Country Life December 2018

Country Life Wednesday, December 12, 2018 • lyndentribune.com • ferndalerecord.com

Local raspberry growers talk out next steps

Dairy • C3 Gardening • C3

Ann and Rich Appel, center, hold their award surrounded by others from the Whatcom Conservation District.

Rich Appel wins statewide conservation award ‘Building Bridges’ is the overall intent

A good turnout of regional raspberry growers look on for the annual meeting of the Washington Red Raspberry Association at the Nov. 28-30 Small Fruit Conference in Lynden. (Calvin Bratt/Lynden Tribune)

Poor market, end of national council are focus of annual meeting

By Calvin Bratt editor@lyndentribune.com

LYNDEN ­ — Regional berry growers heard about navigating current challenges in their industries at the Small Fruit Conference on the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds Nov. 28-30.

The word “tough”

came up more than a few times in speakers’ comments.

Jon Maberry, president of the Washington Red Raspberry Commission board of directors, opened that group’s annual meeting at 8 a.m. Wednesday by noting that the past year has brought a “tough time selling fruit.”

Then in November came the decision — a 43 percent no-confidence vote by growers and importers — against continuing the National Processed Raspberry Council, with its consumer marketing bud-

get, Maberry said. The state commission will pick up what promotional efforts it can, but with an emphasis on American raspberries and “trying to make Washington berries distinctive,” he said.

The Lynden area is the heart of North American red raspberry production for processing, while the national council had been a five-year cooperative venture — with a shared per-pound assessment — involving importers of raspberries.

Veteran grower John Clark of Lynden, who

chaired the national council, will first be one of three trustees in the dissolution of NPRC in coming months, and then he will come onto the WRRC board to help bridge the transition.

In his comments, Clark said he is “disappointed” at the failure of NPRC. It ran up against the economic conditions facing growers the last three years, that is, an unprofitable price for berries grown.

Clark said the Washington raspberry industry will be facing “a rocky road ahead here for a couple of See Fruit on C4

WHATCOM — Rich Appel of Appel Farms was awarded the Vim Wright ‘Building Bridges’ award at the 2018 annual meeting of the Washington Association of Conservation Districts in Kennewick Nov. 27.

The Whatcom Conservation District had nominated Appel for his environmental leadership in the Whatcom County agricultural community.

The prestigious award is given to individuals who work within the conservation arena to foster understanding and partnerships through community collaborative efforts.

The award is given in honor of Vim Wright (1926-2003), a longtime member of the Washington Conservation Commission, who worked to bring traditional agriculture and environmental representatives together to work on conservation projects. Like Vim Wright, Rich Appel is an environmental leader and has continued to facilitate important community partnerships between the

Whatcom CD and various stakeholder groups for the betterment of Whatcom County.

In addition to jointly owning and operating Appel Farms with his brothers and their families, Rich serves as vice president of Whatcom Family Farmers, which helps recognize the good work farmers are doing to restore habitat and improve water quality in Whatcom County. Rich is active as a face of stewardship and makes himself available as a speaker to many organizations both locally and regionally.

He serves as an industry leader, representing his farming peers and educating the public on dairy stewardship practices through farm tours and public appearances.

Rich is passionate about the health of his community and has worked hard to foster positive, productive relationships between dairy farmers, environmental groups and the Lummi Nation, the Whatcom Conservation District says.

Appel Farms is located close to the Nooksack River between Lynden and See Appel on C4

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C2 • Wednesday, December 12, 2018 • ferndalerecord.com • lyndentribune.com

National Milk applauds new North American trade deal Some gains made in opening up Canadian market ARLINGTON, Virginia — The National Milk Producers Federation and the U.S. Dairy Export Council commended the Trump Administration Nov. 30 for signing the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which had been agreed to in principle on Sept. 30.

The trade agreement will benefit America’s dairy sector by maintaining the overall U.S.-Mexico trading structure of the 24-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), while incorporating new commitments to strengthen U.S. dairy export prospects throughout the North American region, according to National Milk.

Thanks to NAFTA, Mexico is currently the largest export destination for U.S. dairy products, accounting for $1.2 billion in sales last year. The United States commands a dominant market share in Mexico, with sales that amount to three-quarters of its imported dairy products.

Although the U.S. dairy industry had sought deeper market expansion and stronger disciplines from Canada on dairy, NMPF and USDEC still credit U.S. negotiators for “ardent efforts to address Canada’s pervasive tradedistorting practices.”

