July 2024

Trainings

• Oregon Agricultural Trust | Toolkit for Ag Landowners and Service Providers - An abundance of new resources have been made available by Oregon Agricultural Trust. 
  
  
• Land Transfer Navigators - American Farmland Trust - As part of AFT's effort to assist in transfer of farmland to the next generation of farmers they are facilitating regional meetings for professionals supporting farm and ranch transfers. The PNW Land Transfer Forum will take place July 16 @ 10:00 AM. Sign up here.

Agriculture in the news

• WA’s sweet cherry industry hit by natural disasters, sour market | The Seattle Times - This article is focused on the cherry industry and includes insight on market dynamics facing all of agriculture.
  
  
• USDA, USFWS, State Partners Find Non-Lethal Answers to Grizzly Bear Interactions on Montana Ranches | Natural Resources Conservation Service - Collaborative efforts to change on farm practices are influencing operational realities for ranchers. 
  
  
• Robots, drones and driverless tractors usher in new age of farming | The Seattle Times - Technological advances to precision agriculture are coming in many forms, this article offers a brief summary. 
  
  
• Washington State Department of Agriculture strengthens local food system with grant | KIRO 7 News Seattle - WSDA announced 1.5 million dollars to strengthen the states food systems.
  
  
• The Promise and Possible Pitfalls of American Kelp Farming | Civil Eats - As an emerging and fast-growing market, there is no shortage of questions regarding how the industry will develop. 
  
  
• Can Seaweed Save American Shellfish? | Civil Eats - Amid climate change fueled challenges for the industry, seaweed offers potential relief.

Job Announcements

• Food Alliance | Executive Director
  
  
• NRCS | Realty Specialist - Position closes on July 17 
  
  
• Conservation Easement Program Liaison
  
  
• American Farmland Trust | Multiple Remote Positions
  
  
• State Conservation Commission Job Board - Opportunities across the state and in a variety of roles. 

Funding Opportunities

• SARE Western Farmer and Rancher Grant - Application window closes October 23. 

Events

• Farm Walks| WSU Food Systems Partnership and Tilth Alliance - Upcoming farm walks will be held for the next three months on Vashon Island, in Leavenworth, and Tacoma. 

Subscribe to the Farmland Preservation Monthly Newsletter, brought to you by the Office of Farmland Preservation. 

The Washington State Conservation Commission administers the Office of Farmland Preservation to address the rapid loss of working farm and forest lands in our state. Learn more: www.scc.wa.gov/ofp.