2024 DR Spring AG Journal

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AGRICULTURE NEWS & TRENDS

Ag JOURNAL

Participate in the Kittitas County

Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP) VSP is a non-regulatory, incentive-based approach to protecting critical areas on agricultural lands, while maintaining agricultural viability.

Critical Protection Areas:

• Wetlands • Frequently Flooded Areas • Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas • Geologically Hazardous Areas • Fish and Wildlife habitat conservation areas

How to Get Involved:

• Share Stewardship practices implemented on your land with the VSP Coordinator • Evaluate additional conservation opportunities on your land • Implement stewardship practices that fit your operation

VSP Coordinator: Anna Lael – 509-925-3352 ext. 7, anna.lael@kccd.net Working together, farmers and ranchers can demonstrate that current land stewardship provides both protection and enhancement of critical areas without the need for additional regulatory controls. Contact KCCD for information about available technical and financial assistance (funding) for stewardship practice implementation.

Kittitas County Conservation District Regular Board Meetings 2nd Thursday Every Month (7AM Apr-Oct; 1PM Nov-March)

Board of Supervisors: • Mark Moore • Lynn Brown • Jeff Brunson • Bill Boyum • Matt Eslinger

To Learn More about KCCD and our Programs, Visit Us In-Person or Online www.kccd.net Anna Lael – District Manager 2211 W Dolarway Road Suite 4, Ellensburg, WA 98926 509-925-3352 Ext 7

2 | Ag Journal - Spring 2024

NEW TECHNOLOGY

helping farmers, grape growers in Eastern Washington

By Leslie Kelly Just about everyone is familiar with drones.

But did you know that drones are helping farmers with their chores? Agricultural Drones, or Ag Drones, can provide crop protection by spraying liquid materials or spreading dry materials. “Drones can be very accurate, using less product and causing less drift,” said Bill Kuper, owner of Ag Drones Northwest. “They can fly up and over difficult terrain. They can access areas around fence lines, waterways, ground contours, trees and more than other machines such as fixed wing airplanes or ground rigs can’t get to easily.”

Ag drones can also be used for other applications like mosquito abatement, spreading pollen, or releasing beneficial insects over crops, he said. Crops such as fruit trees, hops or vineyards with hilly terrain are great candidates for drone spraying. And row crops with smaller, irregular-shaped fields that an airplane can’t safely do could also benefit.

Kuper, who has a background in media and as a television cameraman, first discovered drones in 2012 when he bought his first drone and offered aerial work to his media clients. A few years ago, he learned that drones were being used in the world of agriculture. “They are common use in the Midwest, but it’s only been recent that the use of drones in agriculture has hit the West,” he said. “I’m kind of a leadingedge guy. So, I wanted to get in on this.”

Kuper lived in Seattle but during the pandemic he decided to move to his family’s weekend home near Cle Elum. “In the Northwest I was then first to have a bigger drone,” he said. “But before I could offer services to farmers, I had to be certified by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration).” He got that certification and one of his first jobs was for a farmer who needed weed control in an area that was too steep for him to send in employees to spray weeds.

Currently there are four or five other larger drone operators in Eastern Washington, he said.

Most of them are catering to specialty crops, such as grapes or apples. The cost of larger drones (and accessories) ranges from $40,000 to $50,000. The weight of the drone, with battery and a full tank is about 170 pounds with a wing spread of 9 feet in diameter. A drone can spray 40 acres in an hour. Kuper said FAA regulations are important in the industry.

“They are worried, as they should be, about people flying big aerial equipment with poison on board,” he said.

An example of why drone pilots must be well-trained and certified is that a drone, if the pilot is not careful, chemicals can drift over the neighboring property which could be an organic farming operation. “That could cause thousands and thousands of dollars in damage,” Kuper said. “It is also why drone operations must carry insurance. And before the drone can go up, pilots must get the approval of the Washington State Department of Agriculture.”

Drones can be a cost savings to farmers. “We can send the drone up to observe the crop,” he said, “so we can see the exact areas that need weed application. When the drone lands we use AI (artificial intelligence) to map just where the weeds are.” Then a mission is created using specific software that allows the drone to recognize weeds from crops. The drone is sent up again with up to 8 gallons of weed-killing chemicals. “In the past they had to spray the entire field, using a helicopter, or plane,” Kuper said. “And the drone knows exactly where to begin – it remembers the spot where it left off.”

