Learn about hobby farming at an expo on February 24

By Stefanie Donahue

Learn about growing your own food or owning a small farm business at an expo this weekend.

Whatcom Conservation District and Whatcom County Public Works are partnering to host a free exhibition for small hobby farmers from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 24 at the Northwest Washington Fair and Event Center, located at 1775 Front Street in Lynden. The expo will feature hands-on exhibitions, a lineup of products and services and seminars led by experts in the field.

More than 35 organizations representing tractor suppliers, agronomists, veterinarians, butchers, master composters, solar providers, financial resources for farmers and more have committed to attending this year, according to a press release. Seminars will be led by local veterinarians, financial advisors and horticulturalists throughout the day.

From noon to 1 p.m., author and professor of geomorphology at the University of Washington Dr. David Montgomery will lead a keynote address. Known for his books, “Growing a Revolution: Bringing our Soil Back to Life,” “The Hidden Half of Nature: The Microbial Roots of Life and Health” and “Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations,” Montgomery will discuss how agriculture can abate environmental problems.

The event was created to bring exhibitors, farmers and visitors together and allow them to discover new resources for crop productivity, animal health and more, according to the press release.

Guests will have the chance to purchase food and refreshments from Good to Go Meat Pies. Free tarps and soil tests will also be available to qualified farmers, while supplies last. To learn more, search “Small Farm Expo” on Facebook or visit whatcomcd.org/small-farm-expo. Questions can also be directed to Whatcom Conservation District education specialist Aneka Sweeney at 360/526-2381, extension 103.