Released June 17, 2008

PULLMAN, Wash. -- Learn innovative techniques for developing and maintaining a healthy farm at an upcoming Field Day on the WSU Puyallup campus July 21.

WSU Consumer Food Safety Specialist Karen Killinger will examine alternatives to chlorine for dipping chickens after slaughter and processing. A portable chicken slaughter unit will be on display.

A discussion of how to construct and use chicken tractors to pasture poultry will be led by WSU Soil Scientist Andy Bary. Results of chicken breed trials will also be available.

Soil testing techniques and the effects of different compost amendments on soil will also be highlighted. Doug Collins, WSU Small Farms Educator, will explain how the inclusion of pasture in crop rotations affects soil fertility, compaction, and food webs. The rotations are part of WSU Puyallup’s Long-Term Organic Farming Systems Research and Demonstration Site.

Participants will also discover how to produce compost to address food safety concerns from compost application. An aerated compost pile will be on display. WSU Soil Scientist Craig Cogger will discuss how to test compost for stability.

Also, WSU weed scientist Tim Miller will present an overview of organic canola trials.

The Field Day takes place from noon to 3 p.m. on Monday, July 21 at the WSU Puyallup Campus located at 7612 Pioneer Way East. Directional signs to the north side of the farm will be posted. Food and beverages will be provided. The event is free to the public.

The Field Day is open to farmers, community members or anyone interested in learning more about current trends in small acreage farming.

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http://cahnrsnews.wsu.edu/reportertools/news/2008/puyallup-fieldday-2008-06.html

Contacts: Betsy Fradd, 253/445-4654 (office), bfradd@wsu.edu

Andy Bary, 253/445-4588, bary@wsu.edu