Understanding your Soil: sampling, interpretation, and management

Not sure why your pasture isn’t recovering between rotations, or why your crops are growing slower? You may need a better understanding of your soil. Participants will leave this session with a soil testing kit, and will understand how to sample soil, interpret the results, and what local resources are available to them in their quests for stronger soil. Light dinner will be provided, thanks to our sponsors at Seven Springs Farm Supply!

Space is limited, don't forget to register!

Speakers:

Richard Boylan- Small Farm Management Area Agent, NC Cooperative Extension Agent

Since 2001, Richard Boylan has worked as an Area Extension Agent with growers in the area of the New River Headwaters (primarily Ashe and Watauga Counties) to grow opportunities for diversified and sustainable agriculture. Highlights and successes have included one-on-one work with local farmers to begin organic vegetable production, pastured livestock marketing, low-input fruit production, mushrooms, medicinal-herbs, and other innovative crops and marketing strategies. Richard holds a B.S. in Environmental Science from Antioch College and an M.S. in Environmental Science from the State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

Mikey Woodie- Soil & Water Technician, Watauga County Soil & Water District

Mikey works with farmers and landowners in Watauga County to design, implement, and maintain conservation practices that improve water quality and prevent soil erosion. Mikey holds a B.S. from Appalachian State University and Master of Natural Resources degree from Oregon State University. She has a passion for planning conservation practices that balance the needs of people and the environment, with experience in the conservation of wildlife, the wise use of forest resources, water quality improvement, and soil conservation. As a Conservation Technician, Mikey's goal is to help farmers and landowners address soil erosion and water quality issues in a way that benefits the landowner, their community, future generations, and the ecosystem as a whole.

Cost: FREE for producers currently selling through BRWIA market channels

$10-$35 (sliding scale) donation recommended for all others