The trade deal includes reforms to Canada’s controversial dairy pricing system and some additional market access — key objectives of the U.S. dairy sector.

In addition to Canada-specific dairy provisions, the USCMA broke new ground by establishing a strong sanitary and phytosanitary chapter, as

Overall consumption of milk in schools dropped after flavored milk was pulled in 2012. But now flavors including chocolate will be reinstated for students. (Courtesy photo) well as numerous provisions aimed at tackling the misuse of geographical indications that erect barriers to U.S. exports of products that rely on common food names.

Industry leaders said the ultimate impact of the agreement, which must be approved by Congress, will depend on how it’s implemented by the three countries. The U.S. dairy industry will engage with both parties in Congress to seek their support for the agreement’s passage while at the same time seeking assurances that Canada will comply with its commitments in a fair and transparent manner.

“The signing of the

USMCA gives America’s dairy industry greater confidence as we head into 2019,” said Tom Vilsack, president and CEO of USDEC. “We trust that the administration will aggressively enforce both the letter and the spirit of the agreed-upon text.

Thus, it is imperative that the United States ensures that Canada implements its commitments in a manner consistent with the hard-fought transparency and market-reforming disciplines secured in this agreement.”

The dairy organizations urged the governments of the three nations to take the next step toward better trade rela-

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tions by removing currently imposed tariffs on agricultural exports — as well as steel and aluminum — that have been sticking points in relations between the countries.

“We appreciate the Trump Administration for continually raising our issues of concern and fighting for a better agreement with Canada,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF. “This year has been a challenging one for dairy producers, who are dealing with continuing low prices and the damaging effects of retaliatory tariffs that have already cost them about $1.5 billion. With today’s signing, we encourage the administration to take a fresh look at other tariffs that are hampering North American trade, including the steel and aluminum tariffs still imposed on Mexico, and to continue making progress in striking new free trade agreements and resolving ongoing trade conflicts.”

The presidents of all three countries signed the new deal, but it still needs to be ratified by all three governments. It’s unclear what the U.S. Congress will do, not considering the USMCA until 2019, especially with Demo-

crats then in control of the House. Some Democrats objected to parts of the deal, which could derail its approval.

Milk in school meals The National Milk Producers Federation on Dec. 6 commended Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue for returning lowfat (1%) flavored milk as part of the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs.

The final rule implementing regulatory changes was announced by the USDA and will be published later this month in the Federal Register.

The move will encourage milk consumption in schools, said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of the NMPF. “USDA’s own studies have shown that students drank less milk after lowfat chocolate milk was removed from schools.”

In 2012, the U.S. Department of Agriculture eliminated low-fat flavored milk as an option in school meal and a la carte programs, after which milk consumption in schools dropped.

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riculture Sonny Perdue said on Dec. 10 that he welcomed the release of the 2018 Farm Bill conference committee report and hopes Congress can approve this legislation expeditiously.

“This legislation maintains a strong safety net for the farm economy, invests in critical agricultural research, and will promote agriculture exports through robust trade programs. While we would have liked to see more progress on work requirements for SNAP recipients and forest management reforms, the conference agreement does include several helpful provisions and we will continue to build upon these through our authorities.

“As farmers prepare to make decisions about next season, I commend the leadership of the conference committee in producing a bill that can be passed before the year’s end. If Congress passes this legislation I will encourage the President to sign it.”

The Union of Concerned Scientiests also praised portions of the new Farm Bill, but raised concern that it scales back investment in the Conservation Stewardship Program, the nation’s largest and highest-value farm conservation program, affecting complex crop rotations, rotational grazing and healthy soil.

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Wednesday, December 12, 2018 • lyndentribune.com • ferndalerecord.com • C3

IN BLOOM

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Milk price drops $1.09 — Caring for be hopeful for 2019 holiday greens and indoor plants If you’re someone who loves to try your hand at growing things, you know that a gardener’s work is never finished.

Not that that’s a bad thing — anyone who has a hobby they enjoy is never really finished with it!

In this “off season,” however, gardening takes a back seat to the busyness and joy of the holidays, and besides, the cold, dark days prevent very much outdoor activity. If you’re looking for something to do to keep your green thumb happy, here are a couple of plantrelated activities you can enjoy this month.

First, Christmas decorating may have you hanging a wreath on your front door, draping garland, or filling pots with fresh greens for the holidays. Although our outdoor air this time of year can be decidedly moist, if the cold northeast wind blows (or if you use fresh greens indoors), they can quickly dry out.