After showing the agricultural drone uses at trade shows, Kuper said the number one question is “How much per acre?” “There’s not just one answer to that question,” he said. “It depends on total acres and gallons of what we’re applying,” he said. “And how many times

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Farming in climate change and adapting to changing weather patterns Climate change presents both challenges and opportunities for farmers. Rising temperatures can lengthen growing seasons, enabling diversification with crops like cover crops and winter wheat. Milder winters ease grazing and reduce heating needs. Additionally, shipping seasons are getting longer and melting Arctic ice is creating new routes for transportation.

However, droughts, floods and heat waves threaten yields, water resources and rangeland stability.

Escalating fuel, fertilizer and chemical costs and heightened pest infestations due to milder winters bring about challenges.

ADAPTATION STRATEGIES These adaptation strategies are crucial to mitigating the risks associated with climate change: • Conservation cropping. Reduced tillage and continuous cropping can minimize fuel use and enhance water infiltration.

• Crop diversification. Adding perennial forage to crop rotations can help reduce disease and pest disruption.

• Water management. Developing a long-term water management plan and preserving and restoring wetlands can help improve water infiltration.

• Efficiency improvements. Incorporating efficient practices across all aspects of farm management makes things runs smoother.

• Weather monitoring. Regularly monitoring weather conditions, crop diseases and pests allows for early intervention.

• Nutrient management. Developing a nutrient management plan prevents excessive nutrient buildup.

• Insurance. Farm insurance products ensure farmers are covered when disaster strikes.

By embracing climate-smart strategies, farmers can build resilience, navigate risks and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Adapting isn’t just about survival. It’s about thriving in a changing world.

Minimizing food waste on farms Food waste plagues the entire food chain, and curbing food waste begins on the farms where the food is grown. Here are some ways farm operations minimize waste to maximize profits.

PLAN CROPS FOR SUCCESS Growing crops that align with local demand and climatic conditions is the first step in minimizing food waste. Farmers must evaluate market opportunities and plan their crops strategically. This ensures a ready market and reduces the likelihood of unsold produce going to waste.

HARVESTING TO CUT WASTE When it’s time to harvest, farmers can’t rely solely on machines. To cut waste, they can perform secondary passes or hand harvest to collect crops missed during machine operations. Being hands-on during harvest can significantly boost yield and minimize waste.

CLEAN, STORE, AND SELL QUICKLY Investing in produce cleaning equipment and suitable storage facilities can keep crops fresher for longer. Moreover, securing a buyer soon after harvest reduces storage time and maintains the quality of the produce. Quick sales translate to less waste and more profits.

RECYCLE AND COMPOST Farmers can dispose of food waste responsibly by exploring recycling options.

Composting is an eco-friendly way to recycle organic waste and naturally en­riches the soil.

Collaborating with local recycling programs or donating edible, unsold produce to support the community is also step in the right direction.

Incorporating these practical tips into farming routines contributes to sustainability and ensures the farmer’s hard work in the fields translates into a bountiful harvest with minimal waste.

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General Manager - Donna Etchey Editor - Brian Kelly Writer - Leslie Kelly Advertising - Amanda Bequette Front Office/Circulation - Sabrina Nutt 4 | Ag Journal - Spring 2024

The future of ranching is in the air: the role of drones Healthy soil: the silent hero of the food system Forget dusty trails and lone cowboys. Ranching is soaring into the future with a new sheriff in town: the drone. These high-tech aerial assistants are revolutionizing how ranchers manage their land and livestock. Here’s how: LIVESTOCK MONITORING Imagine scanning vast pastures in minutes, spotting limping cows or stressed-out sheep. High-resolution cameras on drones let ranchers keep a watchful eye on animal health and well-being. Early detection means faster care, happier herds and healthier profits.

efficient than using dogs and puts less stress on the animals.

IDENTIFYING THREATS Drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras see predators like wolves or trespassers coming from a mile away. This early warning system lets ranchers better protect their livestock and assets.

