WSU Extension Regional Small Farms Program

10/13/2026

Learn how to tap bigleaf maple trees and make your own maple syrup!

Many people are surprised to learn that Washington’s native bigleaf maple can be used to produce maple syrup. Known for its distinctive flavor profile, bigleaf maple syrup often features notes of caramel and vanilla that set it apart from traditional maple syrup.

This online workshop on Thursday, November 12th, from 5:30-6:45pm will introduce participants to the fundamentals of collecting and processing sap on a small scale. Attendees will learn the basic principles and practices needed to tap trees, collect sap, and process it into maple syrup for personal use, while also learning more about the burgeoning commercial sugaring industry in the Northwest. Taught by Patrick Shults, WSU Extension Forestry Specialist.

Learn more and register by following the link: https://tinyurl.com/blmaplesyrup

WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local WSU Extension office. Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and special needs who contact Clare Menard at 345 6th St. Suite 550, Bremerton WA / 360-228-7301 at least two weeks prior to the event.

10/12/2026

Come learn about New Zealand-style, high tensile fencing, a type of low-maintenance, permanent fencing. Join WSU Jefferson County Extension 4-H and WSU Regional Small Farms for this free, interactive fencing workshop. It will take place at Twin Vista Ranch on Marrowstone Island, where farm manager Dean Hyden raises his flock of sheep.

When: October 27th, 10am-1pm

Registration: tinyurl.com/nzfencing

WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local WSU Extension office. Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and special needs who contact Clare Menard at 345 6th St. Suite 550, Bremerton WA / 360-228-7301 at least two weeks prior to the event.

09/13/2026

What are you waiting for? Register now for Dairy Cow Health 101!

Date: 9/15/2026, 6:30pm-7:30pm
Location: Zoom
Learn more and register: https://tinyurl.com/dairycowhealth

Dr. Craig McConnel from WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine will introduce participants to keeping your dairy cows safe and healthy.

This beginner class is appropriate for farmers, 4Hers, and anyone who has (or dreams of having) a small dairy herd of their own.

WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local WSU Extension office. Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and special needs who contact Jess Sappington at 345 6th St. Suite 550, Bremerton WA / 360-228-7308 at least two weeks prior to the event.

09/09/2026

Join us this Friday, September 11, at Roots Farm in Poulsbo to see dry-farmed bush and semi-bush squash in the field during harvest season. Learn firsthand how these crops perform with limited irrigation and connect with fellow growers. This is the 2nd farm walk in this two part series.
Spaces are still available!
Register here:

Dirt Talk Farm Walk: Dry-Farmed Bush/Semi-Bush Squash a Two Part Series Farm Walk #2: Harvest Season (Variety Performance & Results) Join us for the second session the two-part WSARE farm walk…

08/18/2026

Do you wish to start a cottage food business? Are you already a cottage food processor?

If so, then this FREE workshop is for you! Register for one session or all three. Learn more and register here: https://tinyurl.com/2p2dns6p

Although foods produced under cottage food laws have traditionally been considered low risk, following cottage food laws, good manufacturing practices, allergen management, and control of food safety hazards is vital for ensuring a safe product. In this workshop series, you will learn about:
• Washington Cottage Food Laws
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
• Control of food safety hazards
• Hygienic zoning
• Proper food storage
• Allergen management and labeling, and best practices for preventing cross-contact
• Effective cleaning and sanitation programs

Workshop schedule:
August 24th, 2-4pm
August 26th, 2-4pm
August 27th, 1-3pm

08/17/2026

Have you ever considered raising dairy cows? Dr. Craig McConnel from WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine will introduce participants to keeping your dairy cows safe and healthy. Topics will include the dairy lifecycle, nutrition considerations, common health issues, and preventative practices.

This beginner class is appropriate for farmers, 4Hers, and anyone who has (or dreams of having) a small dairy herd of their own.

Date: 9/15/2026, 6:30pm-7:30pm

Location: Zoom

Learn more and register: https://tinyurl.com/dairycowhealth

WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local WSU Extension office. Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and special needs who contact Jess Sappington at 345 6th St. Suite 550, Bremerton WA / 360-228-7308 at least two weeks prior to the event.

08/14/2026

Interested in starting a small farm? Wonder what it would take, and if you’re ready?Join us Monday night for the launch of our new, self-paced Explore Your Farm Dreams course!

To celebrate, we will have a live, online farmer panel from 6pm-7pm on August 17th, with farmers from Summit Farms, Makanai Farm, and Raine Grazing Services. Learn about their farming journey, how they've grown successful farm businesses, and start dreaming of your own.

Registration is still open: https://tinyurl.com/exploreyfd

Whether you’re in the planning stages or have just begun, this 3hr self-paced online class is designed to help you explore the development of a small farm enterprise and create a plan of action for achieving your small farm goals.

07/17/2026

Codling moth is a common pest in apple and pear orchards throughout the Pacific Northwest, but it can be managed using a robust Integrated Pest Management program.

WSU's Dr. Betsy Beers, Extension Entomologist, will discuss codling moth in western WA. The lifecycle and habits of the moth, and how to approach management using IPM principles and tools such as pheromone traps and growing degree days to get the best results will be covered, among other topics.

Date: Monday August 10th, 2026
Time: 6pm-7pm
Location: Zoom webinar
Audience: Farmers, commercial growers, producers, small acreage landowners.

Follow link to register: tinyurl.com/codlingipm

WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local WSU Extension office. Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and special needs who contact Jess Sappington at 345 6th St. Suite 550, Bremerton WA / 360-228-7308 at least two weeks prior to the event.

07/13/2026

Are you ready to begin your journey in chicken education? Spots still open! Join us tomorrow evening, July 14th 6-7:30pm, for Chicken Care for Beginners. Follow the link to register: https://tinyurl.com/chickenonline

A free online crash course in the basics: sourcing chickens, raising chicks, managing your flock, and troubleshooting common issues.

WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local WSU Extension office. Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and special needs who contact Clare Menard (345 6th St. Suite 550, Bremerton WA / [email protected] / 360-228-7301) at least two weeks prior to the event.

07/02/2026

Coming to a Zoom classroom near you! Chicken Care for Beginners, a free online class July 14th! A crash course in the basics: sourcing chickens, raising chicks, managing your flock, and troubleshooting common issues.

July 14th, 6-7:30
Follow the link to register: https://tinyurl.com/chickenonline

WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local WSU Extension office. Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and special needs who contact Clare Menard (345 6th St. Suite 550, Bremerton WA / [email protected] / 360-228-7301) at least two weeks prior to the event.