Periodically wetting your greens with a squirt bottle or hose nozzle is effective in keeping them fresh, but you can also use an anti-transpirant like Bonide Wilt Stop to keep cut greens from losing moisture. Wilt Stop and similar products are made of pine resin, which locks in moisture and prevents a plant’s foliage from releasing moisture.

Simply spray your greens with the product to create a thin, waxy coating and enjoy fresh greens for an extended season without extra work.

Conservation District gearing up for 2019 vote for supervisor LYNDEN ­ — The Whatcom Conservation District is moving through

Secondly, winter is a time when many gardeners turn their energies to caring for indoor plants, whether a seasonal poinsettia, houseplants they keep year-round, or tender plants moved in from outdoors for the winter.

If you have plants that you’ve moved indoors for winter — some of the most common in our area being succulents and dwarf citrus trees — it’s important to check them for insects to prevent population explosions in the relative warmth and comfort of your home.

For problems with aphids, thrips or whiteflies on succulents or other houseplants, move your pots into the garage and spray with an insecticide to kill existing insects, then move plants back inside after the spray has dried. Follow up with Bayer Insect Spikes inserted into the soil of your pots to prevent new infestations for up to eight weeks.

These spikes are safe to use on anything non-edible, and since there’s no spraying involved, they’re the best option for longterm treatment of plants too heavy or inconvenient to easily move outdoors

for spraying.

Another increasingly common plant many people have enjoyed growing in pots around here is citrus, particularly Meyer lemons. At first glance, you might be surprised to see a friend growing a citrus tree on their patio during the summer.

Admittedly, citrus trees aren’t hardy outdoors year-round in the Pacific Northwest, but they make great houseplants for winter, not to mention a great conversation piece!

If you have a citrus tree on your deck or patio for the summer months, it’s important to bring it indoors for the colder winter weather. A light frost won’t hurt citrus, but for any temperatures below 30 degrees F I bring my Meyer lemon indoors.

Be sure when moving any plants indoors that you acclimate them gradually, with a day or two in a garage or cool room before coming into the warmth of your home. Once acclimated, keep citrus in a south- or west-facing window with plenty of direct sunlight. Citrus can tolerate somewhat dry conditions, but water the plant once the soil feels dry to the touch — and continue to feed through winter with citrus fertilizer for increased fruit yields and overall plant health.

This Christmas season, may you be blessed with the joy of celebrating the Savior’s birth!

David Vos is general manager of VanderGiessen Nursery Inc. of Lynden.

U.S. farm milk prices continue to fall.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the November Federal Order Class III benchmark Dec. 5 at $14.44 per hundredweight, down $1.09 from October and $2.44 below November 2017.

It’s the lowest Class III since July 2018, and the lowest November Class III price since the disastrous year of 2009.

November’s Class III price also equates to $1.24 per gallon, down from $1.34 in October and $1.45 a year ago.

A survey of retail prices conducted by Federal Milk Market administrators found conventional whole milk prices for November averaged $3.27 per gallon.

Organic whole milk averaged $4.09 per half-gallon.

When asked about the low prices in the U.S., Jerry Dryer, analyst and editor of the Dairy and Food Market Analyst newsletter, stated on the Dec. 10 Dairy Radio Now broadcast that the U.S. has been playing in a worldwide market the past several years.

Milk output in New Zealand is expected to be up 3-4 percent in the current market year, he said, but it’s expected to be flat or down in Europe and flat or down in the U.S. by some time in the first quarter of 2019.

He admits demand is strong right now in the U.S. because of the holidays, “but not as strong as it could be and production is even stronger.”

The supply of milk will be impacted, according to Dryer, from weather issues in Europe and weather and economic issues in the U.S., so he expects higher milk prices ahead.

“Given some feed quality issues etc., we’re go-

steps sytematically to be prepared for a March 26, 2019, election of a supervisor, one of five for the county.

Theresa Sygitowicz is the incumbent in the position now.

At this point, any qualifying person is allowed to put their name into the running. The deadline to file as a candidate is 4 p.m. Friday, Jan.

11.

Candidates for this seat must be registered voters residing in Whatcom County and may be required to own land or operate a farm.

On Jan. 14 candidates will be announced.

Anyone wishing to vote in the election using a mailin ballot must request it by Feb. 8. Otherwise, voting is in-person at the

Conservation District offices, 6975 Hannegan Rd. Conservation districts operate under state law. Supervisors ensure that programs effectively meet the priority natural resource needs of Whatcom County.