As drone technology evolves, ranchers can expect even more innovations, from fence repair to water monitoring — all done from the comfort of the ground.

LAND MANAGEMENT Drones aren’t just fancy cameras. They’re datagathering machines, mapping pastures, pinpointing overgrazing and spotting soil erosion before it’s too late. This intel helps ranchers optimize grazing patterns, use land sustainably and boost their bottom line.

Healthy soil isn’t just dirt — it’s a living, breathing ecosystem teeming with life. This ecosystem is the cornerstone of sustainable agriculture, nourishing the planet and feeding the world. Here are some reasons why investing in soil health is so important: 1. Boost productivity.

Healthy soil is chock-full of beneficial microbes, fungi and other tiny organisms that act like nature’s fertilizer. These microoganisms decompose organic matter, releasing essential nutrients for plants to absorb. This translates to higher yields, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.

HERD MANAGEMENT Drones can locate stray and lost cows quickly, saving ranchers hours of search­ing. Plus, ranchers can use drones to herd cattle, which research shows is more

Aerial Application Services for Central Washington Growers Spraying • Spreading • Weed Control

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2. Build resilience. Like a sponge, healthy soil readily absorbs and retains water, acting as a buffer against droughts and floods. This improves crop resilience in the face of increasingly erratic weather patterns due to climate change. Moreover, the diverse microbial community acts as a natural protector against pests and diseases, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and promoting a more balanced ecosystem.

3. Fight climate change.

Healthy soil acts as a carbon sink, capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide, a potent greenhouse gas.

Farming practices like cover cropping and applying compost sequester carbon and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Prioritizing soil health is an investment in the future of agriculture and food security. By nurturing the soil, famers nourish future generations with healthy food produced in harmony with the environment.

SCAN TO LEARN MORE

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WINE is the up-and-

coming agricultural crop in the Kittitas County area

Some Wineries in Kittitas County and surrounding area • Gard Vintners Ellensburg Wine Tasting, Craft Beer & Food, Ellensburg

• Malaga Springs Winery, Malaga

• Errant Cellars, Quincy

• VanArnam Vineyards, Zillah

• LaPierre Farms & Winery, Zillah

• Fortuity Cellars (Ellensburg Wine+Art)

• Beaumont Cellars Winery, Quincy

• White Heron Cellars, Mariposa

• Ellensburg Canyon Winery, Ellensburg

• Camas Cove Cellars, Moses Lake

• RM Wineries, Quincy

• Swiftwater Cellars, Cle Elum

• Masset Winery, Wapato

• Velen Winery, Zillah

• Valo, Bingen

• Wahluke Wine Co., Quincy

• Upsidedown Wine, Cle Elum

• Ginkgo Forest Winery, Mattawa

• Jones of Washington Quincy Tasting Room

• Cave B Estate Winery, Quincy, WA

By Leslie Kelly When you think of agricultural crops in Eastern Washington, apples are what comes to mind. But there’s a growing number of vineyards that are working hard to grow the very best grapes.

“To have good wine, you have to grow good grapes,” said Lauren LaPierre, of LaPierre Farms & Wine. The LaPierre family has been organically farming since the 1980s outside Zillah, Washington. In 2017, they added an organic vineyard.

Jason Reibel, owner of Ellensburg Canyon Winery near Ellensburg, has been in the grape-growing business for about three years. He and his wife, Laura, wanted to move to Eastern Washington and when their realtor told them about a vineyard that was for sale, they said they wanted to give it a try.

“I was thinking of trying to make wine anyway,” Jason said. “This just fell in my lap.”

Vineyard owners say it’s much like being a farmer. The weather, bugs and weeds all can play a part in whether it is a good growing year.

LaPierre Farms has 300 acres for farming fruits including 24 acres for the vineyard.

The Ellensburg Canyon Winery spans five acres.

“People don’t know how much work goes into a vineyard,” Reibel said. “Sure, there is down time. But when it’s up time, it’s really up time.”

Reibel said one of the reasons he got into the vineyard is his desire to teach people about wine.

“It’s common to think that wine is for the very sophisticated,” he said. “But anyone can discover and enjoy wine.”

