Ag Programming Grows

By Mary Ridout

Summer is here! And so is a new program at University of Idaho Extension Washington County! Starting this year, we will be rolling out a new agricultural program called Four Rivers GROWERS. This is a course designed to offer something for everyone, from gardeners, to row croppers, to small landholders, to livestock producers. The objective of the course is to grow local knowledge of and interest in plant production from gardening to the back pasture, increase agricultural and food systems awareness, and encourage community-based partnerships for gardening and agriculture. We will explore plant production from seed to table and back again, learn about soil, water management, pests and pathogens, weed control, and every type of crop that can be grown for use or beauty. And we do it hands-on, in local communities—for a gardening adventure like no other.

Sessions are offered one day each month over the course of 22 months. Each four-hour session provides hands-on experience-building fun. We get to try new things, test theories, and see real techniques in action! Participants have the opportunity, not only to learn new skills, but also to share their plant production expertise with others. You can work through classes at your own pace. Miss one? No problem! It will come around again!

Wondering about Master Gardener certification? Plan on attending all of the first year’s class sessions to get your MG volunteer certification. Hold out for the entire series to get your GROWERS certificate. If that isn’t enough to interest you, classes for plant disease, insect management and weed science will offer pesticide re certification credits!  Several informational events will be held in August, so stay tuned!

This is an excerpt from the University of Idaho Extension Washington County Summer 2020 Newsletter.  If you are interesting in receiving our newsletter or learning more about Extension Programming in our community, please call us at 208-414-0415