For more information, visit the WCD election page at https:// whatcomcd.org/boardelections.

By David Vos

By Lee Mielke

ing to see that milk production number get trimmed.”

As to the low Class III futures, he said, “The futures aren’t always a good forecaster of the future.” He believes we will see some $17 milk by the end of next year and, if his hunch on milk supply becomes reality, “we could see $20 milk by the end of next year.”

Cash prices headed lower the first week of December. The cheddar blocks closed at $1.35 per pound, 12.5 cents below a year ago. The barrels finished at $1.2225, down 44.75 cents below a year ago.

Midwest contacts tell Dairy Market News that cheese volumes are “plentiful.” On the other hand, “cheese markets remain stagnant, with many contacts pointing to export declines and cheese inventories as market agitators.”

Western contacts report that, with U.S. cheese prices lower than a few months ago, there has been renewed interest from in-

ternational buyers, but some foreign prices have declined as well, creating stiff competition in a few markets.

Cash butter closed at $2.2075 per pound, down 3.5 cents on the week and 1.25 cents below a year ago.

Midwest butter producers say the amount of cream offered has escalated and prices were slightly lower than the previous week but “still above their comfort zone.”

Western orders are seasonally higher, but international demand is slow due to low U.S. prices compared to the rest of the world and a high dollar exchange rate.

Spot Grade A nonfat dry milk finished Friday at 88.5 cents per pound, 20.25 cents above a year ago.

The Northwest Dairy Association makes these price projections for the Class III price and Pacific Northwest blend price: Month Class PNW III Blend Nov. $14.44 $15.30 (current) Dec. $13.80 $14.80 Jan. $14.00 $14.70 Feb. $14.40 $14.70 March $14.80 $15.00 April $15.20 $15.30 May $15.40 $15.60 June $15.70 $15.80 July $15.90 $16.00 Lee Mielke, of Lynden, is editor of the Mielke Market Weekly. Whatcom County has about 100 dairy farms.

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C4 • Wednesday, December 12, 2018 • ferndalerecord.com • lyndentribune.com

Fruit: Grower’s in tough time er said.

He said there is a “huge opportunity” to get raspberries into the U.S. school lunch program.

Being unified to establish red raspberries in good markets, such as schools and governmental institutional programs, will put growers in a better position, Honcoop said.

“We will then be situated a lot better as an industry, taking some of the volatility out of markets,” he said.

Local growers Adam Enfield and Randy Honcoop, with new Washington State University agriculture college dean Andre’-Denis Wright, indicate the big sevenyear payment commitment the Washington Red Raspberry Commission has made. Wright, in his job just since June, spoke to growers about his background and anticipating a plant breeder position in Whatcom County. (Calvin Bratt/Lynden Tribune)

Continued from C1

years.”

Tom Krugman, executive director of the National Processed Raspberry Council, said it laid a good foundation for marketing and health research in its five years of operation.

Krugman and Allison Beadle, who led much of NPRC’s food marketing push, said they hope there can be a “good handoff” with “a ton of momentum” to the Washington group and whoever else continues American raspberry marketing.

Beadle spoke of various consumer education and research studies she has been a part of, all promoting use of frozen raspberries.

On the cost side for growers, the changeover does mean a half-cent reduction in assessments, from one and a half cents per pound produced to just a penny.

Henry Bierlink, executive director, said the seven-member Washington Red Raspberry Commission board will now be leading into the future, needing growers’ support and input.

Those members are: Maberry, in his fifth year as president; Randy Honcoop as vice president, Joan Yoder as treasurer, Jessy Ghuman, Brett Pehl, Brad Rader and Elisa Daun as Washington State Department of Agriculture representative. Clark comes on in place of Glenn Sakuma of Skagit County.

The Whatcom red raspberry industry had another good year of production in 2018, at about 72.4 million pounds, second highest volume ever. The number of growers is down, however, to about 70.

Overall challenges ahead, said Bierlink, are dealing with the NPRC shutdown, depressed markets, keeping up health research and consumer marketing, endowing a new Washington State University plant breeding position for What-

com and Skagit counties, moving raspberries into government food programs, and fighting trade battles.

In continuing comments, Maberry spoke of increased imports from Eastern Europe and Mexico, where raspberry production costs are far below American or production is subsidized by their governments.