For LaPierre, her father began learning and operating an organic fruit tree farm in the 1980s. She grew up on the farm, harvesting from fruit trees. Her family had the chance in 2017 to buy the land next-door to the farm and decided to try an organic vineyard.

Washington state is currently the second largest producer of wine in the country, according to the Washington Wine Growers Association. With 400-plus grape growers, 1,100 wineries, and 60,000 acres of wine grapes, the state produces more than eight varieties of wine each year.

The total economic impact of the wine industry in Washington State is close to $9.51 billion (in 2023) and is increasing each year, the association said.

Washington’s wine industry directly employs as many as 33,015 people and generates an additional 13,536 jobs in supplier and ancillary industries which supply

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goods and services to the industry, and whose sales depend on the wine industry’s economic activity.

Ultimately, 61,372 jobs are created and supported by the wine industry.

Washington state’s wine industry is a major magnet for tourists and tourism-driven expenses.

Washington’s “wine country” regions generate 3.11 million tourist visits and $1.05 billion in annual tourism expenditures, benefiting local economies and tax bases.

The Washington wine industry generates sizeable tax revenues on the local, state and national levels. In 2022, the industry will pay nearly $277.48 million in state and local taxes, and $493.65 million in federal taxes for a total of $771.13 million. In addition, the industry generates approximately $23.54 million federal consumption taxes and $201.81 million in state consumption taxes which include excise and sales taxes.

As on other farms, the weather can make or break a year’s harvest.

“We’ve been in the frost control game for a long time,” said LaPierre, referring to the family’s organic tree farm. “But it’s the luck of the draw. You do all you can but there’s always the element of chance.”

Reibel knows winters can do harm.

“If it gets too cold it will kill the vines,” he said.

“A lot of reds die here in the Ellensburg area because it just too cold.”

He also said the frost in spring and fall can kill the buds and a vineyard can lose a lot of produce.

Drought is another issue, but Reibel said vines have become more tolerant to drought, and irrigation helps.

The business of growing grapes for wine production is competitive, wine growers said.

“There’s a comradery among the growers,” said LaPierre. “New vineyards get going all the time. But it’s a tough business and some don’t make it. There has been an oversupply in Washington for some time.”

At LaPierre Farms, they only sell their wines on-site in the tasting room to draw customers.

Reibel agreed on the community spirit.

“There is a sense of community among growers,” he said. “We are keeping our vineyard small enough that when visitors come, they meet either the winemaker, the seller or the grower.

“Wine people are passionate about wine,” Reibel added. “They are so thrilled to meet the people who had a hand in the creation. And among wine growers, they know everyone can win. All of us

would like to see Washington growers to succeed.”

Harvest is the busiest time, growers say.

“During harvest, we have 30 to 35 employees working picking grapes,” LaPierre said. “Picking grapes by hand allows us to pick when the grapes are their sweetest. We know where all the sweet spots are in the vineyard.”

It’s the amount of sun that the grapes get that determines their sweetness, she added. That’s why vineyards near the Ellensburg grow white grapes for Rieslings and other white wines. They often buy red grapes from other vineyards in the state to produce their reds. And areas of the state that are sunnier like Zilla, where LaPierre Farms are, grow red grapes for wines like Merlot, Cabernets and Pinot Noir.

Both Ellensburg Canyon Winery and LaPierre Farms have tasting rooms.

“Being right here in the Yakima Canyon, we have some wonderful views,” Riedel said.

“People are surprised at the views. You can see the entire farm when sitting outside the tasting room.

Our customers say it’s so peaceful.”

LaPierre said at their farms, customers enjoy knowing and learning about their organic methods.

“For us, organic farming has shown us how much better the product can be,” she said. “We like sharing that with others. We like to incorporate the farm, too, and so we offer dried fruit from our farm when sampling our wines.”

WASHINGTON WINE FACTS

• Number of licensed wineries: 1,050-plus • National rank as wine producer in the United States: 2nd • Wine grape acreage: 60,000+ acres • Number of wine grape growers: 400 • Varieties produced: 80-plus • Total annual in-state economic impact: $8 plus billion • Growing season diurnal shift: 30-40°F • Annual wine production: 17 plus million cases • Record harvest, 2016: 272,000 tons • Most recent harvest, 2022: 240,000 tons To contact LaPierre Farms, call 509 -728-1179.

