WSU Extension News

WSU Extension turns 100 years old next year in Wahkiakum County! Wahkiakum County holds the proud distinction of having the first Extension agent west of the Mississippi. George Nelson worked as that first agent, visiting farms by foot and skiff, helping farmers learn how to best clear and dike farmland and grow their farms and two years later started the first 4-H club in Washington. Nelson’s position was funded in part by U.S. Department of Agriculture and in part by farmers collectively raising the money themselves.

Funding for Extension still relies on partnerships. We receive state, federal and county funds to support Extension services, and work with grants for special projects. Like many agencies funded with public money, Extension’s future funding is tenuous. Historically, when one of our funding streams was cut, our others could keep us going. Now, it seems that all of our funding sources are being reduced in one way or another.

Sounds like a grim picture; however, our outreach and participation in our Extension programs is growing. We have more than double the participation in 4-H and triple the participation in our Master Gardener program than we did just three years ago! Our Food and Farm Network continues to promote our local food and farm system, including coordination of our fantastic seventh annual Food and Farm Summit, put together entirely by volunteers. While the office hours and staffing is limited, our services continue to grow in large part due to dedicated local citizens pooling together their time and resources to make a difference in their community – exactly what folks in Wahkiakum did 100 years ago to bring Extension here.

April is full of learning opportunities led by Extension volunteers! All are invited for a discussion on growing your own feed and fuel for your farm, next Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., at the River Street Meeting Room. Our 4-H Super Saturday is April 30 at 9 a.m., with location to be announced. This free event has workshops on gardening, fair demonstrations and posters, and crafts for all ages. Youth and adults are welcome, and you don’t have to be in 4-H to attend.

Our annual lambing school is April 29–30, at the farm of Patrick and Hollie McKay-Beach. This event teaches managing a farm and flock, assisting ewes with lambing, and care for the newborn lamb; all taught by veterinarian Dr. Scott Leber and coordinated by volunteer Kari Kandoll. Registration for lambing school is due April 20. Call the Extension office for more information – 795 -3278, or email me at cakennedy@wsu.edu.