Tips, tricks, and a quick peek into the everyday life of the conservation district.
If you visit Adam and Tracy Farnham’s idyllic 4.9-acre property, you’ll find lush pastures, rain gardens, and native plant hedgerows buzzing with life, along with three content horses. But the Farnhams—who recently completed every single action in their farm plan—started their journey in 2008 with something completely different.
Read MoreWhile our winters are beautiful with clean air and occasional sunny skies, an overabundance of darkness, mud, and manure can overwhelm anyone, and horse boredom is a common issue owners have to deal with.
Read MoreMud on freezing mornings can not only be frustrating, it can also be downright dangerous. And not just for you, but also for your horse.
Read MoreManure & Lime Spreader Program Ending for 2017
Sound Horsekeepers, Adam and Tracey
The spreaders are out at the last cooperators' property and will be picked up Friday and put away for the season. We will not be taking reservations until April 2 for next spring, so mark it on your calendars. There will be some changes coming to the program that Michael Hipp, our Resource Planner / Sound Horsekeeping Program Manager, will be working on over the winter, They are changes related to efficiency so that we can better serve you all. He will let you know what those are as they become official.
A big THANK YOU to everyone who participated in the spreader program this year! 2017 was the busiest and most successful yet.
34 Cooperators (aka landowners / farmers / horsekeepers) used the spreaders; some, multiple times.
3,020 miles driven to deliver the spreaders - that's the distance from Seattle to San Salvador, El Salvador!
Only 1 flat tire on the trailer (thanks to Skagit Farmer's Supply for the assist!)
And there is no way to measure the tens of thousands of pounds of manure and lime spread this year, but it is great to know that all those nutrients are out building good soil. Thank you to our cooperators for not only having Michael out to your property to discuss soil health and good pasture management practices, but also for following through and getting your pastures one step healthier for your horses.
Please remember that if you encounter any new resource concerns over the winter Michael is always here to help. Winter in western Washington is always a challenge with horses, so please don't ever hesitate to contact him any time.
Office: (425) 377-7019 | Email: mhipp@snohomishcd.org
Are you new to the Pacific North-Wet or do you find yourself struggling every year with mud? Do you need ideas for how to keep your horse happy and exercised while pastures rest? Please let us know!
Read MoreTania and Bob participate in our Sound Horsekeeping program and were awarded an attractive sign to show visitors that their farm is managed to reduce mud, manage manure, improve pastures, and enhance wildlife habitat. Would you like to be recognized as a Sound Horsekeeper? Learn how at http://snohomishcd.org/sound-horsekeeping-sign-program or call Michael Hipp at 425-377-7019.
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Snohomish Conservation District | 528 91st Ave NE, Lake Stevens, WA 98258 | 425-335-5634