Email lauren@lapierrefarms.com.

Their website is lapierrefarmsandwinery.com.

To contact Ellensburg Canyon Winery, call 509-824-6336.

Email info@ellensburgcanyonwinery.com.

Website is ellensburgcanyonwinery.com.

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AGRONOMY, PROPANE, AND FARM SUPPLY 7 | Ag Journal - Spring 2024

PEST ALERT:

the tomato hornworm The tomato hornworm is a formidable yet fascinating pest, capable of causing substantial damage to crops like tomatoes, peppers, eggplants and potatoes. Understanding this caterpillar is crucial for farmers seeking to safeguard their yields. Here’s what you need to know.

IDENTIFICATION AND APPEARANCE The tomato hornworm is identified by its distinctive horns and large size. It can grow up to 13 centimetres long. These caterpillars blend in well with foliage, making early detection challenging. They’re pale green with black and white markings and eight V-shaped stripes on their bodies.

FEEDING HABITS AND CROP DAMAGE Tomato hornworms are voracious feeders, capable of consuming large sections of plants in a short period.

Their preference for popular crops like tomatoes increases the risk of substantial economic loss. It’s important to quickly spot feeding damage to deal with pests effectively.

PARASITOID WASPS: NATURAL PREDATORS Tomato hornworms have natural enemies. Parasitoid wasps lay eggs on the hornworm, and as they hatch, the wasp larvae feed on the caterpillar, ultimately killing it. Encouraging the presence of these beneficial wasps can be a sustainable method of controlling tomato hornworm populations.

Farmers must also adopt integrated pest management (IPM) to address tomato hornworm infestations. By incorporating natural predators, rotating crops and judiciously using insecticides, farmers can mitigate the impact of tomato hornworms while minimizing environmental harm.

The top agricultural commodity trends of 2024 The agricultural landscape of 2024 is buzzing with exciting trends, reflecting evolving consumer preferences and environmental concerns. Here are the top commodity trends shaping the ag industry this year: 1. Plant-based meat alternatives. Veggie burgers, sausages and ground meat alternatives are no longer niche products but main­stream contenders vying for space in the kitchen. Consumers are drawn to the health benefits, environmental advantages and delicious flavours of these meatless marvels.

2. Nut butters. Nut butters spread their deliciousness far beyond the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Almonds, cashews, macadamia nuts and even sunflower seeds are gracing grocery shelves, offering consumers a wider range of textures, flavours and nutritional profiles. These creamy spreads are finding their way into smoothies, dips, baking and sauces, making them a versatile pantry staple.

3. Sustainable packaging. Consumers are increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of their food

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choices, including packaging. Plastic wraps and nonbiodegradable containers are giving way to sustainable alternatives like compostable films, plant-based packaging and reusable glass jars. This push for ecofriendly options extends beyond the grocery store, with restaurants and food processors exploring innovative ways to minimize packaging waste.

These trends reflect a shift towards health-conscious, planet-friendly choices. As consumers’ needs change, so must the agricultural sector to offer diverse, sustainable and delicious options for all.

AGROFORESTRY: a growing trend in sustainable farming

Agroforestry, the practice of combining trees and shrubs with traditional crops and livestock, has emerged as an effective sustainable farming strategy. Here’s how this innovative approach boosts agricultural productivity and promotes environmental conservation.

ENHANCE BIODIVERSITY The diverse vegetation in agroforestry systems provides a habitat for various plants, animals and microorganisms, creating a balanced ecosystem. This biodiversity helps control pests and diseases naturally, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and promoting healthier soils.

IMPROVE SOIL HEALTH Trees and shrubs improve soil health and fertility by contributing organic matter through their leaves, branches and root systems. This organic matter improves soil structure, water retention and nutrient cycling, increasing crop yields and reducing erosion.

REGULATE WATER The presence of trees helps regulate water cycles by reducing runoff and enhancing water infiltration. This mitigates the risk of floods and droughts and improves water quality. Trees also play a crucial role in preventing soil erosion, maintaining the landscape’s integrity and protecting nearby bodies of water.

