Farm Services
Whatcom CD offers a variety of farm planning services in addition to our equipment rentals, and cost-share. All our services are free, confidential, and non-regulatory.
Farm Planning
Whatcom CD offers free, confidential, and non-regulatory farm planning services with certified farm planners.
What is a Farm Plan & why are they helpful?
A farm plan is a document that puts to paper the land use goals for your farm, and how to achieve them while protecting water and other natural resources. Farm plans are developed with Whatcom CD Conservation specialists and you. Farm plans are confidential, and are a required step in becoming eligible for Whatcom CD cost-share. All farm plans require a site-visit with Whatcom CD staff, becase each plan is hyper specific to your property and goals. The planning process takes into consideration the size of your farm, type of soil, slope of land, proximity to water bodies, types of livestock or crops, farm resources (such as machinery, buildings, and finances).
CPAL Farm Plan
A CPAL Farm Plan is a Whatcom County requirement for farming in Critical Areas. Your farm plan created through Whatcom CD can by submitted to Whatcom County, but that is up to your discretion.
Soil Testing for Pastures, Haylands, & Crops
Whatcom CD offers a free soil test to farmers. Soil testing is a great way to find out how last years nutrient application lined up with what the crop needed to grow. A fall soil test can also help the planning process for what to apply next growing season.
Tarps to Cover Manure Piles
Whatcom CD offers a free tarp to farmers generating manure. Covering your manure pile can increase the internal temperature speeding up the break down process of the material, killing parasites and retain your nutrients in the pile instead of the rains transporting them away. If you are interested in a free tarp to cover your manure pile, please contact us: 360-526-2384 or tgearhart@whatcomcd.org.
Sound Horsekeeping
The Sound Horsekeeping program launched in Summer 2018 and recognizes horse owners in Whatcom County who have taken actions to improve pastures, reduce mud, manage manure and provide wildlife habitat on their property. If you're managing your property in a way that protects horse health and the environment , you are likely eligible to earn our Sound Horsekeeping sign. Please review this checklist and give us a call to review your eligibility: 360-526-2381 or ccheever@whatcomcd.org.
