No-till Drill for Rent!
Kitsap Conservation Tillage equipment purchase
benefits Kitsap Farmers

(Bremerton) - Kitsap County farmers will soon be equipped with new technology and education to assist them in adopting energy saving and environmentally friendly farming techniques. Kitsap County, using American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding from the US Department of Energy, has purchased a no-till seed drill and is establishing a community rental system for the equipment. In addition to renting equipment, interested farmers can receive education and training about no-till techniques, nutrient management planning and soil testing.

“We are delighted to offer this program to members of the Kitsap County food system,” says Charlotte Garrido, Kitsap County Commissioner. “Using no-till methods increases efficiency and profitability for farmers. They use less fuel and it is better for the soil than conventional methods.”

According to Diane Fish, Small Farms Educator with WSU Kitsap Extension, “The tractor makes fewer passes across the field with no-till methods saving energy. Using regular plow and plant techniques, fields with exposed soil lose precious soil very quickly during rain events, and soil is irreplaceable. No-till crop production also reduces runoff by increasing water infiltration. Tilled soil compacts very easily, while no-till fields increase in organic matter and earthworm activity, which reduces runoff and increases crop yields. It is a win for farmers and a win for the environment.” Mini-grants for this program are available for qualifying farmers.

The Kitsap Conservation Tillage Program is funded by Kitsap County and the WSU Kitsap Extension Small Farms Program has been contracted to administer the program. For information on the no-till rental program, soil testing or energy efficiency educational opportunities for small farms, please contact Diane Fish of the WSU Kitsap Extension Small Farms Team at 360.337.7026 or dfish@wsu.edu.

Additional Information:

About the WSU Kitsap Extension Small Farms Team:
The Small Farms Team provides educational programs and research-based information for farmers, consumers, decision-makers, and others involved in local food systems. Learn more at: http://kitsap.wsu.edu/ag/. WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local WSU Extension office.

About Kitsap County’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant:
Kitsap County was awarded $2.229 million in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) funds from the U.S. Department of Energy in December 2009. EECBG program funding was appropriated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. The Kitsap Food Chain Program is one of seven activities supported by the county’s EECBG funding. Learn more at http://www.kitsapgreen.org.