HOLD CARBON Trees absorb and store carbon dioxide, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping offset the impact of agricultural activities. As global concerns about climate change intensify, the role of agroforestry in sequestering carbon becomes increasingly significant.

As you can see, farmers can reap multiple benefits by integrating trees and shrubs into traditional agricultural practices.

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Humidity can wreak havoc on food storage areas. Air that is too dry or too damp for fresh foods can lead to mold growth.

FOOD

STORAGE On-site storage is essential for farms to keep food safe and fresh after it’s harvested but before it’s taken away to be processed or sold.

Unfortunately, these facilities and materials can be quite expensive.

The Farm Service Agency, through the United States Department of Agriculture, offers Farm Storage Facility Loans to help farmers finance building, upgrading or purchasing materials for on-farm or mobile storage. Eligible resources include: • Packing sheds; • Walk-in coolers; • Food safety equipment; • Graders, sorters, conveyers; • Washers and drying tunnels; and • Storage and handling trucks.

In the past few years, the food storage loan has been expanded by the FSA to include meats, dairy, eggs, honey and maple syrup and even

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aquaculture.

To see a complete list of eligible products, visit http://bit.ly/NSAC-FSFL. The expansion of this FSA loan serves a more complete range of farming operations. Any farmer with adequate credit and proof of crop insurance, who can demonstrate his ability to pay back the loan is encouraged to apply.

MAINTAINING QUALITY It is extremely important to maintain quality standards with on-farm food storage. This requires constant and consistent checks of equipment related to food storage and the atmosphere around all food storage areas.

Humidity can wreak havoc on food storage 10 | Ag Journal - Spring 2024

areas. Air that is too dry or too damp for fresh foods can lead to mold growth. Mold can wreck havoc on food and storage materials, so it is imperative to eradicate it if any appears in your facilities.

Air that is too damp can cause machinery to rust, which will weaken the metal and could cause it to malfunction. Because of this, airflow is an important factor to keep in mind.

Air flow is affected by the types of containers food is packed in, as well as how these containers are packed together. Speak with a local farming consultant or check in with the FSA for tips on how to avoid these potentially damaging issues.

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AGRICULTURE GETS

MOBILE

Farming with digital applications can both elevate success and alleviate stress for farmers. Just like any other industry, farming is complex and technology is forever evolving to help those in the field do their jobs better.

With the number of farming applications currently available, it can be hard to tell them apart, or get familiar with each app’s unique features. The good news is, with a little basic information, you’ll be downloading your new favorite farming app in no time. This is where we have you covered.

Here are just a few of the many farming apps available, and a brief overview of what makes each one great. Remember to find out if there are versions available from your phone’s app store. Also take into consideration whether each is paid or free.

This may help you make your decision about which apps to integrate into your work flow.

EFARMER APP EFarmer is a free record-keeping system in your phone. It will allow you to easily capture and document all field activities through electronic maps.

You can record the history of cropping, field investigation, crop planning, field tasks and so much more. The best part is that you can make notes directly on the map.

AGRISYNC APP When a problem strikes, time is always of the essence. AgriSync — a mobile-based program that connects you to service advisors — is there to help. Whether the issue is machine related or agricultural, farmers can communicate in real time with an expert advisor; because advisors can see what farmers are seeing through live video, issues can be resolved quickly.

AGVAULT APP AgVault is a photo application designed to keep track of the “where,”“when” and “why” behind every photo.

A new addition to the app offers autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) route planning. The UAV launches from the app, flies the predetermined route and comes home once the flight plan is complete — all the while taking high-quality imagery that can be useful to farmers’ decision-making processes.

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SUNFLOWERS:

a versatile native crop Sunflowers have long been admired for their radiant beauty. However, beyond their esthetic appeal, these native plants play a crucial role in agriculture and biodiversity. Originating in North America, sunflowers have become a global crop, valued for their versatility and numerous applications.

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THEY FEED THE WORLD In agriculture, sunflowers are prized for their oil-rich seeds, a nutritious snack and a source of high-quality cooking oil. The oil extracted from sunflower seeds is low in saturated fats and rich in polyunsaturated fats, making it a heart-healthy option.

Additionally, sunflower meal, a byproduct of oil extraction, is a valuable protein-rich livestock feed.