It’s necessary to fight for a level playing field and "distinguish ourselves in whatever way we can,” he said.

Honcoop said the stress on the industry now can bring producers together, although they have to think to the long-term, not the immediate future.

Honcoop said he feels it was “shortsighted” to quit NPRC, but “it is what it is, and we have to move forward.”

He said the state commission must now shoulder raspberry promotion in a very significant way, "pick up from where national has left off, as best we can.”

As to plant research, universities are turning to

industries for funding help, or else research positions will simply go away, Honcoop said. Pat Moore, who has headed berry breeding work for Washington State University, will retire in the next few years, necessitating the new endowed position in the Lynden area.

The Washington Red Raspberry Commission has committed to paying $1.5 million by year 2025 to establish this position.

Grower Rader termed the breeding challenge “to breed the Honeycrisp raspberry,” Rader and Maberry were recently on a trip to Washington, D.C., to make contacts and assess opportunities and next steps for the industry. Rader said the anti-dumping approach that has been taken a time or two in the past would be too costly to do now.

The raspberry industry of Washington State needs to keep up pressure and contacts in the other Washington to continue to make headway on solutions, Rad-

Other action • The draft 2019 budget for the Washington Red Raspberry Commission is $941,188, developed on Oct. 31 before the fate of the National Processed Raspberry Council was known. This budget needs to be finalized by the WRRC board in January.

• The family of the late Curt Maberry was named and presented the Raspberry Industry Service Award in its second year.

Brad Rader was the presenter after the award was given in memory of his late father, Lyle Rader, a year ago.

Rader said the honor represents a lifetime and even generations of investment in building up the Washington raspberry industry.

Rader said he remembers Curt Maberry as always being “a happy, hardworking guy” who welcomed the Raders to his farm more than 30 years ago.

“Quality is everything in that family,” he added.

Then family members Annette, Matt, Angie and Mandi came to the platform to receive the award, which they will present to another family or individual next year.

Appel Farms is based at 6605 Northwest Rd., Ferndale.

Appel: Awarded Continued from C1

Ferndale, just a few miles from tribal shellfish harvest beds. However, the Appels feel a responsibility and work hard to keep bacteria from polluting the water.

The Appels work closely with the Whatcom Conservation District and the local Natural Resource Conservation Service field office to not only keep their dairy nutrient management plan current, but fully implemented.

Also, last year Appel Farms partnered with

Conference of potato industry in Kennewick KENNEWICK ­ — The 2019 Washington-Oregon Potato Conference is Jan. 21-24 in the Three Rivers Convention Center and nearby Toyota Center.

Monday is booth move-in day. Tuesday through Thursday bring general sessions on many topics related to potato production in Washington State and Oregon.

Pablos Holman is the

WCD, the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District, NRCS and Diking District #3 to install new culverts and self-regulating fish-friendly floodgates on their property on Clarkson Creek, a tributary to the Nooksack River.

The installation of these improvements protects Appel Farms from flooding and loss of agricultural productivity, while opening up 2.2 miles of fish habitat upstream. This is an example of a project mutually beneficial for both farmers and fish.

keynote speaker at the noon meal Wednesday.

Holman is an inventor, entrepreneur and technology futurist who thinks differently to solve the world’s biggest problems. He is a frequent speaker at conferences on innovation, technology, cybersecurity and more.

For more on the conference and online registration, go to to www.potatoconferenc.com. A phone number is 509-766-7123.

The Washington State Seed Potato Commission is a Silver Sponsor ($2,000$3,000) of the conference.

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Pat Moore is the longtime WSU berry breeder who will retire in the next few years. (Calvin Bratt/Lynden Tribune)

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Before you start: Trimming and pruning trees is a big job, and there are a lot of things to consider before starting that project. It's a good idea to do a quick search online and see if there are special techniques to prune specific trees.

When to prune: Pruning during dormancy is the most common practice among arborists, and it's usually best to wait until the coldest part of the winter to begin this process. It results in vigorous growth in the spring. There are a number of reasons why pruning in the winter is best.

• The wounds heal faster, which keeps the plant strong.

• Pruning a tree helps it maintain its shape and appearance.

• There is less risk of disease or infestation.

• It's easier to see when the leaves are gone.

• Dead or broken branches can fall at any time, creating a safety hazard.

Selecting trimming equipment: It's important to make sure that you have the right tools for the job. Pole saws are great for those higher branches that are hard to reach. Chainsaws are perfect for those larger trimming jobs.