Fair Cow’s Path Farm, talked about her experience in making local beef accessible. A panel of first-generation farmers answered questions on how they built a farm business from the ground up. Ellie Duncan of City Sprouts Farm showcased how a ½-acre urban farm can be a transformational learning space. Allen Bush of WSU Skagit Extension gave a presentation on practical marketing for farm businesses. Mieschia Wilson of Next Generation Farmstead gave a workshop on custom exempt meat sales. Ernie and Jeanie Klander of Ten Mile Meats shared a butcher’s perspective on cut sheets. North40 Equine Solutions partnered with Whatcom CD’s engineer to talk about improving winter heavy use areas for horses.

“The variety of presenters and booths was helpful for farmers and non-farmers.” -Attendee feedback

Youth gave presentations throughout the day about their farms or farm animals.

Supporting local agriculture requires supporting the next generation of farmers. New this year, the Whatcom Farm Expo had a youth engagement area and youth stage! The Whatcom County Dairy Ambassadors and 4-H youth speakers gave presentations throughout the day, families explored the Farming for Life Exhibit, local organizations that support youth in agriculture exhibited, and people of all ages competed in chicken trivia with 4-H members.

“We loved the additions of things for kids!! Thank you!” -Attendee Feedback

Between workshops, attendees could visit over fifty exhibitors, explore the equipment showcase put on by Brim Tractor, meet some animals from Magical Carousel Minis, or grab delicious food from local food trucks. Exhibitors spanned between farms, veterinarians, agencies, local businesses that support farming, agricultural clubs, and nonprofits.

“I made great community connections and seeds to plant.” -Attendee Feedback

We are incredibly thankful to the exhibitors, speakers, and attendees that made the 10th Annual Whatcom Farm Expo a success! We look forward to continuing this event that connects farmers and homesteaders with resources that support the incredible local agriculture of Whatcom County. Visit our event page to see our full list of exhibitors and speakers.

“I always enjoy this event, thank you.” -Attendee Feedback

Thank you to our sponsors! Without you this event could not happen!

Barnraiser sponsor: Washington Dairy

Cultivator sponsors: Backcountry Horsemen of Washington Whatcom Chapter, Whatcom Family Farmers, Friesla: Restoring Local Meat Processing, AgWest Farm Credit, and Skagit Farmers Supply.

Thank you to our wonderful co-host, Whatcom County Public Works!

To stay up to date on the 2027 Whatcom Farm Expo or other Whatcom Conservation District Events, sign up for our E-News. Whatcom Conservation District will be launching our annual Farm Speaker Series on Thursday, May 14th from 6-8 pm, and every second Thursday of the month through September at a different farm site around the county each time. If you would like to host or nominate a farmer to host a Farm Speaker Series or have topics you would like to cover in an informal, on-farm environment, please let us know (FarmTeam@WhatcomCD.org). Also, don’t miss the 2026 Annual Native Plant Sale & Celebration taking place March 21^st at Pioneer Park in Ferndale.