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THEY PROMOTE HEALTHY ECOSYSTEMS Sunflowers also support biodiversity. Their large, vibrant blooms attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, promoting healthy ecosystems. Additionally, their abundant seeds serve as a food source for birds and small mammals.

Whether gracing landscapes with their golden hues or contributing to agricultural and environmental sustainability, sunflowers are a crucial native crop.

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Sunflowers contribute to sustainable farming practices as they can extract toxins and heavy metals from the soil, a process known as phytoremediation. This makes them effective in soil cleanup and restoration. Sunflowers cleaned the soil after the Chornobyl disaster in Ukraine and Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.

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NEW,

at-risk farmers According to the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, there are nearly six times as many farmers over 65 than under 35. It is more important than ever to invest and support the next generation of farmers.

While any farmer has many challenges to face — including the rising cost of farm land, availability of training or technical assistance, and financing — farmers just starting out and socially disadvantaged farmers face these same challenges, but most often experience them to a greater extent.

Socially disadvantaged farmers include farmers of color, military veterans and women.

These groups historically have not participated in many federal programs due to inadequate outreach, lack of help and even discrimination, according to the FSA. Below is a brief overview of key federal programs focused on serving the underserved.

MICROLOANS The FSA’s microloan program is specifically designed for young, small or socially disadvantaged farmers by offering a simplified loan process for their (typically) smaller credit needs. Since the program’s introduction in 2013, the FSA has funded more than 20,000 farmers

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across the nation with more than $470 million.

WHOLE FARM REVENUE PROTECTION Whole Farm Revenue Protection is an insurance policy designed to protect a farmer’s entire farm (including livestock) — not just one crop. It is specifically designed for diversified farms that might not have access to crop insurance for each crop they grow.

RISK MANAGEMENT EDUCATION PROGRAM This program provides funding through four regional centers and one digital center to help farmers learn how to minimize risk on their farms. By minimizing risk, farmers can increase both the financial stability and future sustainability of their farms.

DOWN PAYMENT LOAN PROGRAM This is a joint-financing loan program between the 16 | Ag Journal - Spring 2024

FSA and a commercial lender to enable the purchase of farm land. Only beginning or socially disadvantaged farmers are eligible for this program.

LAND CONTRACT GUARANTEE PROGRAM This program helps retiring farmers sell their farms to farmers who are just starting out by providing a federal guarantee in case buyers run into trouble making payments.

INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNTS This program is designed to help beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers finance their needs through agribusiness training, as well as matched savings accounts. In the matched savings account, the federal government (through local partners) will match any amount deposited by the farmer by 100 percent.

For full details on any of these programs, visit www. fsa.usda.gov.

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REAL SKILLS. REAL WORLD. REAL SUCCESS. t DRONE FROM PAGE 3

we go up in order to complete the work.” A drone is in the making that can carry more weight, increasing from 170 pounds to 200 pounds, Kuper said. “We’re talking fewer reloads per day,” he said. “That is a cost savings and saves time, too.” Kuper said the farmers and growers he meets at trade shows say they had no idea that drones could be used for crop control. “Drones can solve some perplexing problems,” he said. “And they are not as expensive as the typical ag equipment.”

Kuper said drones are also being used for

things like bridge inspections, looking at power lines and other infrastructure. He said another use is window washing of skyscrapers.

“Drones can spray horizontally,” he said. “And that eliminates sending a person up high to wash the windows. “And the Washington State Department of Transportation is testing using drones as a way to remove graffiti along the highways.”

To contact Kuper, call 888-696-4581 or email info@agdronesnorthwest.com. The website is agdronesnorthwest.com.

Perry Technical Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, ancestry, sex, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Title IX Coordinator | Perry Technical Institute | 2011 W. Washington Ave. | Yakima, WA 98903 | 509.453.0374 or 888.528.8586 | titleix@perrytech.edu

17 | Ag Journal - Spring 2024

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to the Best of 2023 Kittitas winners THANK YOU!

AS VOTED BY THE READERS OF THE DAILY RECORD

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VIEW OUR AUCTION CALENDAR AT YARBRO.COM 19 | Ag Journal - Spring 2024

20 | Ag Journal - Spring 2024